5 Best Bookstores In Dubai 2024

Dubai is renowned for luxurious shopping, offering everything from fashion to unique finds. Among these, book lovers can discover a treasure trove of bookstores.

This article explores Dubai’s 5 best bookstores, highlighting top spots for literary enthusiasts.

Whether you seek bestsellers, rare finds, or children’s books, there’s something for everyone. Avid readers and casual visitors alike will find a haven for literary exploration.

We’ve curated a list of well-known chains and charming independents to suit every preference. Discover the perfect spot for your next great read in Dubai.

5 Best Bookstores In Dubai

1. Books Kinokuniya Dubai (⭐4.7 out of 9,416 Reviews)

Books Kinokuniya is one of the best book stores in Dubai that offers an extensive collection of books for every reader. This bookstore provides a unique literary experience in the heart of the city and you can visit this store for diverse reads and cultural treasures.

Product Range

• Books: Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, manga, art books, cookbooks, travel guides, children’s books, and more. 
• Unique Items: Limited edition books, signed copies, Japanese literature, and rare collectibles. 
• Services: Special orders, book reservations, gift wrapping, and literary events.

Quality and Price

• Quality: High-quality books and merchandise sourced from renowned publishers and brands. 
• Price Range: Budget-friendly to premium, catering to a wide range of shoppers. 
• Value for Money: Excellent value, offering diverse and unique literary finds for every budget.

Location and Accessibility

• Address: The Dubai Mall, Level 2 – Unit SF – 098 – 99 Financial Center Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Accessibility: Instore shopping and Delivery available, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Branches:
• 13140-14005, Level 3 and 4, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
  Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island
  Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Dubai Mall, Level 2, SF-098
  Financial Centre Road
  Down Town Burj Khalifa
• Contact No: +97144340111

Open Hours

Monday – Thursday: 10.00 AM – 11.00 PM

Friday – Sunday: 10.00 AM – 12.00 AM

Customer Service

• Service Quality: Friendly and attentive staff.
• Staff Knowledge and Helpfulness: Highly knowledgeable and always ready to assist with recommendations.
• Return and Exchange Policy: Flexible returns and exchanges within 7 days of purchase.

Customer Reviews

• Ratings: 4.7/5 stars on Google Reviews.
• Common Praises: Excellent product range, knowledgeable staff, cultural events, and workshops.
• Common Complaints: Some items are expensive, occasional customer service issues.

Additional Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Weekday mornings: To avoid crowds, visiting in the morning on weekdays is ideal.
• Evenings on weekdays: Generally less crowded than weekends, especially after 7 PM.

Ongoing Promotions or Discounts:

• Seasonal Sales: Kinokuniya often has promotions during back-to-school seasons, holiday sales, and special events like the Dubai Shopping Festival.
• Clearance Sales: Periodic clearance sales on selected titles and merchandise.

Membership or Loyalty Programs:

• Kinokuniya Card: This loyalty program offers members exclusive discounts, special offers, and early access to sales events. Members can earn points on purchases which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.

2. BookHero – Oasis Mall, Dubai (⭐4.8 out of 564 Reviews)

BookHero at Oasis Mall in Dubai offers a wide range of affordable books. The store provides the customers with affordable books. The store’s story started with the love they had towards animals. BookHero was born in an effort towards a better community.

Product Range

• Books: Fiction, non-fiction, bestsellers, classics, self-help, and niche genres. 
• Stationery: Notebooks, pens, planners, office supplies, and art materials. 
• Exclusive Items: Signed copies by authors, first editions, collectible book sets. 
• Services: Book signings, author meet-and-greets, book clubs, and personalized reading lists.

Quality and Price

• Quality: Excellent quality books sourced from reputable publishers and authors. 
• Price Range: Mid-range to premium, catering to various budgets and preferences. 
• Value for Money: Offers good value with competitive pricing for the quality of books available.

Location and Accessibility

• Address: Oasis Centre, Basement Level 1,Near 2nd Interchange – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Accessibility: Instore shopping and Delivery available, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Branches:
• Dubai Sports City : +971 563878600
• Mudon Community Center – Dubai: +971 563878600
• BookHero Cafe – Umm Suqeim Park, Jumeirah – Dubai: +971567368862
• Contact No: +971507887025

Open Hours

Everyday: 10.00 AM – 10.00 PM

Customer Service

• Service Quality: Courteous and attentive customer service.
• Staff Knowledge and Helpfulness: Well-informed staff eager to assist with recommendations.
• Return and Exchange Policy: Flexible returns and exchanges policy.

