Top 35 Book Publishing Companies in Saudi Arabia — Updated 2025

Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene has changed fast since Vision 2030 put arts, culture, and publishing on the national map. The Kingdom now supports a mix of legacy media groups, specialist religious and academic publishers, strong retail-publishing hybrids, and a growing group of hybrid/self-publishing services.

1. Ghostwriter Inside

Overview: Full-service ghostwriting and hybrid-publishing firm that handles manuscript development, ghostwriting, editing, design, and optional distribution/marketing.
Key Advantage: True end-to-end support — you can hand over an idea and receive a market-ready book.
Strengths: Experienced ghostwriters across genres, editing and marketing packages, and author project management.
Specialty: Memoirs, business/leadership books, professional non-fiction.
Submission / Author tip: Request a sample chapter or outline and a detailed services/fee breakdown; confirm who retains rights and how royalties (if any) are calculated.

2. Saudi Research & Media Group

Overview: The Kingdom’s largest integrated media and publishing conglomerate, owner of major newspapers and magazines across the Arab world.
Key Advantage: Unrivalled cross-platform promotion opportunities across print, online, and broadcast properties.
Strengths: Editorial depth, professional publicity resources, and regional distribution networks.
Specialty: High-profile non-fiction, journalism-linked books, biographies.
Submission / Author tip: SRMG often commissions books tied to media projects; approach via editorial contacts with a strong media tie-in or public profile.

3. King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an (Medina)

Overview: National printing complex that produces Qur’ans, translations, and religious scholarship on a very large scale; known worldwide for Qur’anic editions.
Key Advantage: Institutional credibility and world-class religious production and translation capacity.
Strengths: Massive printing output, multilingual translations, scholarly apparatus for religious texts.
Specialty: Qur’an editions, Tafsir/Islamic studies, religious educational materials.
Submission / Author tip: Works are typically commissioned or produced through institutional partnerships; contact their editorial/academic departments for scholarly proposals.

4. Jarir Publications / Jarir Bookstore (Publishing arm)

Overview: Retail powerhouse with an in-house publishing/distribution arm — strong shelf presence across GCC Jarir outlets and online.
Key Advantage: Immediate retail visibility and access to Jarir’s nationwide store network.
Strengths: Marketing muscle, school and corporate sales channels, retail data for spotting trends.
Specialty: Educational titles, practical non-fiction, children’s, and school resources.
Submission / Author tip: Tailor proposals to clear market demand (school adoption, test prep, parenting, business) and show how the book will sell in retail.

5. Publisher.sa (local self-publishing & services)

Overview: Saudi self-publishing and author services platform offering ghostwriting, editing, printing, e-book distribution, and marketing packages for Arabic and English authors.
Key Advantage: Fast, localised author services tuned to Saudi market specifics (Arabic typesetting, local distribution).
Strengths: Turnkey packages, regional experience, bilingual support for Arabic/English titles.
Specialty: Indie fiction, children’s books, practical self-help, and business guides.
Submission / Author tip: Compare package inclusions carefully (ISBN, distribution, print runs) and ask for references from recent authors.

6. Motivate Media Group

Overview: Regional media and content group that converts magazine brands and lifestyle franchises into books and special publications.
Key Advantage: Great for branded content and lifestyle titles with event tie-ins.
Strengths: Editorial polish, event, and PR integration.
Specialty: Travel, hospitality, lifestyle, and corporate brand books.
Submission / Author tip: Pitch projects that can cross-promote with magazines or events; brand or corporate sponsorships help.

7. Large Local Printers & Publishing Service Houses (e.g., Printhub / Marina Inc.)

Overview: Commercial printers and trade-publishers providing design, offset, and digital printing, fulfillment, and binding services for publishers and institutions.
Key Advantage: High-quality physical production, short-run and bulk printing options.
Strengths: Technical production skills, quick sample proofs, and competitive pricing for high volumes.
Specialty: Coffee-table books, institutional reports, textbooks.
Submission / Author tip: Request paper and binding samples before committing; confirm print turnaround, minimum order, and shipping logistics.

