Bookstore in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Introduces ‘Blind Date’ Books
In a creative twist to the traditional book-buying experience, a bookstore in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is pioneering a new concept called ‘Blind Date’ books. At Bookends, customers can select a book without knowing its title or author and instead choose based on hints and descriptions. “It’s like going on a literary blind date where the story’s the star,” said Somia Anwar of Bookends, a popular bookstore and marketplace for pre-loved books.
The co-owner of Bookends, Grace Karim, sees this innovative idea as a way to inspire people to explore books they might not typically pick up, fostering curiosity and adventure in reading. “It’s a fantastic way to break free from reading habits and discover new authors, genres, or themes,” she noted. The Blind Date works by wrapping books in brown paper covers, concealing the actual cover and title. Instead, the exterior is adorned with hints, clues, or a concise description of the book’s content, including keywords indicating the genre, themes, or mood. Once readers have selected their wrapped book, they take it home without unwrapping it, adding an exciting and mysterious dimension to the reading experience.
Bookends, the UAE’s first digital platform for buying and selling used books, was founded by mompreneurs Grace Karim and Somia Anwar. Their physical location opened in July 2023, following the success of their online live auction, which has gained popularity over the past two years. The store recently drew book enthusiasts nationwide with its monthly online live auction, featuring diverse books with bids starting at a budget-friendly Dh20.
According to Grace Karim, co-founder of Bookends, the move aims to “encourage reading as more people stray away in preference of social media and online streaming.” The store has also been a hub for engaging community events, including a book carnival for kids and a book club called ‘Tales and Talks’ for lively discussions. Additionally, Bookends has organized writing workshops tailored for kids.
The success of these community-building events can be attributed to Bookends being “a pure bookstore solely about books, unlike traditional bookstores that branch out for commercial reasons into toys, games, and accessories,” says Karim. “Bookends isn’t just a store; it’s a vibrant community fostering a love for reading through diverse and enjoyable events.”
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