Dubai for book lovers

A public space focused on art, architecture, photography and design books with one of the calmest interiors in the city. Minimal furniture, huge shelves and quiet reading areas make it feel closer to a creative studio than a traditional reading hall.

They also host workshops, talks and cultural events, so the space attracts not only readers but also designers, students and people working in Dubai’s creative industries.

An independent bookstore with a cafe on the second floor and panoramic skyline views. The space is filled with carefully selected books, warm lighting and quiet corners where people come to read, work or spend a slow afternoon with coffee. Around sunset the second floor gets especially beautiful because of the natural light and city view.

One of the most recognizable libraries in Dubai designed in the shape of a traditional rehl, the wooden book stand used for the Quran. The building has multiple floors with huge reading halls, archive sections, exhibition spaces, private study rooms and over a million printed and digital books.

The space also includes cafes, children’s sections, rare collections and regular cultural events, which turned it into one of Dubai’s main public cultural spots after opening. It’s better to check current opening hours and section access before visiting.

A cozy second-hand bookstore with shelves of pre-owned novels, non-fiction and older editions you usually don’t see in regular bookstores anymore. The space feels much more personal and homey than larger chain shops around the city. Besides books, they also host workshops, reading sessions and small community events.

A public library on the Deira side with large reading halls, study areas and separate sections for adults and children. The atmosphere here feels much more local and residential compared to the newer libraries around central Dubai.

Besides regular reading spaces, they sometimes organise book fairs, educational activities and second-hand book events that bring in families, students and long-time residents from the area.

Readings, seasonal events and family activities have been part of Magrudy’s for years, which is why many people in Dubai still associate the store with childhood visits and school book shopping. The Jumeirah branch stays especially busy during weekends and back-to-school periods.

Unlike newer concept bookstores, Magrudy’s still keeps that classic neighborhood bookshop feeling with huge shelves, stationery sections and long rows of fiction, kids and school books.