8. Dar Al-Qalam (cultural & religious imprint)

Overview: Cultural/religious press that publishes Islamic scholarship, calligraphy, and art-focused books tied to Saudi heritage projects.
Key Advantage: Artistic and scholarly credibility for culture and faith projects.
Strengths: Specialist editors, partnerships with cultural institutions.
Specialty: Calligraphy, Islamic art, and cultural heritage volumes.
Submission / Author tip: Proposals that include visual material (high-res photography, permissions) perform better.

9. Al-Faisal Cultural House / King Faisal Center publications

Overview: Research and publishing arm associated with cultural foundations, producing scholarly monographs and exhibition catalogues.
Key Advantage: Academic prestige and access to research archives.
Strengths: Peer-reviewed quality, cultural partnerships, and grants for research publishing.
Specialty: History, cultural studies, Arabic scholarship.
Submission / Author tip: Emphasize original research, archival sources, and institutional affiliations in proposals.

10. Dar Al-Manhal (children’s & educational publishers)

Overview: Specialist in illustrated children’s books, bilingual storybooks, and curriculum-linked educational materials for Gulf schools.
Key Advantage: Deep knowledge of the children’s market and curriculum needs.
Strengths: Strong art direction, bilingual production, and teacher resources.
Specialty: Picture books, early readers, activity books.
Submission / Author tip: Include sample spreads and illustrator contacts; show classroom or parental market fit.

11. Al-Mawred / Mid-Size Trade Houses

Overview: Regional trade publishers concentrating on Arabic non-fiction, translations, and culturally relevant titles.
Key Advantage: Niche editorial expertise and connections to regional reviewers and media.
Strengths: Translation capability, local marketing, cultural curation.
Specialty: Essays, translations, cultural non-fiction.
Submission / Author tip: Provide translation clearances (if applicable) and a marketing plan for the Arabic market.

12. Dar Al-Sami’i & Dar Al-Bayan (religious & educational houses)

Overview: Established houses focused on Islamic education, Qur’anic studies, and school resources.
Key Advantage: Trusted by mosques, schools, and religious institutions.
Strengths: Institutional distribution channels and curriculum alignment.
Specialty: Islamic studies, tafsir, educational texts.
Submission / Author tip: Align manuscripts with accepted curricula and include endorsements from scholars where possible.

13. Al-Faisal Publishing (exhibition & museum tie-ins)

Overview: Publishes exhibition catalogues, cultural essays, and design-forward publications connected to museums and centers.
Key Advantage: Perfect for visually led cultural projects with institutional support.
Strengths: Art direction, archival reproduction, scholarly notes.
Specialty: Exhibition catalogues, heritage books.
Submission / Author tip: Attach curator or institutional support letters and high-quality imagery permissions.

14. FastBook / Local Print-on-Demand (POD) Services

Overview: POD platforms for authors who need low-risk, small runs, and quick reprints with e-book integration.
Key Advantage: Affordable, low inventory risk, and quick market testing.
Strengths: Scalability, e-distribution options, rapid proofing.
Specialty: Indie fiction, short runs, academic handouts.
Submission / Author tip: Use POD for market testing before committing to larger print runs; ensure Arabic typesetting support.

15. University Presses (e.g., King Saud University Press and other academic publishers)

Overview: University-affiliated presses that publish peer-reviewed research, textbooks, and conference proceedings.
Key Advantage: Academic validation and distribution through universities and libraries.
Strengths: Peer review, scholarly editing, and academic channels.
Specialty: Scientific, medical, technical, and humanities monographs.
Submission / Author tip: Prepare a strong abstract, CV, and sample chapters; peer reviewers are often required.

16. Cultural Foundations & Museum Publishers (e.g., museum publishing arms)

Overview: Institutions producing high-quality catalogues, research books, and educational materials tied to exhibitions.
Key Advantage: Institutional credibility and curated audiences.
Strengths: Access to collections, research support, and exhibition audiences.
Specialty: Art, archaeology, and museum catalogues.
Submission / Author tip: Partnerships or sponsorships with the institution will significantly increase acceptance chances.

17. Hybrid/Author-Services Houses (local variants)

Overview: Author-centric hybrid publishers that offer production and marketing for a fee while authors retain more rights.
Key Advantage: Author control over rights, transparent fee structures, and faster timelines.
Strengths: Package options (editing, design, PR), flexible contracts.
Specialty: Memoirs, business books, self-help.
Submission / Author tip: Negotiate clear milestone payments and an itemised services contract; request sample work.

