The best bookstores in Dubai

There is nothing better than the sweet smell of books and the feel of crisp new pages holding an entire literary universe within them. Bibliophiles in Dubai would agree. The entire experience gets even better when you walk into one of the bookstores in Dubai, surrounded by literature on subjects ranging from historical facts and real life struggles to fantasy kingdoms and dystopian worlds.  

BEST BOOKSTORES IN DUBAI

There are a number of book shops in Dubai that offer never-ending bookshelves filled with best sellers and literary treasures that would entice any and all paramours of books. Most of these mega bookstores in Dubai have multiple branches, which makes them easy to access for everyone. Let’s now look at the best places to buy books in Dubai. 

BOOKS KINOKUNIYA

Books Kinokuniya is a massive bookstore in Dubai located in The Dubai Mall. Spread over an area of 68,000 sq. ft. it’s the biggest bookstore in Dubai. Kinokuniya has more than five hundred thousand books for you to choose from. Here, you’ll find everything from novels and biographies to comics, guides and scribes to add to your collection. 

It’s a book lover’s paradise where you can spend hours browsing through the different collections of novelty reads. This bookstore in Dubai Mall is also popular for its Japanese literature section that offers an entirely different universe for bibliophiles to explore. In addition, if you’re looking for book shops in Dubai that hold regular book signings, workshops and other outreach programmes – this is the one!

• Location: level 2, The Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai
• Timings: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
• Contact: +971-4-434-0111

MAGRUDY’S

Operating since 1975, this is one of the oldest bookstore chains in Dubai. Magrudy’s book shops in Dubai are a family-run business that offers an interesting selection of books keeping in mind the local community’s preferences. Magrudy’s is particularly known for their awesome collection of children’s books. 

Besides the books, Magrudy’s also offers children’s toys, stationery, and craft supplies. Over the years, this book shop in Dubai has evolved into a social hub for readers to come together and interact. Magrudy’s hosts regular book clubs, book signings and other events to encourage reading among the masses.

• Jumeirah 1 | 09:00 am to 10:00 pm 
• Khalifa University, Main Campus | 08:00 am to 09:00 pm 
• City Centre Mirdif | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-4-344-4193

BORDERS

For everyone who loves books and is always in search of new things to read, Borders is what they need. Starting out with their first branch in 2006, this chain of book shops in Dubai now has 6 different branches spread across the emirate. Catering all age groups, Borders brings you a fantastic collection of books in every genre. 

Besides the books, Borders bookstore in Dubai also has a variety of games, kid’s toys and stationery. Their collection of products is aimed at educating the masses and cultivating productive minds that are fluent in the matters of life. The bookstore also has a number of promotions on books and other products all year round. 

• Mall of the Emirates | 09:00 am to 12:00 am | +971-4-341-5758
• Ibn Batutta Mall | 10:00 am to 10:30 pm | +971-4-434-1925
• Dubai Marina Mall | 10:00 am to 12:00 am | +971-4-434-2501
• City Centre Deira | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | +971-4-298-1493
• The Dubai Mall | 10:00 am to 12:00 am | +971-4-362-7500

VIRGIN MEGASTORE

You’ll find a Virgin Megastore almost everywhere in Dubai. They have branches in Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina and Mirdif. You will also find their branches in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Bringing you a fantastic collection of books from all genres, Virgin Megastore’s book department has gained popularity among book lovers in Dubai. 

Whether you’re looking for self-help, business tips, cookbooks, novels or non-fiction – you’ll always find something that suits your palate. They also have a dedicated kid’s corner with books that will spark their young imagination and help it develop and expand into promising creativity and ideas.

• Mercato Mall | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | +971-4-344-6971
• Mall of the Emirates | 10:00 am to 12:00 am | +971-4-341-4353
• Deira City Centre | 10:00 am to 12:00 am | +971-4-295-8599
• Dubai Marina Mall | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | +971-4-552-0263
• Mirdif City Centre | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | +971-4-284-3110
• The Ranches Souk | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | +971-4-457-1651

WHSMITH

Not sure where to find the latest bestsellers in Dubai? Head over to WHSmith for the hottest new collection. Staffed with booksellers who have a keen insight of the latest trends and releases in the literary world, you can bank on finding the perfect new reads for yourself. This UK-based chain of bookstores in Dubai has shelves and shelves stocked with books for you to explore. 

You can also sign up for the book club to meet and interact with people who share your love for books and literature with the same enthusiasm. WHSmith also stocks international newspapers, popular magazines, confectionery products and stationery. You can find WHSmith branches in the City Walk, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina areas.

• The Dubai Mall | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | +971-4-388-2006
• City Walk by Meraas | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | +971-55-519-8106
• WAFI Mall | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | +971-4-324-1964

With these awesome bookstores in Dubai, it’s seldom that bibliophiles don’t find what they’re looking for. In addition to this list there are also Jashanmal Books and Bookworm as options to consider, with the latter being an independent, dedicated bookshop for kids. 

You can head out to the second hand and affordable book shops in Dubai if you’re in search of excellent varieties of cheap books. Obviously there are libraries in Dubai too, for those who like to enjoy secluded reading surrounded by books.

For a combination of books, coffee and like-minded people, you can always visit one of the library cafes in Dubai. And to show some love to the books you own, give them a permanent home with a DIY home library.