Dubai is famous for its luxury shopping, where you can find a wide range of goods, from trendy fashion to special items. Book lovers can also find a great selection of bookstores in the city. There’s a special feeling when you walk into a bookstore filled with rows of shelves that hold countless stories, knowledge, and inspiration. This article on Indubaimall takes a look at Dubai’s top bookstores, while they are making it easier for book fans to find great reads. Whether you’re looking for popular books, rare editions, or children’s stories, there’s something to suit every reader. Both serious book fans and casual visitors will enjoy a great place to explore literature. You can find your next favorite bookstore in Dubai in this page.
| Bookstore Name | Type / Specialty | Location |
|---|---|---|
| BookHero | Second-hand & affordable books | Oasis Centre, Basement Level 1, Sheikh Zayed Road |
| Kinokuniya | International bookstore chain | Dubai Mall – Fashion Parking area |
| House of Prose | Second-hand bookstore | Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai |
| WHSmith | International chain | Inside Dubai Mall, Basement Level (Parking P1) |
| Borders | Established bookstore chain | Dubai Mall, Unit LG 190 |
Why Dubai Loves Books?
Dubai is increasingly valuing books and literature, and it is creating a lively literary culture in addition to its image as a place of luxury and creativity. Here is why Dubai loves books:
- A Literary Hub Like No Other
Dubai brings together large bookstores, small independent shops, and cozy library cafes, offering something for every book lover. Whether you’re looking for rare books, the newest bestsellers, or specialized publications, you’ll find them all here. Places like Kinokuniya at The Dubai Mall and House of Prose highlight the city’s deep connection to literature.
- Convenient Accessibility
Popular bookstores such as Magrudy’s and Borders have many locations throughout the city, making it simple to get your favorite books anywhere you go. Whether you’re in a busy mall or a quiet neighborhood, these stores are always nearby, so you can enjoy reading without hassle.
- A Thriving Literary Community
Dubai has a strong literary scene with active book clubs, exciting author events, and hands-on workshops that make reading come to life. Events like the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature help establish the city as a major cultural and literary center. For book lovers, Dubai is more than just a city—it’s a place where endless stories, diverse cultures, and a wealth of knowledge come together.
Best Book Shop in Dubai
Dubai’s book scene has a wide range of stores that offer something for every reader. Here are the best book shops in Dubai that we gathered for you:
BookHero
- Location: Oasis Centre, Basement Level 1, Near 2nd Interchange, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
- Phone: +971 50 788 7025
BookHero is a top bookstore in Dubai that is the perfect place to enjoy a fulfilling reading experience without spending a lot. They have a large collection of new and gently used books from many different categories, making it easy for readers to find something they love at great prices, mostly between AED 10 and 20. You can join their ongoing Free Educational Book Swap program, designed especially for educational books, which helps build a community focused on learning and sharing. You can experience the happiness of reading while helping share knowledge and make books more accessible, all located right in the heart of Dubai in BookHero.
Kinokuniya
- Location: Fashion Parking, Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 434 0111
Based in Tokyo, Japan, Kinokuniya is a well-known global bookstore with stores in countries like the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan, and now in Dubai, UAE. The Kinokuniya store located inside Dubai Mall is huge, featuring over half a million books in languages such as English, Arabic, Japanese, and French, along with thousands of stationery items and magazines. The store offers a pleasant and beautifully designed environment, complemented by an amazing view of the modern skyline, including the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. You should visit this bookstore in Dubai Mall as a wonderful experience that brings joy and excitement to book lovers.
HOUSE OF PROSE
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Quoz, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 344 9021
House of Prose is considered the top choice for a second-hand bookstore in Dubai. It offers a wide range of book genres at good prices. The shop has a nicely arranged interior with bookshelves made of wood, creating a nostalgic atmosphere similar to the small bookstore you cherished in your childhood. You can also explore the antique sections where you might discover rare and unique items, such as signed first editions. The price starts from as low as AED 5 per book. It is also ranked among the best bookstores in Dubai.
Booktopia
- Location: H&M, First Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai
- Phone: : +971 54 996 4677
Booktopia is one of the top independent bookstore in Dubai, and its family has been assisting readers for more than 25 years. The team is available in the store to provide insider tips and guidance on everything from classic literature to the newest releases. The store offers books in both Arabic and English, catering to all age groups.
Magrudy’s
- Location: 27 B Street, Jumeirah, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 344 4193
The main Magrudy’s store was established in Dubai in 1975 and soon became a leading school supplier in the area. Since then, it has expanded significantly, with multiple locations throughout the city. While Magrudy’s now offers a wide selection of books in various genres, its core mission remains focused on education, providing many academic books for children of all ages. For adults, there is also a broad assortment of both non-fiction and fiction available in English and Arabic. It can be the best bookshop in Dubai.
Borders
- Location: Emirates Mall, 2nd Floor, Near Vox Cinema, Sheikh Zayed Road – 4th Interchange – Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 341 5758
If you are for cheap book shops in Dubai, you can take a look at Borders. Borders is a well-known name in the UAE, featuring over 10 bookstores in Dubai alone. Each location offers a variety of the newest English language books for all ages, along with a limited selection of Arabic titles. The stores also carry local and international magazines, stationery, and school supplies for young customers. Additionally, you can discover the latest games, toys, and gifts in the stores, making it a convenient one-stop shop.