18. Distribution & Retail Partners (Jarir, wholesalers, online retailers)

Overview: Retail and distribution networks that enable physical shelf placement, bulk school orders, and online listings.
Key Advantage: Direct access to Saudi bookstores and schools.
Strengths: Logistics, shelf analytics, promotional space.
Specialty: Mainstream trade, educational bulk sales.
Submission / Author tip: Retail partners prioritize marketable covers and clear target audiences; present a proven sampling plan.

19. Translation & Export Imprints

Overview: Imprints and small houses specializing in translating Arabic works for regional or international markets and vice versa.
Key Advantage: Opens doors to cross-border readership and festival circuits.
Strengths: Language teams, foreign rights contacts.
Specialty: Translated fiction, academic translations.
Submission / Author tip: Clarify existing translation rights and have a pitch ready for foreign markets.

20. Boutique Literary Presses & Independent Imprints

Overview: Small independent houses championing Saudi fiction, poetry, and experimental work with strong editorial care.
Key Advantage: Hands-on editorial attention and festival/award circuit access.
Strengths: Strong craft focus, close author relationships, literary reputation.
Specialty: Literary fiction, poetry, curated anthologies.
Submission / Author tip: Submit polished manuscripts and a short author bio; literary presses prefer strong, distinctive voices.

21. Al-Rushd Publishing House

Overview: One of the oldest and most respected educational publishers in the Kingdom, Al-Rushd specializes in academic, legal, and Islamic books. With decades of publishing heritage, it’s trusted by universities and libraries across the Gulf.
Key Advantage: Long-standing credibility in academic and legal publishing.
Strengths: High editorial standards, solid academic distribution, partnerships with regional institutions.
Specialty: Academic research, Islamic jurisprudence, and textbooks.
Author Tip: Submit manuscripts through university recommendations or with a research background for better consideration.

22. Obeikan Publishing

Overview: Obeikan is among the top educational and commercial publishers in Saudi Arabia, known for producing textbooks, self-help books, and Arabic translations of international bestsellers.
Key Advantage: Large-scale distribution network and access to international licenses.
Strengths: Translation expertise, educational partnerships, and modern design quality.
Specialty: Educational resources, translated non-fiction, and motivational titles.
Author Tip: Present a clear educational or commercial market value in your proposal; Obeikan values reader demand and quality.

23. Dar Al-Watan Publishing

Overview: A cultural and political publishing house that focuses on national identity, modern thought, and intellectual debate. It’s known for books that explore Saudi Arabia’s evolving cultural landscape.
Key Advantage: Platform for thought leaders, researchers, and cultural critics.
Strengths: Strong editorial vision, links with journalists and public speakers.
Specialty: Political science, history, and social commentary.
Author Tip: Offer well-researched proposals with data and references; align with current societal themes.

24. Al-Haramain Publications

Overview: Specializes in religious and spiritual content, focusing on Islamic education and moral guidance. Its editions are popular among schools and religious centers.
Key Advantage: Deep expertise in Islamic literature and educational publishing.
Strengths: Accurate translation, scholarly oversight, and educational outreach.
Specialty: Islamic teaching manuals, Qur’an studies, and moral education.
Author Tip: Include authenticity certifications or scholarly endorsements for religious manuscripts.

25. Dar Al-Tayseer

Overview: A fast-growing publisher that bridges creative storytelling and cultural authenticity. Al-Tayseer promotes modern Arabic fiction, poetry, and reflective essays from Saudi authors.
Key Advantage: Focus on nurturing local literary voices.
Strengths: Literary editorial team and creative book design.
Specialty: Contemporary fiction, poetry, and essay collections.
Author Tip: Submit original, culturally rich manuscripts with clear narrative strength.

26. Al-Medina Publications

Overview: Known for high-quality religious and educational texts, Al-Medina is a respected name in printing and distribution across the Middle East.
Key Advantage: Trusted network across religious schools and bookstores.
Strengths: Large-scale printing facilities and verified scholarship.
Specialty: Religious textbooks, Qur’an interpretation, and Arabic grammar.
Author Tip: Keep the language accessible for learners and educators.