Customer Reviews

• Ratings: 4.8/5 stars on Google Reviews.
• Common Praises: Wide selection of books, friendly and knowledgeable staff, convenient location.
• Common Complaints: Occasionally high prices on certain items, limited availability of niche books.

Additional Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Weekday mornings and early afternoons are generally less crowded.
• Avoid weekends and late afternoons when foot traffic is higher.

Ongoing Promotions or Discounts:

• BookHero offers a diverse selection of new and pre-loved books, often priced at AED 10 or AED 20​
• They have a unique “honesty system” at their unmanned locations where you pay what you feel is appropriate for the books
• Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and special offers on their website and social media channels.

Membership or Loyalty Programs:

• BookHero doesn’t have a traditional membership program, but they do run community initiatives such as the “Books & Break” initiative which allows companies to offer their employees books at discounted rates
• They also engage in various community projects, including free educational book swaps and book donations to underdeveloped countries, which can be a great way to get involved and benefit from their services​

3. Al Munna Bookshop LLC [Dubai Retail Outlet] (⭐4.0 out of 758 Reviews)

Al Munna Bookshop LLC in Dubai Retail Outlet offers a vast selection of books. The store is an independent international book distribution and publishing company. The store originated by publishing professionals who are dedicated and committed to the field of education.

Product Range

• Books: Fiction, non-fiction, bestsellers, academic texts, children’s books, and rare editions. 
• Stationery: Notebooks, pens, markers, office supplies, and arts & crafts materials. 
• Exclusive Items: Signed editions, limited prints, rare manuscripts, and local authors’ works. 
• Services: Book reservations, special orders, gift wrapping, and personalized book recommendations.

Quality and Price

• Quality: High-quality books curated from diverse genres and reputable publishers. 
• Price Range: Moderate to premium, accommodating different budget ranges. 
• Value for Money: Offers excellent value with competitive pricing and quality selection.

Location and Accessibility

• Address: Street # 74 Al Mussallah Rd – near Al Musalla Post Office – Al Raffa – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Accessibility: Delivery available, Wheelchair-accessible car park
• Contact No: +97143529294

Open Hours

Every Otherday: 9.00 AM – 10.00 PM

Friday: 9.00 AM – 12.00 PM & 3.00 PM – 10.00 PM

Customer Service

• Service Quality: Exceptional customer service with a focus on customer satisfaction.
• Staff Knowledge and Helpfulness: Knowledgeable and friendly staff offering expert advice.
• Return and Exchange Policy: Transparent and accommodating return and exchange policies.

Customer Reviews

• Ratings: 4.0/5 stars on Google Reviews.
• Common Praises: Exceptional customer service, diverse book selection, cozy ambiance.
• Common Complaints: Higher prices on rare books, occasional delays in special orders.

Additional Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Weekday mornings and early afternoons: To avoid crowds, visit between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday.
• Evenings on Fridays: The shop reopens from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM on Fridays, a good time for a quieter visit.

Ongoing Promotions or Discounts:

• Al Munna Bookshop frequently offers various discounts and deals on textbooks, stationery, and other educational materials. It’s best to check their website or visit the store for current promotions.

Membership or Loyalty Programs:

• Customer Rewards: While there isn’t a traditional membership program, Al Munna Bookshop provides consistent value with competitive pricing on textbooks and school supplies, appealing to long-term customers and institutions.

4. Borders Bookstore (⭐4.4out of 508 Reviews)

Borders Bookstore in Dubai offers a haven for book lovers, with extensive collections. Its ambiance encourages relaxation and exploration, making it a literary paradise.

Product Range

• Books: Fiction, non-fiction, bestsellers, academic texts, children’s books, and magazines. 
• Stationery: Notebooks, pens, planners, office supplies, and art materials. 
• Exclusive Items: Signed copies, limited editions, collectible books, and gift sets. 
• Services: Book signings, author events, storytelling sessions, and book reservations.

Quality and Price

Quality: Offers high-quality books across various genres and categories from reputable publishers. 

Price Range: Moderate to premium, with options suitable for different budget levels. 

Value for Money: Provides good value with a balance of quality and pricing, catering to diverse reader preferences.

