Borders to Dubai

Lately it seems that not many days go by without an announcement about a new Borders store somewhere on the planet. And then, yesterday, Trade Arabia announced that Borders will be setting up shop in Dubai’s Mall of Emirates at the end of October.

Borders Group Inc. isn’t going this particular deal alone, however. According to Trade Arabia, the Dubai location “follows a franchise deal between Borders and the Dubai-based Al Maya Group, which runs Al Maya supermarkets and UAE outlets of the United Kingdom’s retailer BHS.”

And Borders, which operates 1200 stores internationally, plans to open additional locations in the Far and Middle East. Those openings will also be in partnership with Al Maya Group. Again, though, according to Trade Arabia, “the company would not reveal exact locations, but confirmed it will open in Muscat, Oman, next year.”

As befits its location, the Dubai store will be big, big, big. It will open with 16,000 square feet and “carry 65,000 book titles in English and Arabic in categories such as literary fiction, history, business, poetry, travel, cooking, and children’s.” Jeffrey Archer (False Impression, Cat O’ Nine Tails) will be on hand to sign his books during the grand opening.

“The new bookstore will also stock magazines, newspapers, and stationery items as well as featuring seating areas for reading and an outlet of Starbucks Coffee.” Which, of course, means that at least you know for sure it’ll be possible to get a decent latté in Dubai.