Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Youth-driven initiative The Oasis is on a mission to make entrepreneurship more accessible.
The initiative, which organises exhibitions and gatherings for young entrepreneurs, was created through collaboration, trust, and a shared belief that Emirati entrepreneurs deserve a space to grow, experiment, and be seen, according to its founders.
Founded by Mansoor Omar Al Ahbabi, Amer Al Ahbabi, Hamdan Al Ketbi, Issa Al Zaabi, Yas Al Rumaithi, and Abdulaziz Al Dahmani, The Oasis brings together organisers, volunteers, and young business owners in one shared ecosystem. Here, participants contribute, learn from one another, and build together.
Al Ahbabi said The Oasis started as a simple idea that quickly became a collective effort. It is now a growing team of young Emiratis “working together to support each other and help emerging businesses and startups grow”.
What defined the initiative, he added, was how everyone took up responsibility and tackled challenges together. “We came together as a team, and throughout the process, we learned a lot. Every challenge became a lesson we can carry into future events and our personal and professional lives.”
The organisers stressed that nothing about the project was outsourced or handed down.
“We didn’t rely on external organisations. Instead, we built our own volunteer team, and everyone worked together to make the event happen successfully.”
Even the concept itself reflected that spirit of unity and identity.
“We chose the name ‘Oasis’ because the palm tree represents the UAE — it provides shade, food, and life, just as we aim to support and sustain our community.”
That same spirit of collaboration extended to the young entrepreneurs who participated in an event organised by The Oasis at Manarat Al Saadiyat from July 3 to 6. Many of them were students building businesses while still studying.
Maryam Mohammed, an HCT student affiliated with The Oasis, built her brand, Lumii.ae, by pairing heritage with modern fashion.
“I started my business because the market is limited and prices are high. I wanted to create something that combines Emirati heritage with modern ideas so people can wear something that reflects their identity.”
With good research and an understanding of what the market could be looking for, Lumii.ae took off in 2025, she said.
But the turning point came from real customer response. “The moment I knew it was working was when people started wearing our products and appreciating the quality.”
For Roudha Al Lari and Hoor Al Marzooqi, a passion for baking grew into an enterprise they now call Berru.
As they sifted, mixed, and whisked their way into the journey, they were grateful for what turned out to be a rich learning experience shaped by school, teamwork, and family support.
“We are still students, so balancing school and business has taught us responsibility and teamwork,” they said.
“Our families supported us from the beginning and helped us take the first steps.”
For them, The Oasis is only the beginning.
“We hope to participate in more exhibitions and continue growing our brand.”
As for Mohamed Al Hammadi, founder of fragrance brand Centyard, expanding the business is now the focus.
“I started Centyard because I’ve always been passionate about perfumes. People used to say I had good taste, so I thought — why not build my own brand?”
Now his fragrances are already wafting beyond the UAE’s borders.
“We are already selling across the GCC, and we’re aiming to open our first store in Abu Dhabi or Dubai,” said Al Hammadi, who is from Zayed University.
The popularity of these flourishing brands and the success of the youth-led initiative were reflected in the strong turnout at the exhibition. The team said they had expected only a few hundred visitors, but instead welcomed nearly 2,000 people per day.
