Best bookstores in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s literary landscape hides more than just shelves and pages. Each bookstore tells its own quiet story—some through cluttered aisles, others with curated corners. Readers don’t just visit; they return, often, and without needing a reason. Locals know where to find what they’re looking for, and where to stumble on what they didn’t expect. These are the best bookstores in Abu Dhabi—not just for their books, but for the lives that unfold quietly around them.

KINOKUNIYA

Located in The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island, Kinokuniya spans two spacious floors and offers more than just books. From English bestsellers to Arabic novels and Japanese publications, the variety is vast and thoughtfully curated. It’s not unusual to lose track of time between shelves of graphic novels, foreign magazines, and rare literary finds.

The children’s section is equally engaging, with bright displays, educational toys, and age-appropriate books. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts linger near shelves lined with sketchpads, coloring tools, and puzzles. Soft chairs and reading nooks offer a quiet place to pause mid-browse or flip through your new pick.

Book signings and community events add life to the space without making it feel crowded. Staff recommendations are often spot-on, and if you’re unsure what you’re looking for, they’ll gently nudge you in the right direction. Whether you stop by midday or closer to closing, there’s always something to discover here.

MAGRUDY’S

Since 1975, Magrudy’s has been part bookstore, part community fixture. Its Abu Dhabi locations—from Al Wahda Mall to Khalifa City—make it a familiar stop for school kids, university students, and casual readers alike. Fiction, textbooks, cookbooks, biographies—there’s always something new on the racks.

Wander further and you’ll find shelves of toys, games, and school supplies that seem to change with each visit. The children’s corner is quietly magical: little chairs, shelves within arm’s reach, picture books in every direction. There’s also a range of notebooks, planners, and quirky gift items if you’re not exactly in a reading mood.

Staff don’t hover, but they notice when you need help. Community events—author talks, seasonal workshops—bring the place to life. For those who prefer staying home, their online store is easy to navigate and regularly updated.

BORDERS

Inside Abu Dhabi Mall, Borders manages to be both lively and calming at once. It’s more than a place to buy books—it’s where readers roam between genres without a plan. Fiction, language guides, exam prep, self-help, coffee table tomes—everything is grouped intuitively, but still invites casual discovery.

Past the books, you’ll find puzzles, globes, backpacks, and a colorful toy section buzzing with kids. Art supplies are tucked near the journals and sketchbooks—easy to miss, unless you’re looking. Some visitors stop by just to browse and soak in the atmosphere.

Staff are welcoming, without being overbearing. Events happen now and then—never loud, always well attended. And the online store makes it easy to track down a title you regret not buying the first time.

AL ANDALUS BOOKSHOP

On Old Airport Road, not far from Central Hospital, Al Andulus Bookshop keeps things simple. It’s a local fixture—unfussy, dependable, and somehow still charming. Early hours make it ideal for a quick stop before work or school, and the selection reflects its purpose: useful, varied, well-stocked.

Here, textbooks and school supplies are stacked right alongside religious literature and children’s titles. A corner holds toys and games with educational leanings, while another section houses Arabic novels and English thrillers. There’s something humble but warm in its practicality.

The staff know their regulars and remember requests. Parking nearby is never too difficult, and prices are usually fair. This is the kind of place you return to again and again—not for grandeur, but because it quietly gets everything right.

THE BOOKSHOP LIBRARY EST.

Tucked away on Al Masi Street, this unassuming bookstore does more than its name suggests. Inside, you’ll find not just books, but a curious blend of school supplies, office goods, and shelves of toys nestled beside classic literature. It opens at 9 AM, but it’s busiest late in the day—when students, teachers, and casual visitors drop by, scanning both Arabic and English titles with equal familiarity.

Sections are fluidly arranged, and somehow, despite the variety, nothing feels cramped. Kids wander toward the back, drawn to the bright children’s nook stocked with picture books and educational games. And while it’s not flashy, the shop has a loyal following—especially among those who know what they’re looking for and trust the staff to help them track it down.

Parking is straightforward, and for specific questions, phone numbers are clearly posted. Promotions come and go without much fanfare, but the store’s real value lies in its consistency. It’s not loud, trendy, or commercial—just steady, useful, and surprisingly deep once you start digging.

GOYALS BOOKS AND BEYOND

Goyals Books and Beyond has quietly served generations of students in Al Zahiyah since 1992. It builds its reputation through word of mouth and consistent reliability year after year. The store sells more than just schoolbooks—its stock includes craft supplies, office gear, uniforms, workbooks, and more.

Teachers, parents, and school staff fill the aisles on weekday mornings, lists in hand. The team understands its customers and sources specific books for UAE curriculums with speed and precision. The layout keeps things simple and functional, guiding visitors with ease. The store avoids over-design and focuses instead on practical organization.

Nearby parking makes visits convenient, especially during busy midday hours. Many shoppers return regularly, often to catch seasonal offers or to buy in bulk. Goyals skips trends and focuses on what matters—purpose, familiarity, and shelves that work as hard as the people who walk them.