In a city known for its towering skyscrapers, one of its oldest and most cherished gems is nestled in the serene streets of Karama: Archies. This second-hand bookshop, established in 1994, has been a cornerstone of the community for three decades, embodying the enduring influence of literature in an era increasingly dominated by digital advancements.
A significant draw for loyal patrons is the store’s buy-back system, which allows customers to return books after reading them for half the purchase price, making literature accessible and affordable. Their membership program further enriches the shop’s appeal, enabling families to borrow up to 24 books a month for a minimal fee. Upon entering the bookstore, one is greeted by shelves brimming with an eclectic array of titles spanning every genre imaginable, from art and architecture to children's literature and classic fiction. This seemingly haphazard arrangement adds to its unique charm, encouraging customers to relish the excitement of unexpected discoveries.
At the core of Archies is its founder, Bhisham Sainani, who, along with his wife Leena, has been at the helm of the bookstore for three decades. Initially an investor, Bhisham assumed full ownership in 2001, the same year they launched another second-hand bookstore, Book World, in Satwa. Since Bhisham’s retirement in 2019, the couple has dedicated themselves entirely to managing these two beloved establishments.
Reflecting on their journey, Bhisham remarked, “I've been running this business for 30 years now. We cater to everyone—literature enthusiasts and students alike—providing access to over 100,000 new and second-hand books.” The Sainani’s story is as captivating as the books they sell. Originally from Delhi, Bhisham moved to Dubai in 1979 after working for the Shah of Iran in the late 1970s. His passion for books, nurtured by his father, a school principal, remained a constant through his travels.
“Back in our day, there were no gadgets. Books were everything,” Bhisham recalled. “For us, this isn't just about making money—it’s about passion.” Their bookstores offer a diverse range of titles, from bargain books priced at just Dh3 to rare, out-of-print editions. “We sell at reasonable prices for one reason only—our love for literature, which we want more people to enjoy,” said Bhisham.
Leena, the silent pillar behind the business, shares this profound love of literature. “We never sent our children for any tuition,” she recalled, smiling. “We believed in the education books could give them. They read voraciously and grew up with the values we instilled through stories.” Though their children have moved on, with one now living in the US, the couple remains steadfast in their mission of disseminating knowledge. Their lifelong hobby of sourcing and collecting books has evolved into a full-time endeavor. Their travels around the world, from Europe to the US, have enriched their collection, with books brought back from every destination.
The shop’s collection is vast and varied. From timeless classics like ‘The Alchemist’ to children’s favorites such as ‘Wimpy Kid’ and ‘Dog Man’, the shelves are stocked with something for everyone. There are also genres and authors not readily available in mainstream bookstores, including science fiction, historical fiction, and the complete works of Stephen King, Jeffrey Archer, and John Grisham.
Over the years, Archies and Book World have transformed into community hubs. Families who visited decades ago now bring their children, making the stores a multigenerational staple of Dubai’s cultural landscape. Bhisham proudly noted, “I can show you memberships that are 20 years old!” For loyal patrons like Swaroopa Satish, a retired teacher, the store has been a sanctuary. “Back in the 90s, before social media, we used to visit every week,” she recalled, adding: “Archie's Bookshop became a pivotal gateway to knowledge for our family. It was such a pleasure to browse through the books there and escape into a world of fantasy.”
Biju Das, a Dubai resident and marketing professional, echoed this sentiment: “Archies is a true hidden gem. As the oldest bookstore in the area, it has an incredible collection of books. I've been a member for 10 years, and discovering this place has been a joy. The ambiance is delightful, and the customer service, especially from Ms. Marinette, is exceptional. Visiting is a treat for the soul, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to rekindle their love for reading.” “It's a fantastic collection, and I've been a dedicated member for over a decade. For book lovers, there's no better place than Archies,” shared another long-time loyal customer.
The previous Covid-19 pandemic brought financial strain to the bookshops. Bisham shared: “We almost had to shut down operations a few years ago. But our community pleaded with us not to. They told us they depend on us, and that gave us the strength to continue.” Even as digital conveniences and high-end shopping malls have shifted consumer habits, loyal customers keep coming back. Beyond retail, the Sainanis have worked to spread the joy of reading across the UAE. Through partnerships with schools in Dubai and Sharjah, they’ve established libraries, offering discounted rates and donations to ensure children have access to books.
“We’re not just selling books, we’re selling knowledge, and as long as there are people who want to learn, we’ll be here. We want to keep the business going because we’re selling a value and culture that families and children need,” Bhisham concluded.
