Fujairah exhibition highlights hand-made products and raises cash for creators

Baniah Al Sereidi and Mona Al Ghais participate in the exhibition organised by Fujairah Welfare association at the Exhibition Centre in Fujairah. Satish Kumar / The National

FUJAIRAH // Hundreds of families showcased their home-made creations as part of the Made by my hands exhibition on Thursday.

About 250 productive families from various women’s associations and family development centres from around the country took part in the exhibition organised by Fujairah Welfare Association in a bid to get Emirati women to market their own products.

“This exhibition mainly supports low and limited-income families by allowing them to showcase their creativity and find the appropriate opportunity to market their own hand-made traditional products and sell them directly to consumers at reduced rates compared to the local market,” said Ali Bin Abbad, general manager of Fujairah Welfare Association.

Mona Al Ghais, a participants from Fujairah, said that selling her goods will help raise money to attain her future goal.

“This is the second time I have participated in an exhibition and I’m looking forward to selling all my products in order to develop my project and have my own shop,” she said.

Ms Al Ghais makes traditional hospitality products, such as tea and coffee pots, incense burners and boats made from palm fronds.

“I joined the association one year ago and they supported me and provided me with the training that I need in order to progress and use my own skills in a way that would support me financially,” added the 32-year-old.

Bainah Al Sereidi, who shared the same sales table as Ms Al Ghais, said that selling her own products over the past four years has supported her family financially after the death of her husband.

“I have four children aged 14 to 8 and, after my husband had passed away, I joined the association and took several training courses on how to use palm fronds in crafts and how to design coffee and tea pots and trays, among other things,” the 37-year-old said.

“This exhibition is a great opportunity to display our products and find more clients and sell some products.”

Shaikha Al Mteiri, from Fujairah but who now works in Abu Dhabi as an HR administrator, said that exhibitions of these types are a great marketing tool. She is participating as an events planner.

“I always participate in such exhibitions. Many visitors may admire my work and start using my services, so I intended to showcase my creativity in organising stands and tables for various occasions,” said Ms Al Mteiri, 34.

The exhibition runs until Saturday at Fujairah Exhibition Centre.