Sandstorm Comics, Abu Dhabi’s homegrown comic studio, has taken a big step forward. Its titles are now available in Kinokuniya stores across the UAE and online through the Kalima platform. For the first time, readers can purchase locally created comics directly from the shelf or download them with a single click.
Sandstorm Comics Arrives in Bookstores
The move marks Sandstorm’s official debut in UAE retail. Readers can now pick up physical copies of its comics from Kinokuniya branches nationwide.
- Available now at Kinokuniya stores in the UAE
- Titles are also listed on the Kinokuniya website
- Plans to expand to more retailers soon
This presence on bookstore shelves is a major milestone. It means comic fans in the UAE can access homegrown stories alongside international titles, a step toward making local storytelling part of everyday reading culture.
Comics Go Online with Kalima
Alongside bookstores, Sandstorm’s catalogue is now live on Kalima, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s digital platform.
- Comics available through Kalima.ae
- Access via Kalima mobile app
- Backed by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism
Going digital ensures Sandstorm’s titles reach not only readers in the UAE but also a wider audience abroad. With this, Abu Dhabi’s push to grow its creative industries gains momentum.
Introducing Little Storm – Comics for Kids
Sandstorm has also launched a children’s imprint, Little Storm. The debut lineup includes four titles designed to spark imagination and reflect regional creativity.
- Solarblader Vol. 1
- Acro and The Cat
- All Upon a Time
- The Foxes and the Dragon
These books combine fresh storytelling with cultural roots, giving young readers content that feels authentic and exciting. It’s the first time UAE-produced kids’ comics have entered mainstream bookshops and digital stores.
Building Momentum Beyond the UAE
This bookstore launch is not Sandstorm’s only highlight. The studio has already made waves internationally.
- Featured at New York Comic Con 2024
- Showcased at Middle East Film and Comic Con 2025
- Plans for more global appearances
With international exposure already underway, Sandstorm is positioning itself as a Middle Eastern studio with global relevance, while staying true to Abu Dhabi as its creative base.
Why This Matters for the Region
Sandstorm’s rise reflects a bigger shift in how stories from the Middle East are told and shared. By creating original content and making it accessible, the studio is laying the groundwork for a sustainable regional comic book industry.
It’s also a statement: UAE readers no longer have to rely only on imported comics. Local voices are telling stories that resonate with both regional culture and global audiences.
FAQs
Where can I buy Sandstorm Comics in the UAE?
You can find them at Kinokuniya stores nationwide, the Kinokuniya website, Kalima.ae, and the Kalima mobile app.
What titles are part of the new launch?
The launch features four titles under the Little Storm imprint: Solarblader Vol. 1, Acro and The Cat, All Upon a Time, and The Foxes and the Dragon.
Will Sandstorm Comics expand outside Kinokuniya and Kalima?
Yes, the studio has confirmed plans to distribute through more retailers soon.
