The Ministry of Culture has announced the results of the UAE National Reading Index 2025, highlighting stable reading habits across society alongside a growing shift towards digital and audio content.
The index, conducted biennially to assess reading practices among residents, surveyed 17,961 citizens and expatriates across all emirates, including writers, students, teachers and parents, in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
The findings showed that individuals read an average of six printed books per year in 2025, down from seven in 2023, while digital and audio reading rose to an average of nine books annually. More than half of respondents (54%) said they read daily, while 40.7% reported having home libraries and 43.3% designated reading spaces, reflecting the continued presence of reading within family life.
Indications
The study found that 84.3% of participants had been encouraged to read during childhood, underscoring the role of families in shaping reading habits. Average weekly reading time stood at around six hours.
However, only 9.6% of respondents reported membership in reading clubs, pointing to potential for greater community engagement. The main barrier cited was lack of time, identified by 75.7% of participants, alongside a rise in quick, digital reading over in-depth engagement.
Only 32.1% said they regularly document what they read, indicating limited conversion of reading into structured knowledge. Digital platforms remain dominant, with 89.9% preferring to read via social media, while online purchasing remained the most common way to access reading materials at 44.9%.
The index also showed linguistic diversity, with 48.7% preferring to read in English and 27.2% reading consistently in Arabic.
Among Emirati writers, 91.9% preferred reading local literature, while 75% said it reflects the country’s cultural and social landscape. Around 72.1% said publishing activity helps promote literary output, and 86% highlighted the importance of awards and competitions in supporting creative work.
National Reading Landscape
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said the findings reflect continued progress in the UAE’s reading landscape and the impact of cultural and digital initiatives in promoting reading as part of daily life.
He added that the index serves as a strategic tool for policymakers to guide cultural initiatives and expand participation, in line with the country’s vision of building a knowledge-based society.
