1970s Photo by Albert Armstrong

Magic Carpets of Old Dubai 1970s

Mustafawi's Carpet and Curtain Store welcomed many Dubaians and Expatriates through its doors in 1970s and 80s. Dubai's growth meant more people. More people needed housing and furniture. Furnishing houses and apartments was almost a ritual. Companies usually provided their Expatriate Employees with furniture. Often they gave their Employees a choice. But Companies had "strict rules" about the amount, type and price of furniture the Employee could purchase with their Company Local Purchase Order. Invariably that meant Employees' wives having to make the choice and purchase

Make a Wish !

Companies' Rules were all about standardisation and cost control. Employees (but more likely their wives) were interested in "standing out from the crowd" and getting the best they could from the money available. Wishes could come true - but not always!

Making your Wish come True - well almost

Mustafawi's knew all rules and how to play the game! They were adept at complying with the "rules" but at the same time keeping "Mrs Employee" happy. Her wish to be different could be made to come true with a little negotiation and occasional "invoice magic". Time and effort devoted to buying furniture and furnishing was considerable. To-ing and Fro-ing to Mustafawi's Carpet Store seemed almost endless as each "suddenly thought of" variation was negotiated and agreed. Once the deal was done, as much as time and effort was spent telling the stories of how the "Company Rules" were beaten - with Mustafawi's help of course. Whole evenings around the dinner table or days by the swimming pool could be spent on joyously explaining how Mrs Expat outdid the other Mrs Expat with furnishing their Company rented house or apartment!