At just seventeen years old, Moza Ibrahim Alshrihan is already making her mark in the UAE’s business world. In partnership with her mother, she runs Mare Sweets, a home-based confectionery business that has gained rapid popularity in Ras Al Khaimah and has now partnered with the online delivery giant Talabat.
By the Numbers
- 17: Moza’s current age.
- 16: The age at which she received her first business license.
- 4: The number of stages in the government support program that helped her launch.
From a Home Kitchen to a Digital Storefront
“We started Mare Sweets from home, just me and my mother. All our products are handmade by us,” Moza explained. The journey began with small orders, but step by step, the business grew. Now, just one year later, a strategic partnership with Talabat has opened new doors, enabling Mare Sweets to reach a much wider customer base and manage a continuous stream of orders.
The ‘Little Mubashir’ Program: A Launchpad for Youth
Moza credits much of her early success to “The Little Mubashir,” a youth entrepreneurship program run by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development. This multi-stage initiative goes beyond traditional summer activities, providing students with a structured journey that combines business theory with practical, hands-on learning. The program taught Moza the fundamentals of management, marketing, and operations. “I always wanted to start a sweets business, but I didn’t know where to begin,” she said. “Joining the program gave me the chance to gain real experience and learn how to take those first steps.”
A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth
Beyond the business skills, the program helped Moza overcome her shyness. “Before joining the program, I never imagined I could explain things to people or even be social,” she admitted. “But through the program, I learned how to communicate, build relationships, and present my work to customers.” This newfound confidence was on display when she showcased her sweets at a local exhibition organized by the department, where she learned to interact with large crowds and promote her brand directly.
Looking Ahead: Local Success with Global Ambitions
With a thriving business and a growing customer base, Moza is already thinking about the future. “People have started asking if we deliver to Saudi Arabia or other places,” she said. “I want this business to become something huge, known not just here in Ras Al Khaimah, but maybe one day, globally.” Moza’s story is an inspiring example for the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs.
Source: Khaleej Times
