Spotlight
Magrudy’s
Information last updated on 15 December 2022
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Isobel Abulhoul was born in Cambridge, England, around 1951.[9] Both her mother, a nurse, and father, a chartered accountant, loved reading[10] and got Isobel and her brother into the habit of reading from an early age.[11] Isobel went to St. Mary’s School,[12] and then to the College of Arts and Technology in Cambridge.[13] In 1967, she met a group of Emirati students on government-sponsored scholarships to study English.[14] Among them was her soon-to-be husband Abdullah Abulhoul.[15] One year later, Isobel moved with Abdullah to Dubai to meet his parents, settling in Freij Murar.[16] The couple married in 1969 when Isobel was 18 years old,[17] and she then finished her A levels and took a secretarial course.[18]
FOUNDING STORY
Both Isobel and her husband were involved in the field of early education. Abdullah was a teacher at a nursery in Dubai,[19] where Isobel also taught for a few years.[20] She has always been passionate about early childhood education as an investment in the nation’s future.[21] In 1971, Isobel had her first daughter, Hamda; her son, Mansoor, was born three years later.[22]
Isobel’s passion led her to co-found Al Ittihad Private School with her husband in 1974[23], where they adopted a unique bilingual teaching model.[24] As a teacher and mother, she recognized a market gap in Dubai — the lack of engaging educational tools for children. In 1975, she established a store specializing in educational toys on Ittihad Road, which she named Magrudy’s.[25] According to Isobel, there was a common misconception that Magrudy was her maiden name. In fact, the name Magrudy’s was selected by Isobel and her husband because it was easy to pronounce by both Arabic and English speakers.[26] As a fan of literary fiction and seeking to develop a reading culture among UAE children, Isobel stocked books in her store from the beginning. Her idea was to attract customers with appealing educational children toys, so “when they arrive they fall in love with books.”[27]
Isobel had a competitive advantage over other Dubai stores thanks to her ability to identify and contact suppliers through her connections in the UK. She was also able to directly purchase and transport products back to Dubai as she went on regular trips to England.[28] In 1979, the couple’s third daughter, Shamma, was born.[29]
GROWTH PHASE
During the 1980s, the business — staffed by mothers rotating part-time shifts[30] — established branches in Jumeirah and BurJuman.[31] Isobel remained closely involved in the day-to-day operations until she had her fourth and fifth daughters, Mediyah and Anayah, in 1989 and 1991, respectively.[32] In 2000, son Mansoor joined the family business.[33] He became managing partner of Magrudy’s in 2004,[34] while the couple’s eldest daughter, Hamda, became a pediatrician.[35]
In 2008, Isobel founded and became the director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word.[36] [37] Three years later, she was named the Cultural Personality of the Year by Sharjah’s ruler, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi.[38] In 2012, she received the OBE from Queen Elizabeth for her cultural contributions in the UAE.[39] Later in the decade, Mansoor Belhoul left the family business and became the UAE ambassador to the UK.[40]
TODAY
Today, still headquartered in Dubai,[41] Magrudy’s has grown into a bookstore chain with nine branches[42] across the UAE and about 500 employees.[43] The family has future plans to franchise in other GCC countries.[44] Under CEO Isobel Abulhoul,[45] the business is now a distributor for international brands such as Filofax, Roger la Borde, Paperblanks, Orchard Toys, Santoro Graphics, and Carte Blanche.[46] From the family’s second generation, the founder’s youngest daughter, Anayah, serves as the managing partner and marketing and buying consultant.[47]
Notes
Photo Credit: Magrudy's flagship shop in Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE , 1979. Source: The National