27. Riyadh House for Printing & Publishing

Overview: A major player in Saudi Arabia’s publishing and printing sector, offering both commercial and government project printing.
Key Advantage: One-stop shop for high-volume printing and publishing.
Strengths: Advanced printing technology, logistics capacity, and experience with large institutions.
Specialty: Educational series, corporate publications, and official reports.
Author Tip: Suitable for institutional or sponsored projects — contact through corporate or governmental channels.

28. Maktabat Al-Ma’arif (House of Knowledge)

Overview: A historic name in Arabic publishing, Maktabat Al-Ma’arif has long contributed to educational and classical Arabic works.
Key Advantage: Legacy and authenticity in Arabic academic content.
Strengths: Deep editorial roots and extensive Arabic library catalog.
Specialty: Classical Arabic, Islamic philosophy, and Arabic language books.
Author Tip: Manuscripts rooted in traditional scholarship are highly appreciated

29. Midad Publishing

Overview: A rising modern publisher emphasizing innovation and creativity in literature, focusing on youth and new-generation writers.
Key Advantage: Encourages young authors and first-time publishers.
Strengths: Modern branding, strong presence on social media, youth engagement.
Specialty: Contemporary fiction, self-help, and motivational writing.
Author Tip: Include a strong social media presence or audience in your author proposal.

30. Al-Turath Foundation Publishing

Overview: Dedicated to preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical heritage. It produces books, catalogs, and research compilations.
Key Advantage: Government-supported and academically recognized heritage projects.
Strengths: Museum-quality publications and historical accuracy.
Specialty: Cultural heritage, history, and architecture.
Author Tip: Include photographs, archival sources, and documented references.

31. Najd Publishing

Overview: A boutique press that champions Saudi fiction and poetry reflecting the local landscape and dialect.
Key Advantage: Focused on authentic storytelling and regional narratives.
Strengths: Hands-on editorial approach, creative mentorship, literary focus.
Specialty: Short stories, novels, and poetry.
Author Tip: Ideal for authors exploring Saudi identity and contemporary issues.

32. Al-Khatt Press

Overview: A design-forward publisher with expertise in art, photography, and visual storytelling. It merges aesthetics with cultural insight.
Key Advantage: Exceptional design quality and artistic direction.
Strengths: Art curation, high-end book design, and printing excellence.
Specialty: Photography books, art catalogs, and design-focused publications.
Author Tip: Present strong visuals and professional photography rights when submitting.

33. Noor Publications

Overview: Noor focuses on spiritual growth, wellness, and educational materials with a modern Islamic approach.
Key Advantage: Bridges spirituality with contemporary relevance.
Strengths: Thoughtful editorial tone and accessibility.
Specialty: Faith-based self-help, moral education, and mindfulness.
Author Tip: Highlight real-world applications and modern contexts for spiritual themes.

34. Al-Basheer Media & Publishing

Overview: Known for producing Arabic-language translations, biographies, and academic resources, Al-Basheer has built a reputation for linguistic precision.
Key Advantage: Excellence in Arabic translation and editing.
Strengths: Bilingual production and scholarly accuracy.
Specialty: Translated works, cultural nonfiction, and research publications.
Author Tip: Include translation credentials or verified source rights in your submission.

35. Dar Al-Intishar Al-Arabi (Arab Distribution House)

Overview: An influential regional publisher with a wide distribution network across the Arab world. Their Riyadh office connects Saudi authors with a global Arabic readership.
Key Advantage: Regional exposure and cross-border distribution.
Strengths: International rights management, translations, and export opportunities.
Specialty: Arabic literature, translations, and essays.
Author Tip: Pitch works that have potential for cross-cultural or pan-Arab readership.

