The “Tajer Al Fereej Al Sagheer” (Little Fereej Trader) initiative, organized by the Ferjan Dubai foundation, recently transformed Dubai’s Mushrif Park into a bustling marketplace for the nation’s youngest innovators. The two-day event, held in collaboration with strategic partners Dubai Municipality and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, provided 62 children with a platform to launch and manage 33 diverse business projects.
The family-oriented event successfully translated the UAE leadership’s vision of embedding an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age, aiming to build a new generation capable of turning creative ideas into viable projects that support the national economy.
Cultivating A New Generation Of Founders
The initiative serves as a foundational pillar in building a pipeline of future business leaders. By offering a real-world market environment, it bridges the gap between theoretical ideas and practical execution, fostering early engagement with the business community.
Aliah Al Shmlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai, stated that the initiative is a practical application of the leadership’s goal to equip the emerging generation with the tools of the future. “The foundation is keen to provide a safe and stimulating environment that enables children to have an integrated entrepreneurial experience,” she explained. “They learn the basics of planning, marketing, and dealing with the public, which enhances their self-confidence and develops a spirit of initiative and self-reliance from an early age.”
From Ideas To Market Stalls
The young entrepreneurs showcased a wide array of products and business concepts, gaining invaluable experience in marketing, customer relations, pricing, and budget management.
Latifa Salem Al-Badwawi, the 11-year-old founder of “San’at Latifa,” sold wicker bags she decorated with traditional Talli threads. Sisters Madiya and Sherina Al Zaffin, founders of “Sparkly,” created and sold handmade jewelry, learning firsthand about direct sales and customer communication.
Other notable projects included “Under the Stars,” a family cake business by Fatima, Mariam, and Badr Issa, who cleverly named their sweets after planets, inspired by Fatima’s dream of becoming a space engineer. Meanwhile, the founders of “Sipt” juices, Mera Al Shamsi and Hind Al Marzouqi, used the platform to learn marketing and direct sales skills for their unique beverage blends.
Beyond The Balance Sheet
The impact of the initiative extended beyond commercial success. For many participants, the experience was their first foray into business, providing them with the encouragement to continue developing their projects alongside their academic studies.
The young founders emphasized that the event taught them crucial lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom. The team behind the “Three Sisters” project, which sold small turtles and accessories, noted that their role included educating customers on animal care, adding a layer of social responsibility to their business. Furthermore, the initiative strengthened family bonds, as parents actively participated in the planning and execution stages, creating a shared space for collaboration and growth.
About Ferjan Dubai
Ferjan Dubai is a foundation dedicated to strengthening community ties and fostering social development within the emirate. Through impactful programs like “Tajer Al Fereej Al Sagheer,” it aims to empower residents, support local talent, and contribute to the UAE’s vibrant economic and social fabric by nurturing grassroots innovation and community engagement.
Source: Albayan
