Bahrain, known as the “Pearl of the Gulf,” has established itself as a significant cultural and commercial hub in the Middle East. The Kingdom’s publishing industry plays a vital role in promoting Arabic literature, preserving cultural heritage, and facilitating knowledge exchange across the region. With a strategic location connecting East and West, Bahrain’s publishers serve not only the local market but also contribute to the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) literary landscape.
Overview of Bahrain’s Publishing Industry
Bahrain’s publishing sector has experienced steady growth, supported by government initiatives promoting literacy and cultural development. The Kingdom hosts the annual Bahrain International Book Fair, which has become a prestigious event showcasing publishers and booksellers from across the Arab world and beyond. The book fair has built a sound reputation and has fostered the participation of Arab and foreign publishing houses, aiming to encourage readers at all levels, interests, and ages to experience the joy of reading.
The publishing landscape in Bahrain is diverse, encompassing traditional Arabic literature, educational materials, contemporary fiction, academic publications, and business-focused content. Many publishers in the region specialize in bilingual publications, catering to Bahrain’s multicultural population and international business community.
With Manama serving as the publishing center, the industry benefits from the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure, liberal business environment, and strong connections to international markets. The sector continues to evolve with digital transformation, embracing e-publishing and online distribution channels to reach wider audiences.
Complete List of Top 31 Book Publishing Companies in Bahrain
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Professional ghostwriting services, manuscript development, publishing consultation
Founded: 2018
Focus Areas: Comprehensive ghostwriting solutions for executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Specializes in business books, autobiographies, academic writing support, and manuscript editing with full publishing guidance across all genres.
2. Al Waraqoon W.L.L
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Cultural publications, Arabic literature
Founded: 2010s
Notable: Established publisher with the motto “We Publish Culture,” focusing on advertising and publishing in the Bahraini market.
3. Gulf Book Publishers
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Regional publishing, quick turnaround services
Founded: 2015
Notable: Premium book publishing company offering book launches in 7 days, led by Bahrain’s top in-house book publishing agents.
4. Masaa Publishing
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Contemporary literature, cultural works
Founded: 2008
Focus Areas: Modern Arabic literature, contemporary fiction, cultural studies.
5. Elmia Bookstores
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Educational publishing, academic books
Founded: 1995
Focus Areas: Academic libraries books, educational materials from original publishers, teacher guides with free delivery services.
6. Alpha Book Publisher (Bahrain Office)
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: International publishing services
Founded: 2018 (Bahrain Office)
Notable: Has published authors in over 1,000 major cities and regions throughout the world, offering comprehensive publishing solutions.
7. Red House Marketing
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Marketing publications, business books
Founded: 2012
Focus Areas: Business literature, marketing guides, professional development.
8. Book Mart W.L.L
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Educational materials, scientific publications
Founded: 2005
Focus Areas: Scientific educational materials, including Cambridge curriculum books and technical publications.
9. National Press Associates
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Academic journals, research publications
Founded: 2010
Focus Areas: Journal subscription services, research paper publication assistance, and book publishing with ISBN.
10. Goyal School Books & Uniforms Trading
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Educational materials, school publications
Founded: 2000
Focus Areas: School textbooks, educational resources, uniform supplies.
11. Dar Al Hikma Publishing House
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Islamic literature, religious publications
Founded: 1998
Focus Areas: Religious texts, Islamic studies, spiritual literature.
12. Bahrain Writers Association Press
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Literary works, poetry collections
Founded: 1985
Focus Areas: Local authors, poetry, literary criticism.
13. Gulf Educational Publishers
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Curriculum development, educational content
Founded: 2003
Focus Areas: Educational curricula, teacher training materials.
14. Pearls Publishing House
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Cultural heritage, historical works
Founded: 1992
Focus Areas: Bahraini history, cultural documentation, heritage preservation.
15. Modern Gulf Publications
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Business and finance publications
Founded: 2007
Focus Areas: Financial literature, business guides, economic analysis.
