For literary thrifters, there's a certain magic to pre-loved books. Not only do they hold sentimental value afforded by past readers, but they can also often be kinder to the wallet.
Thankfully in the UAE, there's a thriving second-hand book scene. Whether you're an avid collector of books or a casual reader, you can avoid the new-release frenzy and dive into the world of gently-used literary gems.
Here are some thrift spots to check out.
Book Hero, Dubai
Book Hero is a popular option in the emirate, and is also known for its initiatives on education and animal welfare. Its flagship store in Oasis Centre, for example, hosts schoolbook swaps. Students and parents who want to exchange educational books, which they no longer need, can swap them for free.
They offer a variety of titles, with some starting as low as Dh5 apiece. From fiction to non-fiction, as well as manga, comics and coffee table books, there's a good chance Book Hero has the title you are looking for. They have a few locations across Dubai – including bookshops that double as cafes at Umm Suqeim Park and Dubai Investment Park.
Book Hero also retails its titles online.
Open daily, several timings; Oasis Centre, Dubai Sports City, Mudon Community Centre, Umm Suqeim Park, Dubai Investment Park; bookhero.ae
Thrift For Good
If books are just one of the items on your to-second-hand-buy list, then check out Thrift For Good. In either of the two charity shops across Dubai, you can find well-thumbed books alongside clothes and household items. Working in partnership with Gulf for Good, all profits go to support underprivileged children across the world. So, a perfectly good excuse to come home with more books than you bargained for – or drop some things in during your visit, too.
Open daily, 10am-10 pm. Golden Mile Galleria Building 8, The Palm Jumeirah, Times Square Centre; thriftforgood.org
Book World Trading, Dubai
Book World Trading has two locations in Dubai, and both are stocked with pre-loved titles across genres. The stores also offer limited-time promotions, as part of which books are available for as little as Dh1. They also have a read-and-return programme, as part of which readers can pick up a book from the shop for Dh20 and return it after reading. You'll receive 50 per cent of the total you paid on the original book to use as credit on your next purchase.
Open daily, 11am-9.30pm at Al Satwa, Saturday to Thursday; 11am-9.30pm, Friday, 2pm-9.30pm at Al Karama; @bookworldtrading on Instagram
House of Prose, Dubai
Billed as the UAE's oldest pre-loved bookstore, House of Prose has a wide variety of books and an inventory that changes regularly. From classic comics to popular fiction and self-help titles, the bookstore is a reliable source for bibliophiles looking for a good deal. If you're lucky, the new arrivals section can even have fairly new releases and limited-edition copies.
House of Prose has two branches in Dubai – the flagship store in Times Square Centre, as well as a new outlet in Discovery Gardens.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 10am-9.30pm, Friday to Saturday, 10am-10pm, Times Square Centre; daily, 10am-10pm, Discovery Gardens; houseofprose.ae
Reading 4 Animals, Dubai
Several times a month, Reading 4 Animals hosts an event around Dubai selling used books across genres – the website highlights everything from crime fiction to young adult novels – with proceeds supporting the welfare of strays in the region.
You can find out about their coming events on their website and learn about how to donate books.
reading4animals.com
Thrift Distribution & Books Trading, Abu Dhabi
If you are in Abu Dhabi, Thrift Distribution & Books Trading on Electra Street is the place to find some great bargains. The modest shop first opened in 2017, and was the only second-hand book store in the capital at the time. Titles here are in the tens of thousands now, so there's something for every genre.
Open Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 10am-10pm, Sunday and Friday, 5pm-10pm. Electra street, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi
Books R Us, Abu Dhabi
Located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Books R Us specialises in the non-fiction genre, with a vast collection of business and academic books. There are also several fiction titles, as well as children's books and other rare finds. Books here start as low as Dh10 apiece. Delivery is available every Sunday and Monday.
Open Saturday to Thursday, 11.30am-1pm, 2pm-9pm; Mohammad Bin Zayed City, ME 12; 054 400 0685
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
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Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
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- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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RESULTS
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner: Yas Xmnsor, Sean Kirrane (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Falaj Hazza – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Arim W’Rsan, Dane O’Neill, Jaci Wickham
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Winner: Kalifano De Ghazal, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi
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Winner: Pharitz Oubai, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: Sieh bin Amaar – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Oxord, Richard Mullen, Abdalla Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: AF Ramz, Sean Kirrane, Khalifa Al Neyadi
8pm: Al Saad – Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Sea Skimmer, Gabriele Malune, Kareem Ramadan
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
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- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
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UAE FIXTURES
Friday February 18: v Ireland
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T20 squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)
Date started: August 2021
Founder: Nour Sabri
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace
Size: Two employees
Funding stage: Seed investment
Initial investment: $200,000
Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East)
The specs: 2018 Bentley Bentayga V8
Price, base: Dh853,226
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 550hp @ 6,000pm
Torque: 770Nm @ 1,960rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L / 100km
