Dubai: Women’s empowerment is the impetus behind the mostly female exhibition that opened on August 1 at the Dubai Ladies Club. The exhibition has welcomed more than 50 participants from different parts of the Middle East and Turkey, showcasing a diverse collection ranging from fashion, home decor to accessories and catering.
To nurture a spirit of entrepreneurship among women, Thoraya Al Awadhi, head of the Thoraya Al Awadhi Group of companies and the organiser of the exhibition, said that the exhibition space allows women to gain exposure for their work.
By way of explanation, Thoraya told Gulf News that the number in the exhibition’s title ‘12th Women Exhibition’ refers to her twelfth endeavour in the three-year span to help women get a foothold in the business arena. She said: “Though I also support established companies, I reach out to women who run home businesses. Some of the women who have exhibited in the past today have offices and shops. It makes me proud.”
She said she is guided by her personal story as a mother to seven children. “I started a business very late in life — only after my children were grown up.”
Gulf News spoke to a few women participants — newcomers to Dubai.
Bahraini jewellery designer Jewan Abdul Wahab Naqi said: “I decided to get a mix of styles from traditional to classic and contemporary. The Arabic calligraphy pieces have been a hit. Some of the hand-made Bahraini silver items with pearls are also popular,” she said.
Lebanese childrenswear designer Amal Al Yousuf and general manager of Trendy, caters to girls aged one to 16. She said she realised that there is a gap in the market for clothes that can be worn during special events.
“From experience, the girls — cousins and nieces — in my family would suffer from lack of choice when looking for a special occasion dress.
My designs use fabrics like dentelle [a kind of lace, French], organza, silk and satin, embellished with handmade satin flowers and other motifs.”
Bahraini designer and owner Mariam Janahi, Yareem Trading that specialises in abayas and jalabiyas (traditional embroidered kaftan-like garments), said that designs from Bahrain and other Gulf countries are popular given the eclectic tastes of Emirati women. “Abayas are favoured more than jalabiyas. Also styles that use dentelle and zardosi [embroidery with metallic threads] are popular.”
Kuwaiti company representative Samah Al Nady from Lazurd Catering that specialises in luxury party food said that the company has developed food design. “Several of our items, especially Middle Eastern food, have been modified into open-face versions. For example the kibbeh has been stacked and the stuffed vine leaves has been adapted into a sushi style serving,” she said. There is demand for bite-sized luxury delicacies given that the hospitality and entertainment sector in Dubai is thriving, she added.
