Publishing in the UAE: Tips and Strategies | Uhibbook
  • 0 Items - Free
    • No products in the cart.
book publishing tips UAE

Publishing in the UAE can seem overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to be. In 2015, we self-published our first book, My Ramadan Journal, Around The World, and faced many of the same challenges you’re probably worried about when self-publishing in the UAE.

  • Regulations.
  • Permissions.
  • Finding the right audience.

It’s all part of the process.

  • But we adapted,
  • learned the system,
  • and came out on top.

Here’s how.

Build a Community:

social and emotional learning

Before we started working on our book, we were already engaged in building a community of like-minded individuals who shared the same goals. In our case, it was mothers looking for diverse content and representation in children’s books.

  • Engage with your potential audience.
  • Research and understand the trends in the subject you want to write about.

Building this community helped us when we were figuring out how to publish a book in the UAE, as we had an eager audience ready to support us.

Also Read: Writing with Purpose: From Self-Doubt to Creative Confidence

Build a Local Network:

Along with building a community, you also need to think about the technical aspects of publishing. Explore and build connections within the UAE’s literary space.

  • Attend industry events.
  • Engage with UAE-based influencers.
  • Partner with local bookstores and libraries.

A strong local network is key to navigating UAE publishing regulations and ensures that your book gets the necessary visibility.

Create Regional Relevance:

Why Diverse Voices Matter

Your content should resonate with the local audience to succeed in the UAE.

  • Tailor your book’s themes to UAE culture.
  • Highlight local partnerships or familiar settings.
  • Consider offering Arabic translations or bilingual formats.

By creating regional relevance, you ensure that your book not only resonates with readers but also aligns with the cultural and market dynamics of the UAE.

Secure Permissions & Partnerships:

Regulations in the UAE can be tricky, but they’re manageable if you take the right steps.

  • Get the necessary publishing permits and ISBN number.
  • Work with local distributors to increase visibility.
  • Promotion can be done individually through your community or by partnering with regional media outlets for promotion.

Understanding the UAE publishing regulations early on will make the process smoother, helping you avoid common pitfalls.

Also Read: Editor vs. Author: What Is The Main Difference?

Leverage E-Publishing:

Traditional publishing takes time, but e-publishing in the UAE offers speed and flexibility.

  • Use platforms like Kobo or Amazon for instant reach.
  • Promote through influencers and UAE-specific online communities.
  • Keep pricing competitive for the regional market.

E-books allow for quicker market entry and are an excellent way to build your author profile while working on more traditional publishing routes.

Publishing in the UAE is about strategy, not just creativity. With the right community, network, and tools, you can overcome the challenges and succeed.

Have you tried publishing in the UAE?What challenges did you face? Let us know below!