7 Best Anime Stores in Dubai for Manga & Figures (2026)

For manga, start with Books Kinokuniya; for Gunpla and hobby tools, choose Otaku ME; for a dedicated manga community shop, try Mangaya; and for large-scale collectibles, check Comicave. Dubai also has reliable multi-branch options for figures, games and licensed pop-culture merchandise.

This guide was refreshed in October 2026. We assessed specialisation, official retail presence, product range and usefulness to collectors—not just changing review scores. Stock, prices and opening hours should always be confirmed with the store.

Best anime stores in Dubai compared

1. Books Kinokuniya Dubai: best for manga

Books Kinokuniya at The Dubai Mall is the best first stop for English-language manga, light novels, Japanese art books, magazines and selected figures or stationery.

Best for: Current manga series, box sets, collector editions, art books and browsing a large book catalogue.

Why it stands out: Manga is a core book category rather than a small novelty shelf. The store can also be useful for Japanese-language titles and special orders.

Check Kinokuniya UAE for catalogue and store information.

2. Otaku ME: best for Gunpla and model-building

Otaku ME is a specialist retailer for Gundam model kits, hobby tools, paints, figures and related Japanese collectibles. Its physical presence at Times Square Center makes it particularly useful for builders who want advice before buying.

Best for: Gunpla, plastic-model tools, paints, display items and collector-grade hobby products.

Buying tip: Check a kit's grade, scale and included accessories. Nippers, sanding tools and panel-lining supplies may be separate.

3. Mangaya: best dedicated manga shop

Mangaya is a manga-focused shop in Al Garhoud, listed at Garhoud Tower 1. It appeals to readers who prefer a smaller specialist environment and anime-community feel.

Best for: Manga, character merchandise, gifts and discovering titles through staff recommendations.

Buying tip: Message or call ahead for a specific volume. Popular series often have gaps between restocks.

4. Comicave: best for premium collectibles

Comicave at Dubai Outlet Mall focuses on pop-culture collectibles, including figures, statues and licensed items across anime, comics, film and games.

Best for: Display pieces, premium figures, large collectibles and collectors who also follow Western franchises.

Buying tip: Inspect edition details, box condition and authenticity labels. Large statues may require delivery rather than carrying them on public transport.

Use Comicave's official link hub to find its current store and social channels.

5. The Little Things: best for figures and character goods

The Little Things is a well-known UAE pop-culture retailer that commonly carries anime figures, plush, blind boxes and licensed character products.

Best for: Gift shopping, prize figures, smaller collectibles, plush and browsing multiple franchises.

Buying tip: Compare pre-order, deposit and cancellation rules before reserving a limited item.

6. Geekay: best multi-branch gaming and anime mix

Geekay operates in multiple UAE malls and online. Anime products sit alongside games, consoles and broader pop-culture merchandise.

Best for: Convenient mall shopping, gaming-anime crossover items, figures and gifts.

Buying tip: Store inventory differs by branch; reserve online or call if the trip is for one product.

7. Virgin Megastore: best convenient mainstream option

Virgin Megastore Middle East is not an anime specialist, but larger Dubai branches often stock manga, figures, Funko products, collectibles and Japanese pop-culture gifts.

Best for: Mainstream titles, easy mall access, gift cards and click-and-collect convenience.

Buying tip: Specialist stores usually offer deeper ranges; Virgin is strongest when convenience matters.

What to buy where

How to check if anime merchandise is authentic

• Look for the manufacturer and licence holder on the box.
• Compare the product code with the manufacturer's official listing.
• Be cautious of prices dramatically below normal retail.
• Check print quality, seals and spelling.
• Ask whether an item is new, opened, pre-owned or a prize figure.
• For pre-orders, get the estimated release window and refund terms in writing.

Shopping online versus in store

Online catalogues are best for searching exact characters, editions and product codes. Physical stores are better for checking box condition, figure scale and paint quality.

For rare imports, compare the delivered price—including shipping and customs—with a local retailer's price. Local support and easier returns can be worth the difference.

Anime fans may also like LifeAtDubai's best Japanese stores in Dubai. Cosplayers sourcing materials can use our guide to craft stores in Dubai and fabric stores in Dubai.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to buy manga in Dubai?

Books Kinokuniya at The Dubai Mall has the broadest mainstream selection; Mangaya is a dedicated alternative in Al Garhoud.

Where can I buy Gundam model kits?

Otaku ME is the strongest specialist choice for Gunpla, tools and paints.

Are there anime stores in Dubai Mall?

Kinokuniya is the main anime and manga destination in The Dubai Mall. Other retailers in the mall may carry selected figures or character goods.

How can I avoid bootleg anime figures?

Buy from established retailers, check manufacturer markings and product codes, and avoid listings with unclear photos or implausibly low prices.

Do Dubai anime stores take pre-orders?

Many specialist retailers do, but deposit, cancellation and arrival policies differ. Read the terms before paying.

Stores and retail formats checked in October 2026; inventory and branches can change.