Global reach: Gain easy access to lucrative local and regional markets
Export sales are becoming increasingly important to the major publishing houses. Not only are translations more valuable as a source of revenue, export subsidiary rights also allow publishers to sell the multilingual versions of books in foreign nations. The Arab world, and Gulf Countries in particular, represent a massive opportunity for growth and profit.
The region's population of 370 million is very young, with 50% being under 24 years old. These young minds are highly literate (85% literacy), digitally connected and tech-savvy (internet penetration is projected at 55% in 2018).
The book market in the United Arab Emirates is $233 million and is projected to triple by 2030
As a whole, the Arab World's book market is valued at $1 billion.
Logistical advantage
The United Arab Emirates is the top logistics hub in both the Arabian Gulf and MENA region as a whole.
Sharjah has access to strategic waterways and modern air, land, and sea transportation infrastructure.
It is connected to the outside world via Sharjah International Airport, Port Khalid, Port Khorfakkan, and Port Hamriyah Free Zone. This is an enormous logistical advantage for your business.
Take a look at how long it takes to reach the following countries by air and sea.
The Arab Book Market
The Arab World has a population of 370 million: young, highly literate, and digitally connected.
Its book market is estimated to be $1 billion, according to statements by His Excellency Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, and it is projected to triple in size by 2030.
However, it is a fact that political and civil conflict in recent years have caused some historically strong book markets in the region to decline or close completely. This being the case, the Gulf nations represent the region's best hope and most lucrative markets for books.
Sharjah Publishing City’s Commitment towards the Publishing Industry
The publishing industry shapes the foundation of all the cultural industries. Similarly, in the United Arab Emirates, the industry has sculpted the cultural scenario, and has had a rich history over a half a century.
We, Sharjah Publishing City, take pride in our publishing and printing culture, as it has substantiated a profound impact on the history of the United Arab Emirates. Just as all other industries, publishing industry is also facing various challenges; In order to overcome these industry challenges and to retain the richness of the industry, Sharjah Publishing City has been envisioned and initiated by the Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi.
The Free Zone stimulates an effective and creative system for doing business in the industry, one that merges redundant business, explores the possibility of new business models, and develops core business areas to serve as the basic structure for marketing the publishing business and fostering its organic evolution.