There
are several places where readers can buy new and second- hand books in Dubai. In
my opinion, some of those places are particularly noteworthy because of offered
collections and great atmosphere.
Book
World by Kinokuniya at Dubai Mall
This
marvellous and the biggest bookshop in UAE is located at Dubai Mall. Although
the Mall is like a jungle and I always get lost, it is a booklover’s instinct
that leads me straight to the Kinokuniya. Ever since I bought my first book
there, I feel nostalgic about this place. Honestly, this is heaven on Earth for
every bibliophile! Kinokuniya is so spacious that when you enter you cannot see
the end of it. Place is also sophisticated, bright and very well- organized.
You
can find any genre you like and extremely nice staff is always
helpful and courteous. You can always
ask whether particular book is in the stock; they even order books which are
not available at the moment. Over half a million books are offered in several
languages. In other words, Kinokuniya provides excellent selection of books of
all sorts. In addition, you can purchase gifts
vouchers, comics, magazines, action figures, stationary, and games.
Although
I truly admire this place, books cost arm and leg there! Some books can be
found cheaper in other stores around Dubai. I am particularly interested in
history and social sciences books but horrendous prices make be dizzy sometimes.
Too bad that Kinokuniya does not make any special offers and sales. Actually, I
have never seen any book on sale. I would expect bookstore like Kinokuniya to
make nice deals from time to time.
Personally,
I do not buy books online because I could not miss the pleasure of exploring
all the shelves filled with thousands of beautiful books, but for those who do
not have time or do not like crowded shopping malls Kinokuniya offers online
store.
In
overall, it is heaven for booklovers, 4- 5 hours is not enough to explore
everything what Kinokuniya offers.
House of Prose at Jumeirah Plaza
Shopping Centre and House of Prose at Garden Centre
The
House of Prose first started in Muscat, Oman 23 years ago. Then Mr. Mike
McGinley, in 1997 established a shop at Jumeirah Plaza Shopping Centre on the
Beach Road in Dubai. This tiny and
lovely second- hand shop offers variety of books at very affordable prices. Furthermore,
if you return book in good condition you will get 50 per cent refund. Since each
of book is stamped with House of Prose stamp you can return to either of their
locations. With loyalty card, after buying nine books you can
claim a complimentary book, or coffee. When I first visited that store I was
amazed with variety of books; some of them really good tittles in perfect
condition, and still at a fair price. In my opinion, it is senseless to spend a
fortune on the same books in stores in the shopping malls. But, what I really like
about House of Prose is that you can find interesting old books, which new book
stores do not offer.
Second
store is located in Garden Centre, Al Quoz, on Sheik Zayed Road. Although tiny
in size, it is really charming corner where you can sit on little chairs and look
through the collection. Both places have souls and characters. I have been visiting
them regularly ever since I arrived to Dubai almost two years ago.
You
can follow House of Prose on Facebook to check out new arrivals and you can book
by phone those items you are interested in. I recommend to visit the store’s website
and watch short book reviews by Mr. Mike McGinley.
I
think that House of Prose is a great project and I hope to see more place like
this around Dubai in the future.
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