Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
A Ramadan pop-up market titled “Mugalat” has brought together a vibrant mix of small-scale businesses, food vendors, and creative minds at Mina Zayed.
The second edition of the pop-up market aims to build upon the success of the first event, celebrating community, creativity, and connection in a human-centric gathering, according to its organisers, Emirati curators Alanoud Mohammed and Johara Saeed.
They said this year they are expanding the event with engaging activities that cater to “mind, body, and soul” as it includes art workshops and mental health discussions led by experts, in addition to live performances.
“The project supports us as entrepreneurs by providing us with enough space to show our creativity at the lowest cost. We bring together entrepreneurs from diverse cultures and backgrounds,” Alanoud told Aletihad.
Sharing her experience, Indian restaurant owner Zainab Talati said: “We prepare traditional recipes that have been passed down through the years from my mother and grandparents to the people of Abu Dhabi. I was so excited to be a part of this community event, especially during Ramadan when we are supporting one another.”
“The organisers are amazing models of female entrepreneurs. I admired their concept of bringing together so many diverse brands in one place,” Talati told Aletihad.
For Fatima Omar and Abdullah Al Qassab, who run a podcast and lead workshops that combine art and psychology, the event “brings our project’s idea to life, as it had long been a dream”.
“Our project seeks to integrate psychology and art together. This mixture helps to trigger one’s internal conflict between their rational and emotional thinking,” the husband and wife duo said.
Also participating in the event are Wejdan Abdullah and Mahra Mohammed, owners of a fragrance and candle business.
“All our perfumes are manufactured locally by Emiratis, and the products bear genuine Arabic names. We took part in this wonderful exhibition because the people are cooperative, and the location is ideal for our project.”
Salama Alali, showcasing her handmade carpet project, highlighted the supportive environment for small-scale businesses.
“Everyone here is so cooperative, so I would like to take part in their next events as well,” she added.
Among the visitors making stops at the booths is Catriona Middleton, who recently moved to the UAE from London.
“I am glad I stopped by. There are so many lovely local businesses. It is nice to walk around and meet the people who make these products. It is pretty amazing to have updated tastes of flavours.” The market is open to the public until March 23.
