Best places to buy second-hand books in UAE

Stepping into a secondhand bookstore is like embarking on a treasure hunt, where every spine holds a potential adventure and every page whispers stories from countless previous readers, making the quest for second-hand books in the UAE a delightful journey for any avid reader or budget-conscious student. In a region known for its glittering modernity, a vibrant and growing market for pre-loved books offers a charming contrast, promoting sustainability and making literature more accessible to everyone.

The Charm and Benefits of Pre-Loved Books

There’s a unique allure to second-hand books that goes beyond their often-lower price point. Each pre-loved volume carries a history, a faint scent of past homes, and perhaps even a forgotten inscription or a dog-eared page marking a poignant moment for a previous owner. For many, it’s about the thrill of the discovery – stumbling upon a rare edition, a classic novel, or an out-of-print gem that you simply wouldn’t find in a mainstream bookstore. Beyond the romantic appeal, buying used books is a highly sustainable practice, reducing waste and extending the life cycle of printed materials. It’s a small but significant step towards environmental consciousness, contributing to a circular economy in the literary world. Moreover, for students, finding affordable textbooks can make a significant difference, and for casual readers, it allows for broader exploration of genres without breaking the bank.

Physical Bookstores: A Treasure Trove of Stories

The UAE boasts several dedicated second-hand bookstores where you can physically browse shelves and discover your next read.

• House of Prose: This long-standing institution is a true gem for book lovers in Dubai, with branches in locations like Times Square Centre and Jumeirah Plaza. House of Prose has been a cornerstone of the secondhand book scene since the early 1990s, offering an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more. It’s known for its cozy atmosphere and the sheer volume of its ever-changing inventory. You can also sell or exchange your own pre-loved books here, making it a sustainable cycle for readers.
• BookHero: With locations in Oasis Mall and Mudon Community Centre in Dubai, BookHero is more than just a bookstore; it’s a community reading hub. They operate on a unique model, selling donated books at minimal prices, ensuring stories stay in circulation. BookHero also supports educational initiatives, including an Academic Book Exchange, which is a fantastic resource for students seeking affordable study materials. Their shops often have a casual, family-friendly vibe, inviting comfortable Browse.
• Book World Trading: Tucked away in the vibrant lanes of Satwa, Dubai, Book World Trading offers a nostalgic journey for any book enthusiast. Its overflowing shelves are packed with a vast array of worn hardcovers, classic novels, and even older textbooks. It’s the kind of place where you can lose yourself for hours, unearthing forgotten treasures.
• The Old Library: Located inside the Theatre of the Mall of the Emirates, The Old Library is a non-commercial venture run entirely by dedicated volunteers. While not a traditional retail store, it hosts highly anticipated quarterly book sales where you can snag gently used books at incredibly low prices. Keep an eye on their social media or contact them directly for sale dates; it’s a fantastic community initiative.
• Archies: Situated in the bustling Karama neighborhood of Dubai, Archies is a local favorite, particularly among students. It’s well-regarded for its neatly organized categories and affordable pricing. You’ll often find out-of-print textbooks and a wide selection of fiction here. The owners are known for their helpful recommendations and might even keep specific requests aside for returning customers, offering a personalized touch.
• House of Prose (Abu Dhabi): Like its Dubai counterpart, the Abu Dhabi branch of House of Prose provides an extensive collection of pre-loved books in a comfortable setting. It’s a go-to for many readers in the capital looking for affordable reads.
• Books R Us (Abu Dhabi): Located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Books R Us is another significant player in Abu Dhabi’s second-hand book market. They offer a diverse range of genres, from fiction to academic texts, catering to a broad audience.
• Books Kinokuniya (Abu Dhabi): While primarily a large new bookstore, Books Kinokuniya in Abu Dhabi also has a dedicated section for second-hand books. It’s worth checking out if you’re already visiting the mall, offering a convenient option for finding both new and used titles under one roof.

Online Platforms: Convenience at Your Fingertips

For those who prefer the convenience of shopping from home, the UAE has several excellent online platforms for buying and selling second-hand books.

• Bookends.ae: This entirely digital platform was created by two mothers with a vision to support literacy and sustainability in the UAE. Bookends.ae allows users to both buy and sell pre-loved books, featuring everything from international bestsellers to academic resources. Their stock is updated daily, and they offer various payment options, including cash on delivery. They also provide convenient pick-up and drop-off services for sellers, making the process incredibly easy.
• BookHero.ae: The online arm of the physical BookHero stores, BookHero.ae offers a vast selection of their affordable pre-read books. Their website is user-friendly, allowing you to browse by category and find exactly what you’re looking for, or simply explore their diverse collection.
• Dubizzle: While not exclusively for books, Dubizzle is a widely used classifieds website in the UAE where individuals frequently list used books for sale. You can find everything from single titles to large bundles, often at negotiable prices. It’s a great platform for direct-from-owner purchases, though you might need to coordinate pick-up or delivery yourself.
• Facebook Marketplace and Community Groups: Facebook is a surprisingly robust platform for second-hand book exchanges and sales in the UAE. Numerous groups such as “Used Books for Sale – Dubai,” “Book Exchange Dubai (2nd Hand Book Sale Dubai),” and “Unused and Used Books UAE” are active. These groups facilitate direct sales or even book swaps between community members, often leading to fantastic finds and new connections.
• Awesome Books: While a global retailer, Awesome Books ships to the UAE and offers millions of books, including both new and used books, at competitive prices. They are known for their strong commitment to literacy, donating a book for every purchase made on their site. This is a great option for finding a wide variety of titles, including popular fiction, crime thrillers, fantasy, and children’s books.

Community Initiatives and Charity Shops

Beyond dedicated bookstores and online platforms, community book sales and charity shops often provide excellent opportunities to discover second-hand books while supporting a good cause.

• The Old Library’s Quarterly Sales: As mentioned earlier, The Old Library is a volunteer-run initiative that holds large-scale book sales a few times a year. These events are highly anticipated by the community and are fantastic for picking up a large volume of books at very low prices, with proceeds often going back into library operations or charitable causes.
• Thrift for Good: This social enterprise focuses on selling pre-loved items, including books, to support charitable initiatives. While their inventory might vary, Thrift for Good is a great place to check for donated books, and your purchase directly contributes to community welfare programs.
• School and University Book Drives: Many schools and universities in the UAE organize annual second-hand book sales or book drives where students and faculty can exchange or purchase used textbooks and recreational reads. These are often advertised internally but sometimes open to the wider community.
• Local Community Markets and Fairs: Keep an eye on announcements for local community markets, bazaars, and charity fairs in areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), or various residential compounds. These events often feature stalls selling second-hand books, offering a chance to find unique titles and support local vendors or charities.

The quest for second-hand books in the UAE is a delightful journey, whether you prefer the tactile experience of Browse dusty shelves or the convenience of online shopping. It’s a fantastic way to indulge your love for reading, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable literary culture in this dynamic region. This comprehensive guide has been meticulously prepared by the www.few.ae team to help you unearth your next great read.