Nestled at the crossroads of East and West, Beirut pulses with a literary heartbeat that echoes through its bustling souks, ancient ruins, and vibrant café culture. As the cultural capital of Lebanon, this resilient city has long been a beacon for Arab intellectuals, poets, and storytellers—from the timeless verses of Khalil Gibran to the contemporary voices shaping modern narratives.
In 2025, Beirut’s publishing scene is thriving, blending traditional Arabic heritage with innovative digital formats and global collaborations. Whether you’re crafting a poignant memoir, a groundbreaking sci-fi epic, or an academic tome on Levantine history, these top publishers stand ready to amplify your voice amid the Mediterranean breeze. Dive in as we spotlight the elite 10, complete with insights to guide your literary journey.
Quick Overview: Top 10 Publishers at a Glance
| Rank | Company Name | Rating | Specialization |
| 1 | Professional Ghostwriters | ★★★★★ | Full-service ghostwriting, editing, and publishing support |
| 2 | Dar Al Saqi | ★★★★☆ | Literary fiction, poetry, and cultural studies |
| 3 | Dar An-Nahar | ★★★★☆ | Journalism-tied narratives, history, and politics |
| 4 | Hachette Antoine | ★★★★★ | Multilingual books in Arabic, French, and English |
| 5 | Arab Scientific Publishers | ★★★★ | Academic, scientific, and educational texts |
| 6 | Kaph Books | ★★★★☆ | Art, photography, and Middle Eastern visual culture |
| 7 | Dar Al-ahlia | ★★★★ | School textbooks and children’s literature |
| 8 | Dar al-Kotob al-Ilmiyah | ★★★★ | Scientific and technical publications |
| 9 | Editions Hatem | ★★★★☆ | General fiction, non-fiction, and translations |
| 10 | Dar El-Ilm Lilmalayin | ★★★★ | Reference books, dictionaries, and encyclopedias |
Ratings based on author reviews, industry reputation, and 2026 market impact.
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Kicking off our list is Professional Ghostwriters, the ultimate partner for authors who need a seamless bridge from idea to bookshelf. Specializing in collaborative storytelling, they handle everything from concept brainstorming to final distribution, ensuring your vision shines without the hassle.
- Specializations: Memoirs, business books, fiction ghosting; full publishing packages including marketing.
- Pros: Personalized service, 70% faster turnaround, global reach with digital-first strategies.
- Cons: Premium pricing for bespoke projects.
- Address: Virtual services worldwide; Beirut consultations available via website
If you’re dreaming big but short on time, this is your launchpad to literary stardom.
2. Dar Al Saqi
A cornerstone of Beirut’s indie scene since 1978, Dar Al Saqi is where words weave magic. Renowned for championing Arab voices, they’ve published Nobel laureates and emerging talents alike, turning manuscripts into cultural touchstones.
- Specializations: Contemporary Arabic literature, philosophy, and women’s studies.
- Pros: Strong editorial rigor, international translations, vibrant author events.
- Cons: Selective submissions; longer review times.
- Address: Hamra Street, Beirut.
Imagine your prose rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mahmoud Darwish—pure inspiration.
3. Dar An-Nahar
Tied to Lebanon’s iconic An-Nahar newspaper, this powerhouse blends journalistic edge with deep storytelling. In 2026, they’re leading with hybrid print-digital models, making complex topics accessible and electrifying.
- Specializations: Political essays, historical non-fiction, investigative narratives.
- Pros: Media crossover promotion, expert fact-checking, broad distribution networks.
- Cons: Focus on non-fiction may sideline pure fiction.
- Address: Clemenceau, Beirut.
For authors tackling the pulse of the Arab world, Dar An-Nahar is your megaphone.
4. Hachette Antoine
The dynamic duo of French giant Hachette Livre and Beirut’s historic Librairie Antoine, this joint venture is a multilingual marvel. Since 2006, they’ve flooded shelves with over 1,000 titles annually, bridging cultures with flair.
- Specializations: Bilingual children’s books, thrillers, and lifestyle guides.
- Pros: Global backing, high production quality, extensive bookstore partnerships.