[1] Amiry, Suad. “Emirates Literature Foundation CEO Isobel Abulhoul [Al Burda Podcast] — afikra | عفكرة.” Afikra, 5 January 2022, https://www.afikra.com/talks/alburda/isobelabulhoul. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[2] Saeed, Saeed. “Timeframe: how Magrudy’s bookstore put the UAE on the literary map nearly 50 years ago.” The National, 18 November 2022, https://www.thenationalnews.com/weekend/2022/11/18/timeframe-how-magrudys-bookstore-put-the-uae-on-the-literary-map-nearly-50-years-ago/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[3] Naidoo, Amelia J. “The pillars of society: Isobel Abulhoul | Uae – Gulf News.” Gulf News, 30 September 2008, https://gulfnews.com/uae/the-pillars-of-society-isobel-abulhoul-1.133396. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[4] Saeed, Saeed. “Timeframe: how Magrudy’s bookstore put the UAE on the literary map nearly 50 years ago.” The National, 18 November 2022, https://www.thenationalnews.com/weekend/2022/11/18/timeframe-how-magrudys-bookstore-put-the-uae-on-the-literary-map-nearly-50-years-ago/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[5] “Our Stores.” Magrudy, https://magrudy.com/our-stores/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[6] “Our Stores.” Magrudy, https://magrudy.com/our-stores/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[7] “About Magrudy’s.” Magrudy, https://magrudy.com/about-magrudys/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[8] “Magrudy Enterprises LLC.” LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/magrudy-enterprises-llc/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[9] “Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[10] Raj, Anand. “Isobel Abulhoul: Dubai life in 1968 and the story of the Emirates LitFest.” Gulf News, 8 October 2021, https://gulfnews.com/friday/art-people/isobel-abulhoul-dubai-life-in-1968-and-the-story-of-the-emirates-litfest-1.2313411. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[11] Bronte, Emily, et al. “Different Dialogues | Interview with Extended & Enlarged Interview of Ms. Isobel Abulhoul – Founder-Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Dubai, UAE.” Geeta Chhabra, http://www.geetachhabra.com/aboutgc/diff_dialogues/Isobel-Abulhoul.php. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[12] Sama Dubai. “إيزوبيل بالهول.” أول مرة, 21 April 2021. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYNI_yGAEc. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[13] “Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[14] Raj, Anand. “Isobel Abulhoul: Dubai life in 1968 and the story of the Emirates LitFest.” Gulf News, 8 October 2021, https://gulfnews.com/friday/art-people/isobel-abulhoul-dubai-life-in-1968-and-the-story-of-the-emirates-litfest-1.2313411. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[15] “”Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[16] Sama Dubai. “إيزوبيل بالهول.” أول مرة, 21 April 2021. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYNI_yGAEc. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[17] “Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[18] Kennedy, Philippa. “’Local authors are extremely important.’” The National, 7 October 2008, https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/books/local-authors-are-extremely-important-1.503215. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[19] Naidoo, Amelia J. “The pillars of society: Isobel Abulhoul | Uae – Gulf News.” Gulf News, 30 September 2008, https://gulfnews.com/uae/the-pillars-of-society-isobel-abulhoul-1.133396. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[20] Bronte, Emily, et al. “Different Dialogues | Interview with Extended & Enlarged Interview of Ms. Isobel Abulhoul – Founder-Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Dubai, UAE.” Geeta Chhabra, http://www.geetachhabra.com/aboutgc/diff_dialogues/Isobel-Abulhoul.php. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[21] Sama Dubai. “إيزوبيل بالهول.” أول مرة, 21 April 2021. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYNI_yGAEc. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[22] “Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[23] Rayner, Eddie. “My Journey from Reader to Leader.” Education UAE, 8 July 2019, https://www.education-uae.com/my-journey-from-reader-to-leader/. Accessed 16 December 2022.
