ABU DHABI // Emirati businesses and craftsmen have been showcasing their wares to the hundreds of shoppers visiting the popular Ramadan souq at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Traders at the market, which is now in its eighth year, have noted the growth in popularity of home-grown products in recent years.
“We’ve been coming for eight years and every year we see more locals making things and selling them to people,” said Umm Sulaiman.
“It’s a nice environment to celebrate what is being made in the UAE.”
Sayed Gabriel has been selling her local dishes since the souq started and said the marketplace had developed over the years.
“There’s no comparison from when it started to now – it’s become a huge event now,” said Ms Gabriel, who works with a fellow Emirati to sell home-made, traditional dishes at various events across the UAE.
“I make mostly traditional foods but, you know, each house has their own recipes transferred through the generations, so I like to think mine are special.
“However, I’ve noticed one thing [at the souq] hasn’t changed – during the first few days it’s the best, the sales are a lot worse later in Ramadan, but we still are able to get some things to the market.”
The market has also become a place for new talents to showcase their products.
“I don’t do it to sell as much as I do it to see how my work is being received by the general population and here you can get direct input from shoppers,” said Aysha Al Makhmari, who makes dresses.
According to the 19-year-old student at Sharjah University, her dressmaking skills are receiving mixed reviews. She said people close to her say that she should focus on studying, whereas her customers encourage her work.
“It all started from the first dress I made, I made for myself, then people started asking me where I got it from and when they found out I made it, they started telling me I was talented,” she said.
Ms Makhmari said that she took her hobby seriously and had set out a business plan.
“I figured, instead of wasting my time, I might as well make use of my talent, so I started putting my creative personality to use. I had a plan and I set it out,” said Ms Al Makhmari.
Some might think there would not be enough time for a business when already juggling university and meeting friends, but Ms Makhmari said dressmaking was her passion, so it did not feel like a job.
“Inspiration comes from me, I look towards what I think people would enjoy and I make it but, at the same time, I like striking a balance between the creative side and my personal life,” she said.
This year’s souq has now ended but a small percentage of the profits made are being donated to the Red Crescent and several participating businesses were also working with the Khalifa Fund.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
