Magrudy's flagship shop in Jumeirah, Dubai in 1979. Photo: Magrudy's
Magrudy's flagship shop in Jumeirah, Dubai in 1979. Photo: Magrudy's
Magrudy's flagship shop in Jumeirah, Dubai in 1979. Photo: Magrudy's
Magrudy's flagship shop in Jumeirah, Dubai in 1979. Photo: Magrudy's

Timeframe: how Magrudy's bookstore put the UAE on the literary map nearly 50 years ago


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

There was a celebration this week for a UAE cultural institution.

Magrudy's, a home-grown brand now synonymous with children’s literature and educational toys, marked its 47th anniversary on Wednesday in a typically low-key manner at its branch in Jumeirah.

Milling with the crowd was co-founder Isobel Abulhoul, who exchanged recollections and reflections of a humble shop that grew into a market leader, and in the process helped place the UAE on the global literary map.

In Magrudy's was where some of the country's first book groups were formed and where the earliest batch of international authors were invited for readings and discussions, including celebrated Brazilian author Paulo Coelho in 2005.

With the Abu Dhabi and Sharjah International Book fairs — launching in 1981 and 1982 respectively — mostly focusing on trade at the time, it was the author sessions and meet and greets at Magrudy’s that sowed the seeds of what would become the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.

Magrudy's book shop in Jumeirah in the mid 1980s. Photo: Magrudy's
Magrudy's book shop in Jumeirah in the mid 1980s. Photo: Magrudy's

Then again, these pioneering achievements were a far cry from what Abulhoul initially envisioned.

In a previous interview with The National, she described opening Magrudy’s first shop on the Dubai-Sharjah Road in 1975 as a necessity, after co-founding Dubai’s Al Ittihad Private School that same year.

“I had absolutely no retail experience,” she says.

“I wasn't even thinking about that. By the time we launched the school I had two young children, so education was very much on my mind.

“And once we opened the school I started thinking about how we needed a place where families can get books and educational toys, so we then set up Magrudy's.”

Abulhoul only has to close her eyes for images of the first Magrudy's store to come rushing back — but the brand eventually expanded to 15 locations, including in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

"There was plenty of space and lots [of items] at child's eye level. Around the walls, above the shelves, were big murals of cartoon types of creatures — whether they were alligators or bears — that formed a collage that everyone would enjoy," she says.

"It was full of the kind of toys that in 1975 were considered good toys — so, of course, we had Lego and Playmobil. We had a working steam engine paying credit to scientific ideas, lots of wooden toys, a rocking horse, lots of games such as Snakes and Ladders and chess.

“And that was just the beginning of the shop because in the back there were shelves of children's books, from the classics to ones selected from catalogues sent out by publishers."

Isobel Abulhoul, front, and Paulo Coelho, on her left, at Magrudy's, Ibn Battuta Mall in 2005. Photo: Magrudy's
Isobel Abulhoul, front, and Paulo Coelho, on her left, at Magrudy's, Ibn Battuta Mall in 2005. Photo: Magrudy's

It was Magrudy’s savvy selection of titles, ranging from bestsellers to non-fiction and instructional guides, that was also responsible for its renown.

The specialisation in children's literature and the family ethos made Magrudy’s the first UAE book chain to bring JK Rowling’s 1997 debut Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to the country.

“I knew this was the beginning of some kind of phenomenon when two of my children found this book while we were on holiday in Cambridge. They were so entranced with it, I had to buy them a separate copy each because they couldn't share it,” she said.

“When I came back to Dubai I immediately imported more copies to the stores and we went on to eventually sell something like 5,000 copies of it. We kept ordering the books to meet the demand.”

Magrudy's co-founder Isobel Abulhoul reads a story o children at the BurJuman branch in 1990. Photo: Magrudy's
Magrudy's co-founder Isobel Abulhoul reads a story o children at the BurJuman branch in 1990. Photo: Magrudy's

While Magrudy’s continues to stock literary blockbusters, it is in education where it arguably makes its biggest impact.

The brand expansion includes two campus bookstores, one at NYU Abu Dhabi and another at Khalifa University Abu Dhabi.

Interactions with these students, and the adults who as children grew up visiting this Aladdin’s cave of imagination over the past four decades, give Abulhoul the biggest satisfaction.

“Nothing is better than meeting customers who visited us as children with their families decades ago,” she says.

