The Ministry of Culture, UAE, has released the latest findings of the UAE National Reading Index 2025, offering a detailed portrait of how reading practices continue to evolve across the country. Conducted in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, the biennial study surveyed 3,367 citizens and residents, as well as writers, students, teachers, and parents.
The Ministry of Culture has revealed the results of the UAE National Reading Index for 2025, which measures reading practices among members of the UAE’s society every two years.
The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to establishing reading as a way of life within Emirati society and supporting the development of policies and plans in the fields of reading and knowledge.
Digital ecosystems reshape reading formats and access
According to the 2025 results, the average number of printed books read annually was approximately six, down from seven in 2023. Indicating a shift towards digital and audio content, these formats recorded an average of nine books annually.
Consequently, the findings point to an increasingly hybrid reading culture, where digital and audio formats complement traditional print. Moreover, 89.9 percent of respondents reported using social media platforms as a primary source for reading material, reinforcing their central role in contemporary knowledge access.
Regarding sources of reading materials, the 2025 results showed continued reliance on online purchasing at 44.9 percent, down from 53.4 percent in 2023, alongside diversification across other channels, reflecting the development of the knowledge access ecosystem.
Domestic spaces and early education sustain reading culture
The results showed that 54 percent of community members dedicate time daily to reading, while 40.7 percent own home libraries and 43.3 percent have designated reading spaces in their homes, reflecting the stability of reading practices and their growing presence within the family environment.
The findings indicated that 84.3 percent of community members were encouraged to read from childhood by parents or another family member, highlighting the pivotal role of families in shaping reading habits. The average weekly reading time reached 6 hours, indicating that reading is part of individuals’ weekly routines.
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said, “The 2025 results reflect the continued development of the national reading landscape and confirm the impact of cultural and digital initiatives in supporting reading behaviours and strengthening the presence of books in people’s lives, in line with the UAE’s vision of building a reading society equipped with the tools for the future.”
He added, “This index serves as a strategic tool to support decision-makers and guide cultural policies towards more impactful and sustainable initiatives. We will continue to develop programmes and initiatives targeting all segments of society, contributing to the enhancement of reading skills, the expansion of cultural participation, and the growth of creative industries.”
Participation gaps highlight opportunities for cultural programming
In contrast, membership in reading clubs remains limited, with only 9.6 percent of community members participating, suggesting opportunities to enhance interactive, community-based reading.
Lack of time remains the primary challenge, with 75.7 percent of respondents indicating it limits their ability to read. Additionally, the findings highlight qualitative challenges, including the dominance of fast-reading patterns associated with digital content, alongside a relative decline in deep reading.
The results further showed that only 32.1 percent of community members consistently document their reading outcomes, reflecting limited transformation of reading into accumulated and organised knowledge. However, 85.5 percent expressed a desire to read more, indicating sustained interest across demographics.
The results revealed linguistic diversity, with English preferred by 48.7 percent of readers, while consistent Arabic reading rose to 27.2 percent. Meanwhile, perceptions of Emirati literature strengthened, with 75 percent of respondents affirming that it reflects cultural and social realities.
Additionally, 67.2 percent of community members indicated that cultural and knowledge initiatives encourage reading, reinforcing the role of institutional programming in shaping habits.
The ‘UAE National Reading Index 2025’ reflects the progress achieved in developing the reading landscape and confirms the success of national efforts to promote a culture of reading.