UAE records steady reading habits as National Reading Index 2025 highlights shift to digital formats

Ministry of Culture UAE has unveiled the findings of the ‘UAE National Reading Index 2025’, offering fresh insights into reading habits across the country and underscoring a growing shift towards digital and audio content.

Conducted in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the biennial study surveyed 3,367 citizens and residents across all emirates, including targeted groups such as writers, students, teachers, and parents. The index aims to support policymaking while reinforcing reading as a core cultural value in the UAE.

Average reading trends evolve

The report found that residents read an average of six printed books annually in 2025, a slight decline from seven books recorded in 2023. However, digital and audio formats saw stronger engagement, with an average of nine books consumed per year, reflecting changing content consumption patterns.

Daily reading habits remain consistent, with 54% of respondents dedicating time to reading each day. Additionally, 40.7% of individuals reported owning home libraries, while 43.3% have designated reading spaces, highlighting the growing integration of reading into household routines.

Families drive early reading habits

The findings emphasised the role of families in fostering reading culture, with 84.3% of respondents indicating they were encouraged to read during childhood. Weekly reading time averaged six hours, suggesting that reading continues to hold a stable place in individuals’ routines.

However, participation in reading clubs remains limited at 9.6%, indicating potential for expanding community-based and interactive reading initiatives.

Time constraints and digital habits pose challenges

Lack of time emerged as the primary barrier to reading, cited by 75.7% of respondents. The study also pointed to qualitative challenges, including the dominance of fast-reading habits linked to digital content and a relative decline in deep reading practices.

Only 32.1% of respondents reported consistently documenting their reading outcomes, reflecting limited conversion of reading into structured knowledge.

Social media leads as key content channel

Digital platforms continue to dominate access to reading materials, with 89.9% of respondents preferring social media as a primary source of content, maintaining its position as a leading knowledge channel despite a slight dip from 2023 levels.

Online purchasing remained a key source of reading material at 44.9%, though this marked a decline from 53.4% in 2023, indicating diversification in access channels.

Strong interest in reading growth

Encouragingly, 85.5% of respondents expressed a desire to read more, while 67.2% acknowledged the positive impact of cultural and knowledge initiatives in promoting reading habits across society.

Linguistic diversity and Emirati literature

The report highlighted diverse language preferences, with English remaining the most preferred reading language at 48.7%, followed by Arabic at 27.2%, which saw an increase from 2023 levels.

Among writers, 91.9% reported a preference for Emirati literature, while 75% believe it reflects the country’s cultural and social landscape—up significantly from 60% in 2023. Additionally, 72.1% of writers credited the publishing industry with supporting literary output, while 86% highlighted the importance of literary awards and competitions.

Supporting policy and cultural growth

His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture UAE, said the index serves as a strategic tool for shaping cultural policy and advancing sustainable initiatives.

“The 2025 results reflect the continued development of the national reading landscape and confirm the impact of cultural and digital initiatives in strengthening reading behaviours,” he said, adding that the UAE will continue to expand programmes aimed at enhancing reading skills and cultural participation.

The ‘UAE National Reading Index 2025’ highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate traditional and digital reading formats, reinforcing its broader vision of building a knowledge-based, culturally engaged society.