eBooks - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Highlights

In Saudi Arabia, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$4.47m in 2024.
Revenue in this market is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 0.60%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$4.61m by 2029.
By 2029, the number of eBook readers in Saudi Arabia is expected to amount to 4.3m users.
User penetration in the eBooks market will be 9.8% in 2024 and is anticipated to increase to 10.8% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in Saudi Arabia is expected to amount to US$1.22.
In global comparison, the majority of revenue in the eBooks market will be generated the United States, with an expected revenue of US$5.34bn in 2024.
In the year 2023, a share of 42.3% of users in Saudi Arabia is in the 42.3% group.
In the year 2023, a share of 42.3% of users in Saudi Arabia is 42.3%.
In Saudi Arabia, the eBook market is experiencing a significant cultural shift as digital literacy initiatives drive increased consumer engagement and content diversity.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The eBooks market in Saudi Arabia has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Customer preferences have shifted towards digital reading, leading to an increase in the demand for eBooks. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the convenience and accessibility of digital reading, as well as the increasing popularity of e-readers and mobile devices.

Customer preferences: One of the main reasons for the growth of the eBooks market in Saudi Arabia is the changing preferences of customers. With the advancement of technology, more and more people are opting for digital reading over traditional print books. eBooks offer convenience, as they can be easily downloaded and read on various devices such as e-readers, smartphones, and tablets. Additionally, eBooks are often more affordable than print books, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious readers.

Trends in the market: The eBooks market in Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge in the popularity of Arabic eBooks. This can be attributed to the increasing availability of digital content in Arabic language, as well as the growing interest in Arabic literature. Publishers and authors are recognizing the potential of the Saudi Arabian market and are actively digitizing their books to cater to the demand for Arabic eBooks. Another trend in the market is the rise of subscription-based eBook services. Customers are increasingly subscribing to platforms that offer unlimited access to a wide range of eBooks for a monthly fee. This model provides readers with a cost-effective way to access a vast library of books, and it also benefits publishers by ensuring a steady stream of revenue.

Local special circumstances: Saudi Arabia has a young population, with a significant portion of the population being tech-savvy millennials. This demographic is more inclined towards digital reading and is driving the demand for eBooks. Additionally, the government of Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting digital literacy and investing in technology infrastructure, which has further contributed to the growth of the eBooks market.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the eBooks market in Saudi Arabia can also be attributed to the country's strong economy and high smartphone penetration rate. As the economy continues to grow, more people have disposable income to spend on leisure activities such as reading. Furthermore, the high smartphone penetration rate means that a large portion of the population has access to digital devices, making it easier for them to engage in digital reading. In conclusion, the eBooks market in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth due to shifting customer preferences towards digital reading, the popularity of Arabic eBooks, the rise of subscription-based services, and the country's young population and strong economy. These factors are driving the demand for eBooks and shaping the future of the market in Saudi Arabia.

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.