The eBooks market in GCC is experiencing significant growth and development, driven by changing customer preferences, emerging trends in the market, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors. Customer preferences in the GCC region have shifted towards digital content consumption, including eBooks.
This can be attributed to the increasing penetration of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, as well as the convenience and accessibility of eBooks. Customers are increasingly opting for digital books due to their portability, ease of use, and the ability to carry an entire library in their pocket. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of eBooks in multiple languages and genres caters to diverse customer preferences in the region.
Trends in the market indicate a growing demand for Arabic eBooks in the GCC. This can be attributed to the rising popularity of local authors and the promotion of Arabic literature by regional governments. Publishers and online platforms are actively partnering with local authors to expand their Arabic eBook offerings and cater to the preferences of the regional audience.
Moreover, the adoption of digital publishing technologies and the increasing availability of Arabic eBooks in various formats are further driving the growth of the market. Local special circumstances in the GCC region also contribute to the development of the eBooks market. For instance, the high literacy rate in countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar creates a favorable environment for eBook adoption.
Additionally, the region's large expatriate population, who may prefer eBooks due to limited access to physical bookstores or the desire to carry their native language books, further boosts the demand for digital content. Underlying macroeconomic factors also play a role in the growth of the eBooks market in the GCC. The region's strong digital infrastructure and high internet penetration rate provide a solid foundation for the expansion of the digital content market.
Furthermore, the increasing disposable income and spending power of consumers in the GCC countries contribute to the willingness to invest in digital content, including eBooks. In conclusion, the eBooks market in the GCC is developing rapidly due to changing customer preferences, emerging trends, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors. The shift towards digital content consumption, particularly Arabic eBooks, is driven by the convenience and accessibility offered by digital platforms.
The high literacy rate, expatriate population, and strong digital infrastructure in the region further contribute to the growth of the market. With these factors in play, the eBooks market in the GCC is poised for continued expansion in the coming years.
Data coverage:
The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Books market, which covers paid publications in printed form and in the form of digital replicas (eBooks). Revenues from the consumer (of general interest), academic (for educational purposes), and professional (on specialized topics) markets are included here. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on digital goods or subscriptions in the respective market. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.Modeling approach / market size:
The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.Forecasts:
We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.Additional notes:
The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.
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