Living in Abu Dhabi means enjoying a peaceful and sunny life, surrounded by the sea, culture, and modernity. But when you’re a French-speaking expat, it’s only natural to sometimes crave the pleasure of a French novel, a comic book, or a magazine from France.
Even though the city doesn’t have an exclusively French bookstore, several places and alternatives make it easy to access reading materials in French.
Alliance Française of Abu Dhabi
The Alliance Française is a must-visit place for lovers of French language and culture in the Emirates.
Its media library offers a wide selection of works in French: novels, essays, children’s books, comics, magazines, and DVDs.
Members can also access Culturethèque, the Institut Français’ digital library, to read online wherever they are.
The Alliance also hosts book clubs, cultural gatherings, and screenings focused on French and Francophone cinema and literature.
Address : Rue 25, Zone 2, Al Nahyan Camp, Abu Dhabi
English bookstores with French sections
Some of the city’s major bookstores, such as Kinokuniya (at Yas Mall) or Magrudy’s, offer a small section of books in French.
You’ll often find classics, children’s books, and a few contemporary bestsellers in translation.
Although the selection is modest, these bookstores provide a lovely opportunity to browse and stumble upon unexpected titles while wandering through the aisles.
French schools and their associated libraries
Francophone institutions in Abu Dhabi, such as Lycée Louis Massignon or Lycée Français Théodore Monod, often have their own libraries.
Some occasionally open their doors to families or members of the French-speaking community for cultural events or book lending.
These places are also great contact points to connect with other readers and share discoveries.
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