Top 35 Book Publishing Companies in Saudi Arabia (Updated 2025)

#	Publisher	Overview	Key Advantage	Strengths	Specialty
1	Ghostwriter Inside	Full-service global publishing firm offering ghostwriting, editing, design, and marketing.	End-to-end publishing services for authors.	Skilled ghostwriters, editing, and marketing support.	Memoirs, business books, nonfiction.
2	Saudi Research & Media Group (SRMG)	The largest media & publishing conglomerate in Saudi Arabia.	Cross-platform visibility and credibility.	Strong editorial resources, large distribution.	Non-fiction, journalism, biographies.
3	King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an	Renowned government presses for Qur’an editions and Islamic scholarship.	Trusted religious publishing authority.	Accuracy, multilingual translation, and massive print scale.	Qur’an editions, tafsir, and Islamic studies.
4	Jarir Publications	Publishing branch of Jarir Bookstore with a wide national reach.	Guaranteed retail visibility.	Distribution, marketing, and retail insight.	Educational, business, and children’s books.
5	Publisher.sa	Local hybrid publishing and author services platform.	Affordable and fast self-publishing.	Bilingual support, design, and editing packages.	Indie fiction, self-help, business.
6	Motivate Media Group	Publishes lifestyle, corporate, and travel titles linked to magazine brands.	Strong media partnerships.	PR integration, event tie-ins.	Lifestyle, travel, corporate books.
7	Printhub / Marina Inc.	Commercial printing and publishing solutions provider.	High-quality printing and production.	Fast turnaround, print customization.	Coffee-table books, institutional reports.
8	Dar Al-Qalam	Publishes Islamic art, calligraphy, and cultural books.	Cultural and artistic focus.	Expert editors and designers.	Religious art, culture, and calligraphy.
9	Al-Faisal Cultural House	Cultural and academic publishing division under the King Faisal Center.	Academic prestige and cultural depth.	Scholarly accuracy, archival access.	Research, history, culture.
10	Dar Al-Manhal	Known for bilingual children’s and educational publishing.	Creative and pedagogical expertise.	Strong design, bilingual texts.	Children’s books, curriculum guides.
11	Dar Al-Mawred	Produces Arabic non-fiction and translations.	Deep editorial expertise.	Regional reach, translation capacity.	Essays, culture, translated works.
12	Dar Al-Sami’i / Dar Al-Bayan	Publishes Islamic textbooks and educational content.	Trusted by schools and mosques.	Institutional distribution, verified content.	Islamic studies, school curricula.
13	Al-Faisal Publishing	Museum & exhibition catalog publisher.	Premium visual and cultural output.	Art direction, academic alignment.	Museum books, heritage, and exhibitions.
14	FastBook (POD Service)	Print-on-demand service for indie authors.	Cost-efficient and scalable.	Quick turnaround, online access.	Fiction, small-run books, and research.
15	University Presses (KSU, KFUPM, etc.)	University-run academic publishers.	Academic validation and peer review.	Scholarly editing, institutional reach.	Research, textbooks, theses.
16	Cultural Foundations & Museum Publishers	Produce cultural books and educational catalogs.	Institutional authority and funding.	Curated editions, museum backing.	Art, culture, education.
17	Hybrid Author-Service Publishers	Help authors self-publish with pro editing and design.	Transparency and author control.	Marketing add-ons, flexible contracts.	Memoirs, business, nonfiction.
18	Distribution Partners (Jarir, Obeikan, etc.)	Handle logistics and retail sales of books.	Nationwide bookstore presence.	Shelf access, marketing insights.	Mainstream, educational.
19	Translation Imprints	Publish Arabic-to-English or vice versa translations.	Cross-border audience expansion.	Language teams, rights handling.	Translated fiction, essays.
20	Boutique Literary Presses	Nurture emerging Saudi voices in poetry and fiction.	Personalized editorial attention.	Craft-focused editors, award circuit links.	Literary fiction, poetry.
21	Al-Rushd Publishing House	Historic academic and legal publisher.	Educational trust and heritage.	Academic partnerships, library networks.	Legal, Islamic studies, textbooks.
22	Obeikan Publishing	Major educational and trade publisher.	Access to schools and global content.	Translation expertise, modern design.	Textbooks, self-help, fiction.
23	Dar Al-Watan Publishing	Cultural and political thought publisher.	Platform for intellectual voices.	Analytical depth, modern content.	Politics, sociology, history.
24	Al-Haramain Publications	Focuses on religious and ethical books.	Scholarly accuracy and depth.	Trusted religious translators.	Islamic education, Qur’anic guides.
25	Dar Al-Tayseer	Promotes creative Saudi fiction and essays.	Focus on local literary innovation.	Mentorship, editing, and youth writers.	Fiction, poetry, essays.
26	Al-Medina Publications	Publishes religious and educational texts.	High trust in the Arabic education sector.	Printing strength, content quality.	Arabic grammar, tafsir.
27	Riyadh House for Printing & Publishing	Commercial publishing and printing hub.	Full-service institutional printing.	Large-scale projects, government work.	Textbooks, reports, trade publications.
28	Maktabat Al-Ma’arif	Traditional academic Arabic publisher.	Authentic Arabic heritage focus.	Deep scholarly catalog.	Language, logic, theology.
29	Midad Publishing	Modern literary publisher promoting youth.	Encourages debut authors.	Social-media-savvy promotion.	Modern fiction, youth books.
30	Al-Turath Foundation	Heritage publisher preserving Saudi culture.	Government-backed authority.	Archival material, historical precision.	History, culture, architecture.
31	Najd Publishing	Independent press for Saudi dialect stories.	Regional authenticity.	Storytelling mentorship, local focus.	Fiction, poetry, regional tales.
32	Al-Khatt Press	Specializes in art and photography books.	High-end design quality.	Visual creativity, fine printing.	Art, design, photography.
33	Noor Publications	Modern Islamic and self-growth publisher.	Blends spirituality with life lessons.	Balanced tone, modern perspective.	Self-help, Islamic education.
34	Al-Basheer Media & Publishing	Bilingual publisher with translation focus.	High translation accuracy.	Editing excellence, global ties.	Translations, nonfiction.
35	Dar Al-Intishar Al-Arabi	Regional Arabic distributor and publisher.	Pan-Arab network reach.	Translation rights and export.	Arabic literature, essays.

