Top Book Clubs in Dubai: Safar, Book Cellar & more
Joining a book club in Dubai offers an enriching avenue to explore diverse narratives and cultures through the world of books. Dubai's book clubs are a goldmine of stimulating discussions and unique perspectives. They are about connecting with individuals from various backgrounds, sharing insights, and broadening your worldview.
Before diving into the vibrant book club scene, consider the genres that pique your interest and the dynamics of each club, from the size to how they select their reading material. Engage in these literary communities with an open mind and readiness to contribute your thoughts, and you're bound to have an enlightening and enjoyable experience.
So, if you're eager to discuss your favourite characters, uncover new authors, or simply enjoy literary works with fellow enthusiasts, these Top Book Clubs in Dubai await to transform your reading journey into a shared adventure.
Safar Book Group
Safar Book Club, formerly known as Dubai Mall Book Club, is a vibrant gathering for literature enthusiasts in Dubai, boasting over 2,800 members. This public and open group convenes on the third Sunday evening of each month, primarily in various cosy coffee shops around the city.
The club's book selection is democratic, with choices made through member voting or recommendations from seasoned participants. Alternating between fiction and non-fiction every other month, Safar offers a diverse reading experience. Members can stay updated and engage through the club's Facebook page or explore previous and current reads on their Goodreads shelf.
Safar Book Club welcomes anyone and everyone to join their discussions and share their love for literature. It's an ideal spot for book lovers to connect, discuss, and delve into a wide range of literary works.
Book Cellar Club
Book Cellar Dubai is an exclusive gathering for over 2,000 book enthusiasts who enjoy discussing a wide range of literature over coffee and wine. This private club holds monthly sessions where members come together to talk about a variety of books, alternating between fiction and non-fiction every other month. The meetings are organized through the Meetup app, ensuring a structured and regular convening of like-minded individuals.
If you're passionate about reading and looking for a group that appreciates good books, good company, and good wine, Book Cellar Dubai offers an intimate and engaging environment to explore new genres and share perspectives with fellow bibliophiles.
Dubai Bibliophiles Book Club
Dubai Bibliophiles Book Club is a welcoming community for avid readers of all backgrounds to gather and share their love for literature. Open to everyone, the club provides a space for engaging discussions on a variety of books, spanning both fiction and non-fiction genres.
Meetings are held every three weeks on Saturdays at 7:00 pm in the cosy environment of Book Munch Cafe near Safa Park. The book selection is democratic, with members voting on the next read, ensuring a diverse range of literary exploration. Members can partake in lengthy discussions, often lasting over two hours, where they delve into characters, plot theories, and personal interpretations. The club encourages discussions in English to be inclusive of all members.
Beyond book discussions, Dubai Bibliophiles and Book Munch Cafe host literary events and offer unique reading experiences, like picnic basket takeaways for outdoor reading sessions. It's an ideal club for those looking to engage in thought-provoking conversations and meet fellow book lovers in Dubai.
Emirates Literature Foundation Book Club
The Emirates Literature Foundation Book Club is a diverse literary community offering a series of book clubs catering to different age groups and interests. These clubs provide a platform for members to engage in rich literary discussions, explore various genres, and connect with a community of readers and authors through monthly and quarterly meetings.
Under the Emirates Literature Foundation Book Club there are different clubs including:
The Foundation Book Club
This is a general club that meets monthly, featuring a variety of genres and authors, especially those attending the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, enriching the festival experience for members. The Foundation Book Club meets on a designated Thursday each month from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm for those aged 18 and above.
A Matter of Fact
Specifically focused on non-fiction books, this segment meets quarterly and delves into factual literature in partnership with Media Intelligence Partner, CARMA. A Matter of Fact meets quarterly on a scheduled Thursday from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm, targeting the same age group as the above.
Children's Book Club
Tailored for younger readers, this club hosts monthly virtual discussions on various books, encouraging children to engage actively in reading and discussion. The Children's Book Club gathers virtually on a specific Saturday every month from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for children aged 12 and above.
Young Adults' Book Club
Aimed at teenagers, this club meets monthly to explore and discuss a range of books suitable for young adult readers, fostering a love for reading and critical discussion among youth. The Young Adults' Book Club convenes once a month on a Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, also for ages 12 and above.
Buddy Book Club
Buddy Book Club is a laid-back, alternative book club composed of regular people who enjoy reading and discussing books. Members engage in lively discussions, often dissecting and debating various aspects of the books they read. The club selects books of mutual interest, which they read and then discuss in their podcast, covering a wide range of topics from literary analysis to lighthearted tangents. This club distinguishes itself by shying away from traditional, more formal book discussions, aiming instead to make reading a fun and engaging experience for all its members.
The Buddy Book Club does not specify a physical location as it operates primarily online through its podcast, where members discuss the books they've read. This format suggests that the club is accessible to anyone regardless of geographic location, as long as they can connect to the podcast and engage with the content.
Dubai boasts a vibrant literary scene with a variety of book clubs catering to diverse tastes and interests. From the vibrant Safar Dubai Book Club to the exclusive Book Cellar and the broad Emirates Literature Foundation Book Club. Each offers unique experiences, whether through lively in-person discussions or the flexible, online-only format of the Buddy Book Club, which engages members through podcasts.
These clubs extend beyond just being a venue for literary discussion; they cultivate a vibrant community of readers in Dubai. They serve as a haven for those looking to engage in deep intellectual discourse, exchange cultural insights, or simply revel in their shared passion for books.
If you're considering trying something new this year, exploring these book clubs could be a rewarding adventure. Their vibrant community and diverse discussions are not to be missed by any book enthusiast.