Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Publishing”, the second edition of the Dubai International Library and Publishing Summit is set to take place at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library from October 30 to November 1, 2025. The summit promises to be a major event in the global cultural calendar, drawing together over 80 speakers from 14 countries, including five keynote speakers, 45 panel discussions, and 10 specialized workshops.
The summit will bring together an eclectic mix of participants: university publishers, literary agents, book award institutions, commercial libraries, and members of the UAE’s local publishing community. Notably, it will also feature top representatives from three of the world’s largest publishing houses—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins—alongside influential voices from across the Arab region.
Innovation, AI, and Digital Transformation Take Center Stage
This year’s agenda is rich and future-focused, with discussions revolving around key areas such as innovation, technology, digital transformation, global publishing trends, translation, and purpose-driven publishing. The summit will not only explore ideas but also prioritize hands-on learning through workshops that blend creativity with practical skills—ideal for aspiring writers, editors, and publishers eager to stay ahead of the curve.
A special emphasis will be placed on the digital evolution of the publishing industry—from multimedia storytelling to smart distribution models designed for the next generation of readers. Topics like intellectual property rights, marketing strategies, and international distribution will also be explored in depth.
Reinforcing Dubai’s Global Cultural Commitment
Speaking on the importance of the summit, Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Chair of the Supreme Committee for the Dubai International Library and Publishing Summit 2025, emphasized that the event reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to knowledge and culture at both regional and international levels.
What sets this edition apart, he explained, is its focus on the shifting dynamics of publishing in the age of social media and digital disruption, and how to align this with the expectations of today’s readers. The summit also aims to reinforce the vital role of libraries as knowledge hubs, blending human creativity with modern technologies to keep the region firmly on the global cultural map.
Al Hashimi pointed out that while some countries are returning to printed books—especially for younger readers due to their stronger cognitive impact—there is also growing recognition of digitally authored books. These themes, along with the intelligent use of AI, will be central to the summit’s discussions.
Navigating a Critical Turning Point
Jamal Al Shehhi, a member of the summit’s high committee, described the publishing industry as being at a pivotal juncture. With technology evolving rapidly and reading behaviors shifting, the need for practical, sustainable solutions has never been more urgent.
AI, in particular, presents both opportunities and challenges. The summit will explore to what extent AI can support—or hinder—the publishing ecosystem, offering insights from leading academics, researchers, and industry experts. According to Al Shehhi, the UAE is laying the groundwork for a robust, homegrown publishing industry, bolstered by solid infrastructure and visionary cultural leadership.
From Ideas to Action
Ali Jumaa Al Tamimi, Director of Libraries at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and a key figure behind the summit, highlighted the event’s practical purpose: to generate actionable ideas and strategic recommendations that can improve the publishing landscape locally and globally.
He acknowledged concerns about the future of traditional publishing but emphasized that it’s not about extinction—it’s about evolution. With tools like AI and smart platforms, the nature of publishing will change, but its core value will remain intact. He noted the potential of AI to enhance the sector, even though its support for the Arabic language is still developing.
Al Tamimi also shared that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library houses 750,000 printed books and over a billion digital knowledge resources, making it an ideal venue for a summit of this scale and ambition.
What to Expect
As the summit concludes, several key outcomes are anticipated:
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A clear roadmap for the development of the publishing industry in the Arab region
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Strategic partnerships and international investment opportunities
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Stronger Arab representation in global publishing forums
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Initiatives to empower young talents in the field of publishing
The Dubai International Library Summit 2025 is poised to be more than a conference—it’s a launchpad for the next era of publishing, and a testament to Dubai’s vision of culture, innovation, and knowledge as tools for global influence.
