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eBooks - MENA

MENA

In MENA, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$291.10m in 2024.
Revenue is anticipated to demonstrate an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 0.78%, leading to a projected market volume of US$302.60m by 2029.
Within the eBooks market in MENA, the number of readers is expected to total 59.8m users by 2029.
User penetration is forecasted to be 9.7% in 2024, increasing to 9.9% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is projected to reach US$5.27.
In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, which is expected to generate US$5,336.00m in 2024.
In the MENA region, the UAE is witnessing a surge in eBook consumption, driven by a growing preference for digital literacy and accessible content.

Key regions: China, Japan, France, Asia, India

Market

Region

Region comparison

Currency

Analyst Opinion

The eBooks market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing significant growth and development.

Customer preferences: Customers in the MENA region are increasingly turning to eBooks as a convenient and accessible way to consume literature. With the rise of smartphones and tablets, people are able to carry their entire library with them wherever they go. Additionally, the younger generation in MENA is more tech-savvy and comfortable with digital platforms, further driving the demand for eBooks.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the MENA eBooks market is the increasing popularity of Arabic eBooks. As the demand for Arabic literature grows, publishers are focusing on digitizing Arabic books to cater to this market. This trend is driven by the desire to preserve and promote Arabic culture and literature, as well as the convenience of digital reading. Another trend in the MENA eBooks market is the emergence of local eBook platforms. While global eBook platforms like Amazon Kindle and Apple Books are available in the region, local platforms are gaining traction. These platforms offer a curated selection of Arabic and regional literature, making it easier for readers to discover and access relevant content.

Local special circumstances: The MENA region has a rich literary tradition, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and oral traditions. This cultural background has contributed to the growing interest in eBooks, as people are eager to explore new ways of consuming and sharing stories. Additionally, the MENA region has a large population of expatriates, who often find eBooks a convenient way to access literature from their home countries.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The MENA region has a young and tech-savvy population, which is driving the growth of the eBooks market. Additionally, the region has witnessed rapid urbanization and increasing internet penetration, making it easier for people to access and purchase eBooks. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital reading, as people spend more time at home and seek entertainment and knowledge online. In conclusion, the eBooks market in the MENA region is experiencing significant growth and development, driven by customer preferences for convenience and accessibility, as well as the emergence of local platforms and the cultural importance of literature. The underlying macroeconomic factors, such as a young population and increasing internet penetration, further contribute to the growth of the market.

Methodology

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.