Dubai’s Rare Book Market: A New Niche in the Luxury Sector
Dubai’s luxury market is expanding to include rare and valuable books, with demand growing for literary treasures like a signed Ian Fleming original priced at Dh120,000. This trend is highlighted by the success of Zerzura Rare Books, a physical store in Alserkal Avenue founded three years ago by UK-born Alex Warren. Warren’s decision to open a physical shop first, rather than an online one, was driven by his belief that rare books should be experienced in person.
The Diverse Clientele Driving the Market
Dubai’s rare book market is as cosmopolitan as the city itself, with a wide range of buyers. Warren notes that his clientele is a “really big mix of nationalities” with diverse interests, from collectors looking for investment-grade first editions to those seeking nostalgic childhood favorites. The market also sees strong demand from specific groups:
- Russians: They are a significant market, often purchasing books as gifts.
- Emiratis: They are particularly interested in titles about the UAE and Arabia.
- Tourists: Visitors from neighboring countries, like Saudi Arabia, also frequent the store.
The Broader Appeal of Physical Books
The article notes that the demand for physical books is not limited to the luxury sector. Grace Chaoul Karim, co-founder of Bookends, an online and physical marketplace for used books, observes a similar trend of people returning to physical books. She highlights the “charm” and emotional value that a physical book provides, with her platform occasionally handling rare finds and sentimental items.
