Dubai Culture, ELF Publishing, and Emirati Designer Shatha Essa Bring Local Traditions to Life with Children’s Book
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has debuted ‘Open Up Mandoos’, a book developed in collaboration with ELF Publishing and Emirati designer Shatha Essa. The book brings local storytelling traditions to younger audiences, connecting them to the cultural values that shape local identity.
The release comes in support of the Season of Wulfa, an initiative dedicated to strengthening family bonds and celebrating traditional occasions. It also reflects Dubai Culture’s focus on engaging families and young audiences through innovative cultural content, while empowering talent across Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.
The book launch, hosted at Al Safa Art & Design Library in the presence of Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, and Ahlam Bolooki, Managing Director of ELF Publishing, featuring a conversation moderated by Latifa Al Shamsi, representative from the Authority’s Corporate Communication and Marketing Department, during which author Shatha Essa reflected on her writing journey and how her creative voice has taken shape over time. Essa also led a storytelling session at the Emirates Literature Foundation, where children gathered to step into the world of the book and meet its characters. Drawing on the story’s setting, young participants folded their own mandoos treasure boxes from origami paper and filled them with keepsakes tied to scenes from the book, turning the session into an afternoon of hands-on discovery.
‘Open Up Mandoos’ follows the story of Mohammed, who discovers a luminous mandoos (a traditional wooden chest) in his garden. Curious, he embarks on a journey to find the key, which leads him to his grandmother. She explains that the key is symbolic, found within the heart and in family connections. As his family gathers, Mohammed opens the mandoos, filling the space with light and warmth, and learning that what matters most are the people around us and the moments we share.
Woven through the narrative are references to Emirati social traditions, from the joy of Hag Al Laila to the reflection of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid. By grounding these occasions in a children’s story, the book introduces Emirati heritage to younger readers in a way that aligns with their perspectives and encourages them to carry it forward.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed that publications rooted in local culture play a key role in strengthening young people’s connection to their identity, and in raising awareness of the Season of Wulfa and its core pillars of reflection, connection, and blessing. She said: “This book showcases the ability of Emirati talent to develop culturally inspired content based on tradition, while presenting it through a contemporary lens. It signals Dubai Culture’s commitment to reintroducing heritage through innovative approaches that respond to the evolving creative landscape, positioning storytelling as an effective tool for conveying values. It also reinforces our support for creative talent and their ability to produce meaningful content that resonates with the community.”
Ahlam Bolooki, Managing Director of ELF Publishing, said: “Representation in children’s literature is essential, and ‘Open Up Mandoos’ brings this to life in a truly meaningful way. I saw it first-hand with my own children — their eyes lit up with recognition and excitement as they read the story. This is a book that belongs in every home and school library in the UAE, helping children understand the Season of Wulfa and the importance of family and connection. Shatha Essa has a rare gift for writing for children, and Lammtara Studios’ illustrations beautifully enrich the narrative. We are honoured to collaborate with Dubai Culture on this important project.”
Designer and cultural storyteller, Shatha Essa, explained that the idea behind ‘Open Up Mandoos’ stems from her desire to reintroduce elements of Emirati heritage and memory through simple language that children can relate to. She said: “This book serves as a gateway to the details of our heritage, while strengthening a sense of belonging among younger generations. It connects everyday stories with inherited values, presenting them through an engaging narrative that highlights the importance of love and shared moments, contributing to building a shared cultural memory within families.”
Essa added: “The mandoos represents a symbol of memories and meanings. Through this story, I aimed to translate human emotions into a narrative that children can experience and enjoy. Mohammed’s journey reflects a child’s natural curiosity, while the grandmother represents wisdom and continuity.” She also expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with Dubai Culture and the support provided for the project.
26.05.2026 Stockholm
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