Where to find the best bookstores in Abu Dhabi?
Looking for your next great read? Browse the best bookstores in Abu Dhabi and you’ll definitely find a literary escape in their diverse collection of literature. From textbooks to novels, from autobiographies to travelogues, bookstores in the UAE have so much to offer. Join us as we delve into a list of the best bookshops in Abu Dhabi.
LIST OF POPULAR BOOKSHOPS IN ABU DHABI
MAGRUDY’S
Magrudy’s journey began in 1975 and within a short time span, the bookstore established itself as one of the popular bookshops in Abu Dhabi. You can find a wide range of books here including academic, fiction, biographies, autobiographies, religious books, poetry, history, and almost any other genre.
- Location:
- Location 1: World Trade Centre Mall, Al Danah
- Location 2: Al Wahda Mall
- Location 3: New York University A3 Building, Level 0, Saadiyat Island
- Timings: Saturday to Friday 10:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Contact: Al Wahda Mall +971-2-443-7172 | WTC Abu Dhabi: +971-2-621-1799
KINOKUNIYA
An import from the epic Japanese chain of bookstores, Kinokuniya bookstore in Abu Dhabi is another great place to pick up your next haul of books. This huge bookshop in Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island has an endless stacks of quality reads. Titles range from graphic novels, manga, travel books and children’s literature, to books on cooking, art, design, and numerous other disciplines.
You can also order your favourite book from the Kinokuniya online store. Apart from the Kinokuniya UAE branches, the chain also has stores in America, Singapore, Australia and Thailand
- Location: 13140-14005, Level 3 and 4, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
- Timings: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 am – 09:00 pm | Thursday and Friday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-643-6747
BORDERS
A project of Al Maya Group, Borders is a popular bookstore in Abu Dhabi, with a selection of titles that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. The store was established in 2006 and is one of the top bookshops in the UAE. Borders has several outlets located across Abu Dhabi.
Other than books on a diverse range of subjects, the store has a large collection of stationery items, toys and games.
- Location:
- Location 1: GF-152, Al Wahda Mall
- Location 2: Marina Mall
- Location 3: Yas Mall
- Location 4: Dalma Mall
- Location 5: Al Raha Mall
- Timings: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 am – 09:00 pm | Thursday and Friday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-658-4181 (Al Wahda Mall)
JARIR BOOKSTORE
Jarir Bookstore in Abu Dhabi is a bookshop combined with a tech store. It is great spot for readers with a multitude of English and Arabic reads to choose from. Besides books, tech buffs can buy phones, laptops, scanners, printers and computer accessories here.
It’s easy to shop at the online Jarir bookstore, where you will also find a variety of arts and crafts products, as well as teaching aids. Visit the official Jarir Bookstore website to shop for your favourite books and gadgets all in one place.
- Location: Nation Towers, Beside Hilton Hotel, Nation Galleria – Corniche Rd
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 09:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-673-3999
THE BOOKSHOP LIBRARY
The Bookshop Library is another great option on our list of bookstores in Abu Dhabi. The store boasts a comprehensive selection of both English and Arabic books on a huge variety of topics.
In addition, you can get stationery, office supplies, electronics and other products. The bookshop offers scanning, blueprint printing, roll-ups, bookbinding, and photocopying services as well. You can also shop at their online store.
- Location: Al Baladiya Street, Al Mu’tarid Area
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-3-755-1500
SECOND-HAND BOOKS IN ABU DHABI
THRIFT BOOKSTORE
Nestled amongst the small cluster of stores in the Royal Rose Hotel, Thrift Bookstore is a great spot to pick up some classic second-hand books in Abu Dhabi. Scour through the shelves and you might stumble upon some rare literary treasure! It’s also a great place to get second-hand academic books in Abu Dhabi.
The Thrift Bookstore Abu Dhabi also has a website which enables you to get your favourite books delivered to your doorstep.
- Location: Electra Street, Zone 1E10
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday 05:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-671-1903
BOOKS R US
Another second-hand bookshop in Abu Dhabi is Books R Us, located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. You can find anything and everything from children books to school books…at affordable prices. Book R Us is undoubtedly one of the best cheap bookstores in Abu Dhabi.
The bookstore also offers special discounts on books. So, keep a lookout on their official Facebook page for promotional offers.
- Location: Mohammad Bin Zayed City, ME 12
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 11:00 am – 09:00 pm | Friday 05:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Contact: +971-54-400-0685
OTHER BOOKSTORES IN ABU DHABI
Other than those already listed, it’s well worth checking out these other noteworthy bookshops in Abu Dhabi:
ISLAMIC BOOK CENTRE
- Location: Al Hisn W4
- Contact: +971-2-621-8600
AL MUTANABBI BOOKSHOP
- Location: Madina Zayed, Airport Road
- Contact: +971-58-828-4186
UNIVERSITY BOOKSHOP
- Location: Zone 1E18-01
- Contact: +971-2-642-2530
EARLY STARTERS BOOKSTORE
- Location: Abu Dhabi Business Hub – Warehouse 7 – Shop 4 – ICAD I
- Contact: +971-2-555-65999
AL ANDALUS BOOKSHOP
- Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St, Airport Road, Opp. KFC
- Contact: +971-2-632-3215
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE CAN I BUY SECOND-HAND BOOKS IN ABU DHABI?
The best options for second-hand books in Abu Dhabi are Thrift and Books R Us. Both stores have a massive collection of used books.
WHERE CAN I ORDER BOOKS ONLINE IN ABU DHABI?
If you’re looking for online bookstores, Jarir and Kinokuniya have their own online stores to shop from. Other options include Dubizzle and Noon.
WHERE CAN I DONATE BOOKS IN ABU DHABI?
You can donate your unwanted books to Fifth Street Café located at the Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi.
This concludes our roundup of the best bookstores in Abu Dhabi. On the rare occasion where you can’t find the book you’re looking for in Abu Dhabi, the bookstores in Dubai might have what you’re looking for.
Looking for a place to read in peace? Adults can head to one of the public libraries in Abu Dhabi for studies or casual reading. For kids, Abu Dhabi Children’s Library offers a great collection of books and other exciting activities for children.
