UAE's 2023 National Reading Index Shows Increased Book Consumption And Diverse Sources

The Ministry of Culture has released the 2023 UAE National Reading Index results, a biennial survey assessing reading habits in Emirati society. This initiative aligns with the nation's goal to make reading a lifestyle by 2026 and supports development policies in reading and knowledge.

The survey sampled over 3,800 citizens and residents, 150 writers, more than 1,700 students, and over 3,900 teachers and parents. Their reading habits were studied in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.

In 2023, individuals read an average of seven books annually, up from six in 2021. Social media usage for reading increased to 90.4 percent from 88.1 percent in 2021. The sources for obtaining reading materials diversified: 53.4 percent from online purchases, 27.6 percent from book fairs, and 28.3 percent from bookstores.

Regarding language preferences in 2023, English was preferred by 51 percent of readers, Arabic exclusively by 24.6 percent, Arabic and other languages by 12.4 percent, French by 1.1 percent, and other languages by 6.4 percent.

The main reasons for reading in 2023 included enjoyment (53.5 percent), information needs (50.5 percent), professional motivation (24.3 percent), and a suitable environment (31 percent). In contrast, the reasons in 2021 were enjoyment (55.1 percent), information needs (47.6 percent), professional motivation (21.8 percent), and a suitable environment (20.6 percent).

Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, stated that the index reflects the leadership's dedication to enriching culture and knowledge across Emirati society.

Emirati Literature Insights

The average number of books read by writers increased to twelve in 2023 from ten in 2021. The proportion of literary enthusiasts enjoying Emirati literature rose to 93.3 percent from 92.1 percent in the previous index.

However, only sixty percent of writers believe Emirati literature reflects cultural and societal landscapes in 2023, down from eighty-one percent in 2021.

Publishing Industry Perceptions

The belief that the UAE's publishing industry can promote literary works decreased to sixty-four point seven percent in 2023 from seventy-two point eight percent in the previous index.

Preferred literary genres among writers shifted: sixty percent favoured Emirati literature in 2023 compared to forty-two point four percent in 2021; seventy-three point three percent preferred Arabic literature compared to fifty-eight point three; world literature was favoured by seventy-three point three compared to sixty point nine; other genres dropped significantly.

Acquisition Motivators

The primary motivator for acquiring Emirati books remains the book's concept at seventy-three point three percent in both years surveyed. However, language as a motivator decreased to forty-nine point three from fifty-three; author's reputation dropped slightly while other reasons varied minimally.

Focus on Literary Genres

The focus on poetry increased significantly to fifty-seven point seven percent in the latest index compared to twenty-point five previously; novels and short stories followed at thirty-four compared to twenty-nine point eight; literary essays saw a rise while theatre remained steady but less prioritized.

Encouraging Reading

The factors encouraging reading Emirati literature changed: literary translation decreased to sixteen from twenty-three point eight; cultural media and criticism stood at thirty-eight point seven down from forty-eight point eight; promotion and marketing at thirty-nine point three down from forty-six point six; inclusion in educational curricula increased slightly.

"The field survey was based on international standards ensuring comprehensive statistical results," said Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of FCSC.

With inputs from WAM