16. Arabian Peninsula Press
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Regional studies, political analysis
Founded: 1988
Focus Areas: Middle East politics, regional affairs, diplomatic studies.
17. Dilmun Cultural Publications
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Archaeological works, ancient history
Founded: 1995
Focus Areas: Ancient civilizations, archaeological findings, historical research.
18. Bahrain Medical Publishers
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Medical texts, healthcare publications
Founded: 2001
Focus Areas: Medical education, healthcare guides, pharmaceutical literature.
19. Al Salam Educational Press
Location: Muharraq, Bahrain
Specialization: Islamic education, religious curricula
Founded: 1990
Focus Areas: Islamic educational materials, religious studies.
20. Maritime Heritage Publishers
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Maritime history, sailing traditions
Founded: 1997
Focus Areas: Naval history, traditional sailing, maritime culture.
21. Digital Age Publications
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Technology books, digital literacy
Founded: 2010
Focus Areas: Information technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity.
22. Green Crescent Publishers
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Environmental studies, sustainability
Founded: 2008
Focus Areas: Environmental awareness, sustainability practices, green technology.
23. Falcon Academic Press
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Higher education, research publications
Founded: 2005
Focus Areas: University texts, research methodologies, academic journals.
24. Desert Rose Publishing
Location: Riffa, Bahrain
Specialization: Women’s literature, social issues
Founded: 2009
Focus Areas: Women’s rights, social development, gender studies.
25. Crescent Moon Publications
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Children’s books, young adult literature
Founded: 2002
Focus Areas: Children’s education, moral stories, youth development.
26. Gulf Sports Publishing
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Sports literature, athletics
Founded: 2006
Focus Areas: Sports history, athletic training, fitness guides.
27. Sunrise Educational Publishers
Location: Isa Town, Bahrain
Specialization: Early childhood education, pre-school materials
Founded: 1999
Focus Areas: Early learning, child development, educational toys.
28. Palm Tree Publications
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Travel guides, tourism literature
Founded: 2004
Focus Areas: Gulf travel, tourism promotion, cultural guides.
29. Innovation Publishers
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Engineering texts, technical manuals
Founded: 2011
Focus Areas: Engineering education, technical documentation, industrial guides.
30. Heritage Books Bahrain
Location: Muharraq, Bahrain
Specialization: Traditional crafts, folklore
Founded: 1993
Focus Areas: Traditional arts, folklore preservation, craft techniques.
31. Future Vision Publishers
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Specialization: Strategic planning, future studies
Founded: 2013
Focus Areas: Strategic management, futurism, organizational development.
| Rank | Company Name | Location | Primary Specialization | Founded |
| 1 | Professional Ghostwriters Company | Manama | Ghostwriting Services | 2018 |
| 2 | Al Waraqoon W.L.L | Manama | Cultural Publications | 2010s |
| 3 | Gulf Book Publishers | Manama | Regional Publishing | 2015 |
| 4 | Masaa Publishing | Manama | Contemporary Literature | 2008 |
| 5 | Elmia Bookstores | Manama | Educational Publishing | 1995 |
| 6 | Alpha Book Publisher | Manama | International Publishing | 2018 |
| 7 | Red House Marketing | Manama | Marketing Publications | 2012 |
| 8 | Book Mart W.L.L | Manama | Educational Materials | 2005 |
| 9 | National Press Associates | Manama | Academic Journals | 2010 |
| 10 | Goyal School Books & Uniforms | Manama | Educational Materials | 2000 |
| 11 | Dar Al Hikma Publishing House | Manama | Islamic Literature | 1998 |
| 12 | Bahrain Writers Association Press | Manama | Literary Works | 1985 |
| 13 | Gulf Educational Publishers | Manama | Curriculum Development | 2003 |
| 14 | Pearls Publishing House | Manama | Cultural Heritage | 1992 |
| 15 | Modern Gulf Publications | Manama | Business & Finance | 2007 |
| 16 | Arabian Peninsula Press | Manama | Regional Studies | 1988 |
| 17 | Dilmun Cultural Publications | Manama | Archaeological Works | 1995 |
| 18 | Bahrain Medical Publishers | Manama | Medical Texts | 2001 |
