This Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day, Bookends, Dubai’s favourite pre-loved bookstore and online marketplace championing affordable, sustainable reading, is turning book browsing into a social experience with a Blind Date with a Book pop-up at Avant Garde – the city’s new multi-disciplinary concept store bringing together art, fashion, coffee and a barbershop under one roof.

Running from 13 to 14 February, the pop-up invites readers to take a chance on a mystery read – no title, no author, just a few carefully chosen hints to guide the decision. From swoony romances and feel-good fiction to darker thrillers and hidden gems, guests can choose a book based on genre or mood alone. Each book is hand-wrapped, stamped and finished with small surprise touches, with the title revealed only after it’s been chosen, making the experience playful, unexpected and perfect for Valentine’s, Galentine’s or anyone flying solo.

Bookends Blind Date with a Book will be available at a special price of Dhs32. On both days from 3pm to 4pm, the Avant Garde café will host a special social hour, offering 10% off drinks and a complimentary dessert, creating a relaxed moment for guests to stay, mingle and connect with fellow readers.

Bookends Blind Date with a Book offers a fresh alternative to typical Valentine’s plans – less pressure, more curiosity, and the chance to leave with a story you didn’t see coming.

Bookends Blind Date with a Book will run from 13–14 February.

Store opening hours 9am–7pm / Social Hour 3pm – 4pm.

Priced at Dhs32 per book.

Avant Garde Concept Store, Al Quoz, Dubai.

@bookendsae / @avantgardeconceptdxb

Image Credit: Bookends AE