Top 5 Bookstores in the UAE for Avid Readers

Books are the passport to adventure, and UAE is the pathway to any business. There are some truly extraordinary destinations for literary exploration. From sleek, modern stores to charming, hidden gems, the bookstores in the UAE offer a haven for every kind of reader.

Dive into the world where every shelf portrays a different story, and each visit is a new chapter in your reading journey. Put on your shoes to discover where your next great read awaits. Let’s embark on a book-lovers tour through the UAE’s finest literary havens. 

Top 5 bookstores in the Emirates for passionate readers

Want to pick up a copy of the latest award-winning novel or buy books for the kids? Read through the list of the best bookstores in Dubai.

1. My Booktopia Dubai

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A local homegrown business founded by Malar Vizhi Balaji, popularly known as The Book Lady of Dubai. She contributed to the literacy of this region. Being a keen reader, writer, and entrepreneur, she came to Dubai in 2006. Joining hands with the Dubai Public Library promoted reading habits in children through The Reading Box- a reading initiative by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. She wrote different books for the Dubai Public Library and conducted workshops that compelled various children to read and love books. These children often visited libraries. While working as an inspiration to develop reading habits among children, she utilized her 25 years of experience and launched Booktopia. A core bookstore at Dubai Festival City Mall hosts weekly reading sessions promoting reading skills across the UAE. Each member of this bookstore team is a passionate book lover and they guide the readers around the bookstores. They call themselves “Human Blurbs”.    

Address: H&M – First Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Next to – United Arab Emirates

Email:sales@mybooktopia.com

Website: https://mybooktopia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybooktopiauae/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mybooktopia

• BookHero Dubai

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This bookstore came into being differently. Before emerging as a bookstore, it started as an animal welfare initiative back in 2010. They aimed to encounter two main things: unwanted pets and unwanted books. Managing this they found an amazing opportunity to bring affordable books to readers in the region while continuing to help animals and people. From these efforts, they built a better community, and BookHero came into existence.

They have grown so fast that now they have a kind of BookHero Café where readers have marvelous eye-catching sights to enjoy while reading and having conversations. This café is located near a beach with a lovely view of the sea and shelves filled with books. These books can be read there or purchased, along with serving the public with great food and coffee. Moreover, they have a BookMobile- a glorious truck full of books that schools rent for projects, companies who wish to promote book-related CSR activities, and other individuals and organizations hosting private events.

Address: Oasis Centre, Basement Level 1, Near 2nd Interchange – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Website: https://bookhero.ae/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookhero/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3JjsAkf-viLcoy3_Cct6ng

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookHeroUAE

• Goyals Books and Beyond

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Goyals Books and Beyond is a literary book reservation store that lifts the readers from the typical bookstore experience. This store is located in the vibrant corner of UAE. A charming place for book lovers who are not looking for books but a full immersion into the world of reading. The store features a warm, inviting ambience and a meticulously curated collection; it offers a rich selection of genres. These collections range from contemporary bestsellers and classic literature to niche subjects and rare finds.

Moreover, the store’s features are different from others due to cosy reading spaces and thoughtfully arranged displays. These extraordinary features invite visitors to linger and explore at their own pace. This store even hosts a variety of cultural and literary events, including author talks, book launches, and themed book clubs like other bookstores. With a passion for promoting literacy, this bookstore is a cherished destination for readers who are looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge and build connections with the literary world.

Address: Sheikh Hashim Building G Floor, Shop no. 1 & 2 – opp. Mini Punjab Restaurant – Bur Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Website: https://goyalsonlinebooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goyalbooksuae/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/goyalbooksuae

• Book World Trading UAE Dubai

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This bookstore is a prominent pillar in the vibrant literary scene of Dubai. A bookstore expanded on large boundaries is a haven for bibliophiles, offering a vast and diverse array of books that cater to every reader’s taste. Updating its profile to international bestsellers from local literary treasures and academic texts, Book World Trading UAE opens its way for a comprehensive selection that aligns and meets the needs of all book enthusiasts.

The modern interior of the store and well-designed layout make browsing a pleasure for the readers. Each section is thoughtfully arranged to highlight popular genres and hidden gems. Adding on, the staff is knowledgeable enough and ready to provide personalized recommendations to those passionate readers asking for help. 

Additionally, like other bookstores located in the heart of Dubai, this store even hosts literary events, book signings, and author talks, offering a dynamic space for readers and authors to interact. During these sessions, both the readers and authors share their knowledge and passion for literature. And the cherry on top is that this store is not only resistant to new world books but also promotes a vibrant cultural hub in Dubai’s literary deserted landscape.

Address: Shop # 5 and 6 10/4 (333-1020) Al Bada – Al Satwa – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DubaiBooks

Website:  https://bookworlduae.com/

• House of Prose Bookstore

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The House of Prose is a place for all book lovers. This store is located inside the famous Jumeirah Plaza. What makes it different from other stores is its unique feature, which is that it has books ranging from crime novels to non-fiction. Readers comment that it is a house where almost every subject is available under the sun. Although most of the books here are secondhand, all the titles are in good shape, possessing the wonderful aura of a well-read book. This became a rarity after the electronic age. Moreover, you can find children’s books in this mega house. You just need to browse through the sections and look around. You will end up with a treasure in hand. Adding to its unique features, has a welcoming atmosphere. You can choose your favourite book at leisure and buy them at reasonable prices. Read it, and if you want to return it, you will receive 50 percent of your amount.

Address: Parking floor -Times Square Center Mall – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Quoz – Dubai

Website:  https://www.houseofprose.ae/

Google Map- https://g.co/kgs/sVzWJMb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofproseuae/

A Final Thought On UAE’s Best Bookstores

Developing reading skills is essential. UAE is working hard to develop this skill in children. Building stores that are aesthetically appealing and fully funded in all genres will let the children enjoy their sessions. These children will also develop a habit of visiting these bookstores frequently.