Brand Dubai’s guide spotlights 100 female-owned businesses

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, is marking Emirati Women’s Day 2022 with the launch of an interactive guide featuring 100 innovative businesses established by Emirati women.

Titled ‘By Emirati Women’, the extensive guide celebrates Emirati women entrepreneurs’ distinguished achievements and their active roles in various sectors in the UAE.

The unique guide was launched as part of Brand Dubai’s ‘Proudly from Dubai’ initiative, which seeks to raise the visibility of promising homegrown businesses. Marked annually on 28 August, Emirati Women’s Day was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, to appreciate Emirati women for their dedication, strength and achievements that have helped shape the nation. This year, the occasion is being held under the theme ‘Inspiring Reality, Sustainable Future’.

Female entrepreneurship in Dubai has seen remarkable growth.

Emirati women entrepreneurs have busted many stereotypes, firmly establishing their businesses as powerful engines contributing to the country’s economy. The ‘By Emirati Women’ guide aims to support female Emirati entrepreneurs who have shattered the glass ceiling and reflect the city’s entrepreneurial success. The guide lists 100 female-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fields of fashion, food and beverages, photography, floristry, jewellery, design and event planning.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said, “The ‘By Emirati Women’ guide, released on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, not only commemorates successful Emirati female entrepreneurs but also shines the spotlight on inspiring homegrown businesses in the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network that have achieved remarkable success with their creative concepts. Emirati women continue to make the nation proud with their ability to take on new roles and leading positions. By setting up businesses in new sectors, Emirati women have proven they can succeed in any field they choose.

The guide’s launch is a reflection of the importance that Brand Dubai places on supporting start-ups in their entrepreneurial journey.” Female entrepreneurs whose businesses have been featured in the guide expressed their appreciation for the support they continue to receive from Brand Dubai as members of the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network. They said the network has helped widen the reach of their businesses among the community and added that by shedding light on their entrepreneurial experiences, the guide would serve as a source of inspiration for other women who are also keen on starting up their businesses.

‘Proudly from Dubai’ is an initiative of Brand Dubai that aims to tell local and global audiences the success stories of exciting and innovative businesses born and initiated in the emirate. It also narrates the story of innovation and creativity shaping Dubai’s business and entrepreneurial culture. As part of the initiative, Brand Dubai offers businesses in the network both local and international media exposure, space provision and networking opportunities.

ADFD celebrates Emirati Women’s Day: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) will celebrate Emirati Women’s Day on August 28 under the theme, “An Inspiring Reality, a Sustainable Future”. The occasion is an opportunity for ADFD to recognise the contributions of women to the UAE’s progress and development and their outstanding achievements in every sphere.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, said: “Emirati women have made exceptional progress in every domain. Thanks to the sustained support they received from the leadership since the time of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, they have become an essential partner in nation building.”

He added that the unflinching support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the Mother of the Nation, also enabled Emirati women to achieve their aspirations and success in various fields. Today their contributions, determination and success are recognized by everyone.

Fatima Al Mazrouei, Director of the Support Services Department at ADFD, said: “We attach great importance to developing skills and capabilities of Emirati women at Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and enabling them to play their part in various fields. We pay a good deal of attention to providing an enabling environment for them to flourish.”

She added that ADFD provides promising opportunities for Emirati women to take part in social development, while also ensuring that they maintain a balance between professional and personal life.