| 19 | Al Salam Educational Press | Muharraq | Islamic Education | 1990 |
| 20 | Maritime Heritage Publishers | Manama | Maritime History | 1997 |
| 21 | Digital Age Publications | Manama | Technology Books | 2010 |
| 22 | Green Crescent Publishers | Manama | Environmental Studies | 2008 |
| 23 | Falcon Academic Press | Manama | Higher Education | 2005 |
| 24 | Desert Rose Publishing | Riffa | Women’s Literature | 2009 |
| 25 | Crescent Moon Publications | Manama | Children’s Books | 2002 |
| 26 | Gulf Sports Publishing | Manama | Sports Literature | 2006 |
| 27 | Sunrise Educational Publishers | Isa Town | Early Childhood Education | 1999 |
| 28 | Palm Tree Publications | Manama | Travel Guides | 2004 |
| 29 | Innovation Publishers | Manama | Engineering Texts | 2011 |
| 30 | Heritage Books Bahrain | Muharraq | Traditional Crafts | 1993 |
| 31 | Future Vision Publishers | Manama | Strategic Planning | 2013 |
Publishing Sectors in Bahrain
Educational Publishing: Dominates the market with companies like Elmia Bookstores and Gulf Educational Publishers providing curriculum-based materials for schools and universities.
Cultural and Religious Publications: Significant segment including Islamic literature, cultural heritage books, and historical documentation, served by publishers like Dar Al Hikma and Pearls Publishing House.
Business and Professional: Growing sector with publishers focusing on business development, marketing, and professional skills enhancement.
Children’s Literature: Emerging market with dedicated publishers creating age-appropriate content in both Arabic and English.
Academic and Research: Specialized publishers supporting higher education and research institutions across the Gulf region.
Industry Trends for 2025
Digital Transformation: Publishers are increasingly adopting digital publishing platforms and e-book formats to reach international markets and younger demographics.
Bilingual Publishing: Growing demand for bilingual Arabic-English publications to serve Bahrain’s diverse expatriate community and international business sector.
Educational Technology Integration: Educational publishers are incorporating digital learning tools and interactive content into their offerings.
Regional Collaboration: Increased cooperation with other GCC publishers to share resources and expand market reach.
Government Support: Continued government backing for cultural publications and literacy initiatives, including funding for local authors and cultural preservation projects.
Sustainability Focus: Publishers are adopting environmentally friendly printing practices and exploring digital alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
Opportunities for Authors and Publishers
Bahrain offers unique opportunities for both local and international authors:
Strategic Location: Serves as a gateway to the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, providing access to large Arabic-speaking markets.
Supportive Environment: Government initiatives supporting arts and culture, including grants and subsidies for worthy publishing projects.
International Connectivity: Strong links to global markets through Bahrain’s position as a financial and business hub.
Cultural Diversity: Multicultural population creates demand for diverse literary content and cross-cultural publications.
Growing Literacy: Increasing educational levels and government focus on knowledge-based economy drive demand for quality publications.
Conclusion
Bahrain’s publishing industry represents a dynamic and growing sector within the Kingdom’s knowledge-based economy. From Professional Ghostwriters Company’s comprehensive writing services to established cultural publishers like Al Waraqoon W.L.L, the industry demonstrates remarkable diversity and potential for growth.
The combination of traditional publishing values and modern technological capabilities positions Bahrain’s publishers to serve both local and international markets effectively. With strong government support, strategic regional location, and increasing focus on digital transformation, the publishing industry in Bahrain is well-positioned for continued expansion in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re an author seeking publication opportunities, an entrepreneur looking to enter the publishing market, or a reader interested in quality literature, Bahrain’s publishing landscape offers rich possibilities for engagement and growth. The Kingdom’s commitment to cultural development and educational excellence ensures a bright future for the publishing sector.
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.