Dubai's Rare Book Market Flourishes

Luxury in Rarity: Dubai's Rare Book Market Booms

In Dubai, there is an increasing push for the city to become one of the world's leading cultural destinations. To this end, initiatives are emerging that go beyond the expected shopping or gastronomic experiences – such as the rise of the market for rare and antique books. The new face of luxury now includes letters and leather-bound first editions: such curiosities as an autographed James Bond novel can fetch up to 120,000 dirhams.

Zerzura Rare Books – The Birth of a Unique Bookstore

Three years ago, Zerzura Rare Books opened in Alserkal Avenue, a cultural hub in Dubai. It's not just a store, but an experience. The owner believes rare books should not be viewed in online carts but should be picked up, smelled, and flipped through – because these works are more than mere reading material: they carry history.

The store's collection is impressive. Alongside works by classic authors like Jane Austen or Roald Dahl, there are also books related to the United Arab Emirates – such as the famous Arabian Sands. Arabic first editions, including works by Syrian, Lebanese, and Egyptian writers, further enrich the selection. The collection's depth is marked by rarities such as a 1763 Chinese Quran fragment, priced at 40,000 dirhams.

Buyers from all over the World

Dubai's diversity is well reflected in Zerzura's clientele. According to the owner, customers include not only expatriates living in the city but also collectors and tourists visiting from Saudi Arabia or other neighboring countries. Emirati nationals also form an important target group, particularly those interested in books about the country’s history and culture.

Interestingly, some nations – for instance, the Russians – have a particularly strong culture of gifting books. As a result, purchasing is often driven not only by a collector's intent but also by the purpose of gifting.

No Need to Spend Millions

While the most attention-grabbing items are the pricey rarities, the store's offerings span a wide price range. It is possible to find special, interesting items for approximately 100 dirhams. According to the owner, one doesn't need to be wealthy to start a book collection – all that's required is interest and curiosity.

Procurements are carried out globally. Alongside British antiquarian bookshops, regular sources include the United States, Japan, Australia, and several European countries. Special orders, participation in book festivals, and international shipping ensure that the store's reach extends well beyond the borders of the UAE.

The Renaissance of Physical Books

Interest in physical readings is also on the rise, not just in rare books. Another Dubai-based platform, Bookends, reports similar trends. According to the experiences of the business specializing in used books, many are giving up on electronic devices, returning to the tangible world of books. For an increasing number of people, "me time" means delving into a real book in a comfortable corner.

At Bookends, emotionally significant moments also occur: like when an old cookbook or vintage edition returns to Australia because it holds emotional value for someone – or when customers find childhood photos in an old book.

A New Cultural Direction

Dubai envisions not only luxury shopping and gastronomy but also culture as a major attraction. Included in this vision is the offering centered around rare books, adding a new dimension to the city. With the latest visa reforms, the city is home to a much more varied audience – including creative professionals, remote workers, and international intellectuals who may be interested in special bookstores.

The shift towards physical experiences – particularly after the saturation of the digital world – also helps the market. The TikTok “BookTok” segment and the rediscovery of offline experiences attract new generations to bookstores. Dubai, often synonymous with modernity, can thus become a new home for old values and stories.

Next Steps

The owner plans to regularly participate in regional book fairs like the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair or Sharjah International Book Fair. This not only enhances the offerings but provides an opportunity to become an integral part of the region's cultural life.

Currently, Zerzura Rare Books is the only store in Dubai specializing specifically in rare books. This presents a unique opportunity to shape the city's literary culture – and to prove that books carry not only knowledge but also value.

(The article is based on reports from companies operating in the book market.)