The Rise of Hybrid and Digital Publishing in Saudi Arabia

With more Saudi authors going digital, hybrid publishing models like Ghostwriter Inside, Qalam Creative House, and Future Pages are transforming how books reach readers. Print-on-demand, eBooks, and Arabic-English translations have made publishing faster and more accessible than ever before.

Authors can now blend traditional prestige with global visibility, ensuring their stories travel beyond borders.

 Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Shift Toward Literary Excellence

Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s focus on cultural investment has expanded the book market dramatically. Book fairs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have become international hotspots, attracting global publishers and agents. The government’s push for intellectual property protection and translation initiatives has further boosted local publishing quality and author confidence.

How to Choose the Right Publisher in Saudi Arabia

1. Define Your Genre: Academic, religious, fiction, or children’s — identify where your work fits.
2. Check Distribution Reach: Ensure your publisher can deliver across the Kingdom or globally.
3. Assess Author Services: Editing, marketing, and design are crucial for success.
4. Compare Models: Traditional, self, or hybrid publishing each has different royalty structures.
5. Seek Transparency: Reliable publishers are upfront about costs, contracts, and timelines.

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabian publishing scene in 2025 is thriving like never before — blending innovation with tradition. From powerhouse institutions like Obeikan and Jarir to creative newcomers like Noon Publishing and Desert Rose Books, there’s a publisher for every type of author.

Yet, Ghostwriter Inside remains the top choice for those seeking a full-service, global publishing experience that bridges creativity with business success.

For authors passionate about sharing their stories with the world, Saudi Arabia’s 2025 publishing renaissance is the perfect time to take the next step.

FAQs

1. Can foreign authors publish with Saudi publishers?

Yes. Many publishers like Ghostwriter Inside and WordBridge accept international manuscripts and provide bilingual editing.

2. What’s the most popular genre in Saudi Arabia in 2025?

Self-help, Islamic education, and fiction inspired by local culture are leading trends.

3. Do Saudi publishers support eBook publishing?

Absolutely. Publishers like Future Pages and Elm Publications focus heavily on digital formats.

4. How long does the publishing process take in Saudi Arabia?

Typically 4–8 months, depending on editing, design, and printing schedules.

5. What is the average publishing cost in Saudi Arabia?

For hybrid publishing, it ranges from $500–$3,000, while traditional publishers often cover the cost for selected works.

6. Are there opportunities for women authors in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, publishers like Desert Rose Books and Noon Publishing House actively promote female writers and women-centric stories.