[24] Gupte, Pranay. “Profile: Isobel Abulhoul and the written word.” Al Arabiya, 11 May 2011, https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011%2F05%2F11%2F148771. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[25] Gupte, Pranay. “Profile: Isobel Abulhoul and the written word.” Al Arabiya, 11 May 2011, https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011%2F05%2F11%2F148771. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[26] “Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[27] Sama Dubai. “إيزوبيل بالهول.” أول مرة, 21 April 2021. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYNI_yGAEc. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[28] “Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[29] Kennedy, Philippa. “’Local authors are extremely important.’” The National, 7 October 2008, https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/books/local-authors-are-extremely-important-1.503215. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[30] “Success in the City Dubai by Sven Boermeester.” Issuu, 9 July 2009, https://issuu.com/svengvp/docs/success_in_the_city_-_dubai/129. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[31] Raj, Anand. “Isobel Abulhoul: Dubai life in 1968 and the story of the Emirates LitFest.” Gulf News, 8 October 2021, https://gulfnews.com/friday/art-people/isobel-abulhoul-dubai-life-in-1968-and-the-story-of-the-emirates-litfest-1.2313411. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[32] Kennedy, Philippa. “’Local authors are extremely important.’” The National, 7 October 2008, https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/books/local-authors-are-extremely-important-1.503215. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[33] “United Arab Emirates.” Diplomat Magazine, https://diplomatmagazine.com/heads-of-mission/middle-east-asia/united-arab-emirates/. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[34] Suri, Prerna. “Cupid’s arrow is dead on target! – News.” Khaleej Times, 14 February 2004, https://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/cupids-arrow-is-dead-on-target. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[35] “”اضطرابات الاستقلاب الموروثة” هل يسببها ارتفاع معدل زواج الأقارب؟.” وكالة أنباء الإمارات, 18 December 2019, https://www.wam.ae/ar/details/1395302811193. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[36] “Isobel Abulhoul – KALIMAT FOUNDATION.” Kalimat Foundation, https://kalimatfoundation.ae/about-kalimat-foundation/board-members/h-e-isobel-abulhoul-obe/. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[37] Alnaas, Mohammed. “Isobel Abulhoul OBE.” International Prize for Arabic Fiction, https://www.arabicfiction.org/en/isobel-abulhoul-obe. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[38] “2018-ARAB-WOMEN:03.Isobel Abulhoul.” Arabian Business, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/lists/391099-2018-arab-women03isobel-abulhoul. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[39] Sama Dubai. “إيزوبيل بالهول.” أول مرة, 21 April 2021. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYNI_yGAEc. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[40] “Mansoor Abulhoul – UAE Ambassador to the UK – LinkedIn.” https://uk.linkedin.com/in/uaeambuk. Accessed 21 Nov. 2022.
[41] “Our Stores.” Magrudy, https://magrudy.com/our-stores/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[42] Al Jamali, Fatma, et al. Open since 1975 at the heart of Dubai.. Magrudy’s book store marks some of our best memories!, 10 March 2021, https://www.dubaipost.ae/en/short-n-eazy/what-s-up-dubai/open-since-1975-at-the-heart-of-dubai-magrudy-s-book-store-marks-some-of-our-best-memories-2021-03-10-1.8518. Accessed 16 December 2022.
[43] “Magrudy Enterprises LLC.” LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/magrudy-enterprises-llc/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[44] “About Magrudy’s.” Magrudy, https://magrudy.com/about-magrudys/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[45] “Gulf Business.” Twitter, https://twitter.com/GulfBusiness/status/1595478249995440128. Accessed 15 December 2022.
[46] “About Magrudy’s.” Magrudy, https://magrudy.com/about-magrudys/. Accessed 14 December 2022.
[47] B, Rupkatha, and Justina Eitzinger. “Creating ‘smarter’ shopping experiences.” Images RetailMe, 8 January 2020, https://www.imagesretailme.com/latest-news/creating-smarter-shopping-experiences/. Accessed 15 December 2022.
To cite this article please use:
“Magrudy’s” Family Business Histories Research Project, New York University Abu Dhabi and Tharawat Family Business Forum, 20 Mar. 2023, familybusinesshistories.org/spotlights/magrudys