Charity event draws 60 craftswomen

Dh70,000 is target for UAE Make a Wish foundation.

Teenage pop artist Shamma Al Semihi puts pen to paper at the annual Zero Nine Exhibition in Fujairah. Courtesy Zero Nine

FUJAIRAH // More than 60 businesswomen and female entrepreneurs came from across the Arab world to take part in the fourth Zero Nine charity exhibition in Fujairah on Wednesday.

Fashion designers, beauty artists and chefs were among the 68 achievers whose skills, talents and products were on show for a charity.

Home-made confectionery, handmade abayas, jalabiyas, fashion accessories and jewellery were among the items on show.

“Having the chance to make more customers while participating in a charity activity is rare and unique,” said Muna Al Nuaimi, a 31-year-old Emirati fashion designer from Abu Dhabi who started her Sorelle brand four years ago.

Last year, the event helped raise Dh300,000, money that went towards the establishment of the Friends for Diabetes Group at Fujairah Hospital.

However, this year Dh700,000 is hoped to go to the UAE Make a Wish foundation to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

“I have participated in many exhibitions and they all help in advertising my designs, but this is the first time I have participated in Zero Nine and it’s one of the best-organised events I have attended,” Ms Al Nuaimi said.

A 15-year-old Emirati girl was selling her pop art drawings.

“I started drawing in 2012 and, with the support of my family, I launched my Instagram page and people liked my art a lot and started submitting orders,” said Shamma Al Semihi, from Fujairah.

“This is the first time I have participated in an exhibition. It’s a great way to let more people enjoy my art as it will also give me a push forward to keep going and be more creative and continue with what I like most.”

A total of 4,000 visitors attended the four-day exhibition last year and organisers expect the numbers to double this time.

“Every year we expand, and this year we added workshops and inspirational talks that would empower women and guide the new entrepreneurs,” said Hessa Al Falasi, event manager.

The exhibition, which is named after the Fujairah telephone area code, is held annually under the guidance and patronage of Sheikha Shamseh bint Hamad Al Sharqi, daughter of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah.

It will run until Saturday, from 1pm to 11pm, in the Al Rumaelah area of Fujairah.