Wealth Beyond Finance

What does “wealth” look like when it’s notjust money, but the values, learning, and legacy you leave behind?

In this special episode of Financial Wellbeing by Emirates NBD,host Dana Kamber is joined by Isobel Abulhoul, OBE, Advisor and Trustee of theEmirates Literature Foundation, and the founding force behind the EmiratesAirline Festival of Literature.

Isobel shares the real story behind building a purpose-ledbusiness from the ground up, why reading is one of the most underrated“investments” we can make, and how values like resilience, work ethic, andchoice shape our lives and finances over decades. From entrepreneurshipmistakes to succession planning, and from raising children while building abusiness to running a not-for-profit with financial discipline, this conversationis about building something that outlasts you.

This episode is for anyone thinking about legacy, leadership,family businesses, and the everyday habits that quietly create long-termwellbeing.

Tune in to hear:

→ Why dreams, curiosity, and books can shape financialconfidence early in life

→ What it took to build Magrudy’s before the internet and modernretail

→ Why listening to customers and owning mistakes keeps abusiness healthy

→ A surprising truth about being a woman entrepreneur in the UAE

→ How to build self-belief (including Isobel’s simple self-talkhabit)

→ The real trade-offs of “having it all” and choosing whatmatters most

→ What succession planning actually requires from founders andthe next generation

→ Why not-for-profits still need tight budgeting and “everydirham counts” thinking

→ When to introduce money habits to children (pocket money, Eidmoney, saving)

→ The one finance belief she’s still working on: spoilingyourself, but not too often

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Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and why this is a special conversation on legacy

03:40 Why reading to children is a priceless gift (confidence, empathy, language)

04:40 How Magrudy’s started and why children’s books mattered in the UAE

07:00 Building a business before the internet and learning every part of the journey

10:00 Women in business in the UAE and the power of self-belief

12:10 Advice for starting a business in the UAE (homework, location, passion)

15:20 The resilience rule: handling mistakes is part of entrepreneurship

20:30 Wealth, happiness, and why material assets are not the point

21:40 Succession planning: letting go and supporting the next generation

29:10 Teaching money habits early (saving, banks, Eid money)

Disclaimer: The views shared in this podcast are for general information and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, legal or tax advice. Listeners should seek independent advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. Emirates NBD Bank PJSC accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on the content discussed.