“They now bring their own children to enjoy what we have to offer.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see photos from the 2022 Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature

  • Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature on its opening day in 2022. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature on its opening day in 2022. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature moved venue for 2022 to Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, from the Intercontinental in Dubai Festival City.
    The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature moved venue for 2022 to Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, from the Intercontinental in Dubai Festival City.
  • Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri was among the prominent UAE figures present on the opening day.
    Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri was among the prominent UAE figures present on the opening day.
  • A snippet from the animated show 'Freej' by Mohammed Saeed Harib is projected at the ‘Nostalgia Culture’ session.
    A snippet from the animated show 'Freej' by Mohammed Saeed Harib is projected at the ‘Nostalgia Culture’ session.
  • Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator of 'Freej', the first Emirati cartoon series during the session on ‘Nostalgia Culture’.
    Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator of 'Freej', the first Emirati cartoon series during the session on ‘Nostalgia Culture’.
  • The first day of the festival was marked as Emirati Day to promote local cultural talent.
    The first day of the festival was marked as Emirati Day to promote local cultural talent.
  • Children's books on sale at the festival.
    Children's books on sale at the festival.
  • From left, Tiffany Delport, co-chief executive of Environmental Operations and Educational Partnerships – Mena; Isobel Abulhoul, co-founder of Magrudy’s bookshop chain; Saeed Al Nazari, Director General of the Federal Youth Authority and Abdulla Ahmad Al Shaikh, Head of the Diplomatic and Consular Affairs at Dubai Police, during the session on ‘Careers of the Future’.
    From left, Tiffany Delport, co-chief executive of Environmental Operations and Educational Partnerships – Mena; Isobel Abulhoul, co-founder of Magrudy’s bookshop chain; Saeed Al Nazari, Director General of the Federal Youth Authority and Abdulla Ahmad Al Shaikh, Head of the Diplomatic and Consular Affairs at Dubai Police, during the session on ‘Careers of the Future’.
  • Many regional and international titles are available to readers during the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
    Many regional and international titles are available to readers during the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
  • Free entry was granted to all visitors on the first day of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
    Free entry was granted to all visitors on the first day of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
  • Students from Gems Metropole school attend the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
    Students from Gems Metropole school attend the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.
  • The festival's first day focused on Emirati literature.
    The festival's first day focused on Emirati literature.
  • Many international authors fly in for the literary festival.
    Many international authors fly in for the literary festival.
  • The event was a more virtual affair last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
    The event was a more virtual affair last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The festival in 2023 is taking place at Intercontinental in Festival City and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library from February 1 to 6.
    The festival in 2023 is taking place at Intercontinental in Festival City and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library from February 1 to 6.
UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

The%20Caine%20Mutiny%20Court-Martial%20
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Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting

-      Don’t do it more than once in three days

-      Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days

-      Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode

-      Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well

-      Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days

-      Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates

-      Manage your sleep

-      People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting

-      Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert

The Indoor Cricket World Cup

When: September 16-23

Where: Insportz, Dubai

Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men

Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eco%20Way%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20December%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Kroshnyi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electric%20vehicles%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bootstrapped%20with%20undisclosed%20funding.%20Looking%20to%20raise%20funds%20from%20outside%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E470hp%2C%20338kW%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20620Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh491%2C500%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
TOURNAMENT INFO

Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November

UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi

India cancels school-leaving examinations
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

'Morbius'

Director: Daniel Espinosa 

Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona

Rating: 2/5

TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDesign%2C%20multimedia%20and%20creative%20work%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELogo%20design%2C%20website%20design%2C%20visualisations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20management%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegal%20or%20management%20consulting%2C%20architecture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBusiness%20and%20professional%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EResearch%20support%2C%20proofreading%2C%20bookkeeping%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESales%20and%20marketing%20support%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESearch%20engine%20optimisation%2C%20social%20media%20marketing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EData%20entry%2C%20administrative%2C%20and%20clerical%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20entry%20tasks%2C%20virtual%20assistants%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIT%2C%20software%20development%20and%20tech%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EData%20analyst%2C%20back-end%20or%20front-end%20developers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWriting%20and%20translation%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EContent%20writing%2C%20ghost%20writing%2C%20translation%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOnline%20microtasks%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EImage%20tagging%2C%20surveys%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20World%20Bank%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20profile
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A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
  • 2018: Formal work begins
  • November 2021: First 17 volumes launched 
  • November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
  • October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
  • November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS

England v New Zealand

(Saturday, 12pm UAE)

Wales v South Africa

(Sunday, 12pm, UAE)

 

PAKISTAN SQUAD

Abid Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (test captain), Babar Azam (T20 captain), Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imran Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Kashif Bhatti, Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah. 

Profile of MoneyFellows

Founder: Ahmed Wadi

Launched: 2016

Employees: 76

Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)

Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund

UAE v Ireland

1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets

2nd ODI, January 12

3rd ODI, January 14

4th ODI, January 16

DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL CARD

6.30pm Handicap US$135,000 (Turf) 2,410m

7.05pm UAE 1000 Guineas Listed $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.40pm Dubai Dash Listed $175,000 (T) 1,000m

8.15pm Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions $100,000 (D) 1.900m

8.50pm Al Fahidi Fort Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,400m

9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (D) 2,000m

 

The National selections

6.30pm: Gifts Of Gold

7.05pm Final Song

7.40pm Equilateral

8.15pm Dark Of Night

8.50pm Mythical Magic

9.25pm Franz Kafka

Updated: November 19, 2022, 4:14 AM