New study reveals UAE reading habits

The Ministry of Culture has released the 2023 UAE National Reading Index, a biennial survey tracking reading habits in line with the nation’s goal to make reading a cornerstone of daily life by 2026.

The survey, conducted in partnership with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, included over 3,800 citizens and residents, 150 writers, more than 1,700 students, and over 3,900 teachers and parents.

It revealed that the average number of books read annually per person has increased to seven in 2023, up from six in 2021.

The extent of readers using social media sites rose to 90.4 per cent in 2023, compared to 88.1 per cent in 2021.

The sources for obtaining books have also diversified, with 53.4 per cent purchasing online, 27.6 per cent buying at book fairs, 28.3 per cent from bookstores, 18.6 per cent borrowing, and 7.7 per cent from other sources.

This contrasts with 2021 figures where 43.6 per cent bought electronically, 37.6 per cent from book fairs, 32.3 per cent from bookstores, 18.4 per cent borrowed, and 8 per cent came from other sources.

Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, said, "The UAE National Reading Index highlights our leadership’s commitment to enriching culture and knowledge. It showcases how intellectual development is crucial for sustainable growth and positions the UAE as a centre for knowledge and cultural richness."

"The survey adhered to international standards, providing accurate and comprehensive data that reflect the current reading habits and cultural development within the community," added Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.

Regarding language preferences, in 2023, 51 per cent of participants preferred English, 24.6 per cent read exclusively in Arabic, 12.4 per cent read both Arabic and other languages, 1.1 per cent chose French, and 6.4 per cent preferred other languages.

This compares to 2021 figures of 47.7 per cent for English, 26.6 per cent for Arabic exclusively, 12.1 per cent for Arabic and other languages, 1.2 per cent for French, and 5.8 per cent for other languages.

The survey also found that 53.5 per cent of participants read for enjoyment, 50.5 per cent for information, 24.3 per cent for professional reasons, and 31 per cent cited a suitable environment.

In 2021, 55.1 per cent read for enjoyment, 47.6 per cent for information, 21.8 per cent for professional reasons, and 20.6 per cent for a suitable environment.

The 2023 index revealed that only 60 per cent of writers and authors perceive Emirati literature as reflecting the cultural and societal landscape, a decrease from 80.1 per cent in 2021.

However, the results indicated that 90 per cent of writers and authors endorse the notion that translating and critiquing Emirati literature encourage its readership, holding nearly the same percentage as in the 2021 index.