Location and Accessibility

• Address: Emirates Mall, 2nd Floor, Near Vox Cinema, Sheikh Zayed Road – 4th Interchange – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Contact No: +97143415758

Open Hours

Everyday: 9.00 AM – 12.00 AM

Customer Service

• Service Quality: Excellent customer service focused on enhancing the shopping experience.
• Staff Knowledge and Helpfulness: Well-trained staff offering knowledgeable assistance and recommendations.
• Return and Exchange Policy: Transparent and customer-friendly policies.

Customer Reviews

• Ratings: 4.4/5 stars on Google Reviews.
• Common Praises: Excellent variety of books, friendly and helpful staff, comfortable atmosphere.
• Common Complaints: Occasional delays in special orders, some books priced higher than expected.

Additional Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, providing a quieter shopping experience

Ongoing Promotions or Discounts:

• Borders store frequently offers promotions such as “3 for 2” deals on books, which allows customers to buy three books but only pay for two.

Membership or Loyalty Programs:

• Borders is part of the Al Maya Group, which offers various year-round promotions. Specific details about a dedicated loyalty program were not found, but customers can sign up for newsletters to receive exclusive offers and updates​

5. Goyals Books and Beyond – Bur Dubai (⭐4.1 out of 607 Reviews)

Goyals Books and Beyond in Bur Dubai offers an extensive range of books. The store was selling mainly school books, educational toys and school supplies, children’s books at the beginning. Their books are complemented by a wide range of cards, toys, stationery, and arts & crafts materials suitable for all ages.

Product Range

• Books: Fiction, non-fiction, academic texts, self-help, children’s books, and graphic novels. 
• Stationery: Notebooks, pens, pencils, office supplies, art supplies, and craft materials. 
• Exclusive Items: Signed editions, rare books, international bestsellers, and local publications. 
• Services: Author events, book launches, literary workshops, and book rental services.

Quality and Price

• Quality: Exceptional quality books, including rare and collectible editions, from renowned publishers. 
• Price Range: Mid-range to premium, reflecting the diversity and exclusivity of their book collection. 
• Value for Money: Provides excellent value for book enthusiasts seeking high-quality and unique editions.

Location and Accessibility

• Address: Sheikh Hashim Building G Floor, Shop no. 1 & 2 – opp. Mini Punjab Restaurant – Bur Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
• Contact No: +971565225468

Open Hours

Monday – Thursday & Sunday: 9.00 AM – 1.30 PM & 4.30 PM – 9.30 PM

Friday: 3.00 PM – 10.00 PM

Saturday: 9.00 AM – 1.30 PM & 3.00 PM – 9.30 PM

Customer Service

• Service Quality: Outstanding customer service dedicated to meeting customer needs.
• Staff Knowledge and Helpfulness: Highly knowledgeable and helpful staff for personalized assistance.
• Return and Exchange Policy: Flexible and customer-friendly return and exchange policies.

Customer Reviews

• Ratings: 4.1/5 stars on Google Reviews.
• Common Praises: Extensive collection of books, helpful and knowledgeable staff, frequent author events.
• Common Complaints: Higher prices on some items, occasional issues with book availability.

Additional Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Weekday mornings to avoid crowds, as the store is open from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM on most days.

Ongoing Promotions or Discounts:

• Seasonal promotions and discounts are often available, particularly during back-to-school seasons and major holidays. Keep an eye on their website and social media for current offers.

Membership or Loyalty Programs:

• Goyals Books and Beyond offers a loyalty program where frequent customers can benefit from exclusive discounts and early access to sales.

In Summary

Finding the best bookstores in Dubai can be an enriching journey, especially when you align your preferences with what matters most to you. Whether you seek a vast selection of genres, knowledgeable staff, or cozy reading corners, prioritize your values. 

Consider visiting bookstores that offer excellent customer service and a diverse range of books. Personalize your experience by exploring unique sections or attending literary events that align with your interests. 

Dubai’s bookstores cater to a wide range of readers, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Embrace the joy of discovering new books and authors while enjoying the welcoming atmospheres these stores provide. 

We hope this guide simplifies your search for the best bookstores in Dubai. For more tips and recommendations, check out our other articles:

• 10 Best Japanese Stores In Dubai
• 7 Best Anime Stores In Dubai
• 10 Best Furniture Stores in Dubai 

Thank you for reading, and happy shopping!

Featured image credits: Alana Sousa