Whether you’re the type to try to have an early night and end up getting suckered into your current crime novel, want to read a comedy while lying in the sun, are happiest curled up on the couch with an autobiography, or even want to whip up a new creation in the kitchen – there’s nothing better than a good book. If you’ve recently moved to Riyadh or have been here a while and are just looking to find some more reading material – here’s where to find English book shops in Riyadh.
Jarir Bookstore
One of Saudi Arabia’s biggest business success stories, Jarir Bookstore has grown from a small shop selling books and art bought from expats in Riyadh to a popular, multinational brand. As bookworms ourselves, and lovers of family businesses, it has been wonderful following this tale of how the Alagil brothers’ little acorn of an idea grew into a great oak tree of a company. Before we get too gushing, what we’ll say is that Jarir Bookstore has the most comprehensive collection of English-language books in Riyadh, and with 17 outlets in the capital alone you’re never far away from grabbing the latest bestseller. But it’s not just about world-famous authors at Jarir Bookstore as it also sells a huge range of non-fiction, including cookery books, DIY manuals, interesting reads about Islam and the Middle East and plenty of other helpful tomes. One of the best English book shops in Riyadh, in short, if Jarir Bookstore hasn’t got it, you don’t want it.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-11pm, Fri 4pm-11pm. Various locations across Riyadh, www.jarir.com (92 000 0089).
Virgin Megastore
Ah, good old Virgin Megastore, a name known the world over. The expats among you will have no doubt been hit with a massive bout of nostalgia when you realised these popular shops from your youth were still thriving here in Saudi Arabia. Primarily a record shop that sells a lot of quirky gadgets, Virgin Megastore also does a fine line in books. And not just music books (although there are plenty of those too) but a whole cavalcade of works from literary classics to humorous efforts that are perfect fodder for your next Secret Santa at work. The chain even sells cookbooks so if you’re after inspiration for your next night in, this could well help you out. Keen readers of all ages are catered for at Virgin Megastore’s outlets in Riyadh (at Hayat Mall, Nakheel Mall, Panorama Mall and Riyadh Park), with Manga fans particularly well looked after when other shops might neglect them. So if you’re looking for something a little more out-there, make Virgin Megastore your go-to.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-11.30pm, Thu 10am-midnight, Fri 4.30pm-midnight. Four locations in Riyadh, www.virginmegastore.sa (092 000 8582).
Tihama
The story of Tihama is certainly one of ups and downs. Starting life in 1973 with almost 70 branches across Saudi Arabia, it was an instant hit with book lovers of all ages. Its popularity dipped somewhat over the years but in recent times it has begun something of a revival, a sequel if you like. Whenever we’re in Riyadh’s Al Nakheel district and feel the need for a new read, we always pop by Tihama to see what it has in store for us. What you’ll find here are shelves packed with well-known authors (and some lesser known) and while its market is predominantly children, we big kids can also find something that will pique our interest at Tihama. It offers an abundance of stationery, too, just in case you wanted to get creative yourselves.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-11.30pm, Fri 2pm-midnight. Northern Ring Road, An Nakheel, Riyadh, tihamastore.com (011 278 2116).
