In an age where technology is changing the way we consume information and entertainment; one thing that hasn’t changed is the value of a good book. For Somia Anwar and Grace Karim, two mothers navigating the challenges of raising children in a world where access to affordable books is often limited, the solution was clear. They founded Bookends, a business that has since revolutionized the way people in the UAE experience books. Through their community-driven marketplace for affordable, preloved books, they’re making reading accessible, sustainable, and—and perhaps most importantly—relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2025, Bookends has grown from a simple idea into a fully-fledged movement, with both an online store and a physical presence at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis. While the company is still relatively young, its impact has been profound. Their motto, Transforming Lives, Endless Possibilities, is not just a tagline; it’s a reflection of the difference they’re making in communities across the UAE. “We started this journey out of frustration,” says Grace Karim, one of the co-founders. “As moms, we found that children’s books are expensive and quickly outgrown. We wanted a more sustainable way to keep our kids engaged without the constant burden of buying new books. That’s how Bookends was born—creating a space where people could share and buy affordable, preloved books.” Indeed, the essence of Bookends lies in its simplicity. By giving books a second life, they offer a solution to the growing problem of waste while also fostering a deeper connection to reading. The business is not just about selling books; it’s about creating a community where sustainability and affordability meet.
A New Approach to Business
At the heart of Bookends’ success is its unique value proposition—sustainability. While many businesses focus on environmental responsibility, few can say they’ve built their core offering around reducing waste. But Bookends does just that, offering an alternative to traditional bookstores by creating a circular economy for books. Customers can buy, sell, and exchange used books, reducing the environmental impact associated with book production and disposal.
“Reading shouldn’t be a luxury,” says Somia Anwar, the other co-founder. “At Bookends, we believe that books should be available to everyone, regardless of income. Not only do we want to make books affordable, but we want to foster a culture where people value sustainability. Our business model is all about giving books a second life—one that benefits the reader, the environment, and the community.”
That mission—to make reading affordable and accessible while reducing waste—has resonated with a wide range of people, from avid readers to families looking to provide their children with a wide variety of books. Bookends’ partnership with local charities further strengthens its role in the community. The business isn’t just focused on profits; it’s committed to spreading the joy of reading to as many people as possible.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Success, however, doesn’t come without its challenges. The journey to building Bookends hasn’t always been smooth. One of the toughest moments in the company’s history came when their physical store was flooded, destroying more than 14,000 books. “Losing so many books felt like losing everything we had worked for,” Somia reflects. “But we didn’t give up. We had to rebuild, and we did. In just six weeks, with the help of our community, we were able to reopen the store. That experience taught us the power of resilience. It was a reminder that no matter how tough things get, we can always rise again.”
The support of the community during this crisis was a testament to the foundation that Bookends had built—a community not just of customers, but of advocates and friends. It was this sense of connection that allowed the company to survive and thrive in the aftermath of the flood. “We realized that the business was more than just about books,” Grace says. “It was about the relationships we had cultivated. Our customers felt invested in what we were doing. We weren’t just selling books; we were fostering a culture of community and shared values.”
Leading with Purpose
Somia and Grace’s leadership style is one that blends resilience, community focus, and sustainability. Despite being relatively new to entrepreneurship, the two have embraced their unique positions as women in business—especially in a region where the business world can still be male-dominated. “We’re two moms behind the business, and we’ve always been authentic about who we are,” Grace shares. “We’ve faced our share of gender stereotypes, but being women has given us an edge. Resilience is in our DNA, and we’ve never let anything stand in our way. In fact, it’s been our biggest asset.” Their leadership is rooted in creating a workplace where employees feel like part of the family. “During the flood, we were devastated, but our team stood by us. They shared in our pain, and they worked tirelessly to help us rebuild. It wasn’t just about getting the store back up and running; it was about coming together as a team, as a family. That’s the kind of leadership we’ve strived for.”
This emphasis on community and support extends beyond the workplace to their customers. Bookends isn’t just a bookstore; it’s a hub for those who share a passion for reading, sustainability, and community engagement. They’ve hosted book launches, storytime events, and charity drives, solidifying their reputation as a business that truly cares.
"At Bookends, we believe that books should be available to everyone, regardless of income."
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
When asked what advice they would give to aspiring leaders, both Somia and Grace offer insights rooted in their experiences. “Stay true to yourself,” Somia advises. “Don’t let fear or failure stop you. Every setback is a lesson. Surround yourself with a supportive network of people who believe in you, and keep moving forward.” Grace adds, “Dream big, but take small steps. Resilience is key. Keep going, and stay curious. There’s always something new to learn along the way.”
Their journey as entrepreneurs has been shaped by these principles, and they believe that any aspiring leader can benefit from embracing them.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Bookends has big plans. They’re in the process of launching new initiatives, including book fairs with schools, unmanned bookshelves in cafes and hotels, and even a mobile bookstore on wheels. Expansion into Saudi Arabia is also on the horizon, with plans to continue growing their physical and online presence.
“Our goal is simple,” Somia concludes. “We want to make reading affordable and sustainable across the UAE and beyond. We want to create a world where everyone has access to the books they love, and where sustainability is at the core of how we do business.”
