Rimal was founded by Nora Shawwa, whose lifelong commitment to Middle Eastern stories, art and culture shaped the press’s vision. She believed deeply in the power of books to preserve memory, spark curiosity and foster understanding across borders. Central to her mission was the idea that high-quality publishing should remain affordable, inclusive and widely available.

The name Rimal is inspired by the region’s coastlines, landscapes of encounter, movement and discovery. It reflects our approach to publishing: attentive, layered and deliberate. Every Rimal title is carefully edited, thoughtfully designed and finely produced, with close attention paid to both content and form.

Our list spans literature, art and design, cultural history, contemporary politics, travel, international cuisine, and educational and children’s books. We work closely with writers, artists and designers to create books that are as engaging to read as they are to hold. Rimal titles are distributed internationally and can be found in independent bookshops, museum stores, concept spaces and cultural institutions, as well as through our online store.

Rimal’s authors and collaborators have received numerous international accolades, including the Sharjah Children’s Book Award, MEMO Palestine Book Award, BABF Book Design Award, and Gourmand World Cookbook Award.

Proud member of the Independent Publishers Guild (London) and the Cyprus Publishers Association (Nicosia), Rimal continues to build meaningful partnerships worldwide. Through curated distribution, special events, book launches and targeted outreach, we remain committed to ensuring our books reach readers worldwide.