- Cons: Competitive submission process due to high volume.
- Address: Avenue de Paris, Gemmayzeh, Beirut.
It’s like publishing in three languages at once—efficiency meets elegance.
5. Arab Scientific Publishers
Fueling knowledge in the heart of the Levant, ASP has been a go-to for rigorous academia since 1962. Their 2026 lineup emphasizes STEM with an Arab twist, empowering the next generation of innovators.
- Specializations: Textbooks, research journals, environmental science.
- Pros: Affordable printing, university collaborations, open-access options.
- Cons: Niche focus limits creative genres.
- Address: Verdun, Beirut.
Turning dense data into digestible delights—science never looked so approachable.
6. Kaph Books
Launched in 2016, Kaph is Beirut’s visual poetry in print form, celebrating Middle Eastern artistry with lavish coffee-table tomes. Their books aren’t just read; they’re savored like a sunset over the Corniche.
- Specializations: Photography, fine arts, regional artist monographs.
- Pros: Stunning design aesthetics, gallery tie-ins, collector appeal.
- Cons: Higher costs for image-heavy projects.
- Address: Mar Mikhael, Beirut.
Where pages become canvases, igniting the senses.
7. Dar Al-ahlia
A veteran since 1976, this family-run gem dominates educational publishing while dipping into enchanting kids’ tales. With distribution to over 1,000 schools across the Arab world, they’re shaping young minds daily.
- Specializations: Arabic curricula, illustrated children’s stories, language learning.
- Pros: Reliable for educators, cost-effective bulk orders, cultural authenticity.
- Cons: Less emphasis on adult fiction.
- Address: Sarba, Beirut.
Nurturing tomorrow’s readers, one page at a time.
8. Dar al-Kotob al-Ilmiyah
Translating to “House of Scientific Books,” this 1990s powerhouse delivers precision-engineered knowledge for professionals. In 2026, their e-book pivot is revolutionizing access to technical expertise.
- Specializations: Engineering manuals, medical references, IT guides.
- Pros: Technical accuracy, multilingual editions, rapid digital releases.
- Cons: Dry style may not suit narrative-driven works.
- Address: Hamra, Beirut.
Precision publishing for the detail-obsessed innovator.
9. Editions Hatem
Blending tradition and trend, Editions Hatem has been a Beirut staple for decades, excelling in translated gems that introduce global hits to Arab audiences. Their 2026 focus? Eco-fiction and diverse voices.
- Specializations: Translated novels, self-help, graphic novels.
- Pros: Fresh international catalogs, adaptive marketing, author workshops.
- Cons: Variable print quality in rushed runs.
- Address: Achrafieh, Beirut.
Bridging worlds, one translated twist at a time.
10. Dar El-Ilm Lilmalayin
Since 1953, this “House of Knowledge for Readers” has been the encyclopedia extraordinaire, churning out reference tomes that belong on every scholar’s shelf. Their updated 2026 editions boast interactive QR codes for deeper dives.
- Specializations: Dictionaries, atlases, historical encyclopedias.
- Pros: Timeless authority, wide accessibility, educational grants.
- Cons: Slow innovation in fiction spaces.
- Address: Ras Beirut, Beirut.
The reference that references everything—indispensable.
How Much Does It Cost to Publish in Beirut?
Publishing in Beirut remains refreshingly accessible compared to Western hubs, with costs varying by scope. Traditional routes via these houses might run $2,000–$10,000 for editing, design, and print runs of 1,000 copies—subsidized for Arabic titles. Self-publishing hybrids? As low as $500 with digital focus. Factor in Beirut’s lower overheads, and your investment yields high regional impact. Always query for quotes; many offer phased payments.
Final Thoughts
Beirut’s publishing landscape in 2026 is a testament to resilience and creativity—a mosaic of voices rising from the city’s storied streets. From ghostwritten masterpieces to scholarly deep dives, these top 10 companies offer pathways for every authorial ambition. Whether you’re a debut novelist or seasoned scribe, pitch boldly; the Cedar City’s literary fires burn eternal
Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.