Sharjah's Al Rawi cafe and bookstore is closing down

The storytellers' hub is hosting a clearance sale until the end of June

Al Rawi has become a go-to spot for literary and foodie enthusiasts in Sharjah. Instagram / @alrawi_ae

Sharjah's two-storey cafe and bookshop Al Rawi is hosting a clearance sale until the end of June, ahead of its permanent closure.

The storytellers' hub, which is located at Al Majaz Water Front, opened in 2018. The name, Al Rawi, means "the one who tells stories", and it was always part of the cafe's mission to host creative customers.

The decor, designed by Roar (formerly Pallavi Dean Interiors), incorporates literary references throughout the restaurant and bookstore.

On the menu is a mix of artisan coffee and cafe bites, as well as a range of curated book titles from international and regional authors. The shop also stocks design-driven products created by local artists.

"We weren't looking to create a library, we wanted a place where people could interact, pick up books, discuss books, in Arabic and English, attend launches and signings," manager Zhora Qureshi previously told Hadara Magazine. In Sharjah there wasn't a place that offered that."

Qureshi is a manager at Tetra private management company, which originally commissioned Al Rawi.

Now, however, while the hub is still open daily from 9am to 9pm, it is hosting a clearance sale with up to 50 per cent off on all books and merchandise until the end of June.

This is in preparation for its permanent closure, which will happen on Tuesday, June 30.

A reason for the cafe's closure has yet to be announced.

Loyal customers were quick to express their sadness over the news. "This is worst [sic] than quarantine news," said someone on the Instagram post.

The National has reached out to the team for a comment.