Dubai's Nostalgic Shop Revives VHS and Cassettes

Jul 7, 2026

80 min

Jul 7, 2026 04:30

Inside the 1991 Dubai shop where VHS tapes, Walkmans and cassettes are making a comeback

## A Journey Back in Time

Island Coast Audio, a small shop in Dubai, has been a haven for nostalgia since 1991. Owned by Mahmoud Allaham, the store is filled with VHS tapes, cassettes, and Walkmans, offering a glimpse into the past. Despite the rise of streaming services, this shop has managed to survive and even thrive, thanks to a renewed interest in retro media.

## Surviving the Streaming Era

The shop faced tough times around 2016 when streaming and social media began to dominate. Business declined sharply, and many advised Mahmoud to close. However, he held onto his vision, believing that nostalgia would eventually bring customers back.

## Nostalgia's Resurgence

In recent years, there's been a resurgence in interest for vintage media. Mahmoud notes that younger generations, including those who never experienced the original era of these formats, are now purchasing items like Michael Jackson cassettes. This trend is not isolated to his shop; other stores across the UAE are experiencing similar revivals.

## The Unique Appeal of Cassettes

Cassettes have maintained a niche appeal, particularly for desert driving, as they don't skip like CDs. This practical advantage, combined with a growing collector's market, has helped sustain their popularity.

## A Treasure Trove of Memories

Mahmoud's shop offers a wide array of classic films and music, from Disney to Bollywood, often with region-specific subtitles. The store also sells the necessary equipment to enjoy these formats, such as VCRs and Walkmans. For Mahmoud, the shop is more about the emotional connection than the price, as he believes these items evoke powerful memories for many customers.

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