Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Alfai Almarzooqi was five when she set a Guinness World Record in 2023 as the youngest girl to publish a book. Now eight, her ambitions have grown alongside her as she moved from drawing and writing to helping other kids make their own dolls using DIY kits.
"We wanted to show her that success is not limited by age," her mother told Aletihad. Almarzooqi was one of more than 120 children who spent the weekend proving that no one is too young to turn an idea into a business, at the Minipreneurs Market by Eagle Hills, held at Mubadala Arena from July 3 to 5.
The event was designed to draw children away from screens and toward practical skills, the kind that could one day grow into real businesses. Entry was free for both visitors and vendors.
"We wanted to create an event that removes financial barriers and gives young people an opportunity to explore their creativity," said Aisha Al Tamimi, founder of Untitled Co, which organised the market.
"The goal was to see what children can create when they spend time away from technology and instead invest their energy in learning, making and building."
At her stall, Almarzooqi displayed a collection as varied as her interests: doll-making kits, dress-making materials, tote bags, children's apparel, and copies of "The Lost Rabbit" - the book that earned her two Guinness World Records, including one for being the youngest girl to publish a bilingual book.
The range on display reflected a curiosity her family has watched grow for years. "She was always asking questions, writing stories and drawing," her mother said.
Since her record-breaking debut, Almarzooqi's original artwork has appeared on apparel and other goods under her own expanding brand - proof, her mother said, of how far that early creativity has travelled.
"We want society to understand that children can achieve remarkable things when their parents invest time in nurturing their talents," she added. "Every child has potential if it is encouraged."
For many families, the market offered an ideal venue for their children to show off what they'd built and take real ownership of it. Al Tamimi said even her own team was surprised by the turnout.
"We announced only the location on social media, without revealing the programme or the number of booths," she said. "We simply wanted to measure community interest, and honestly, we did not expect such an overwhelming response."
More than 200 children are now on a waiting list for future events, she added. "The community wants opportunities where children can experience business firsthand," she said, noting that many families have already asked to take part in what comes next - a sign, she believes, of parents' growing appetite to spend time with their kids while building their confidence and creativity.
"Parents want to discover their children's talents and help them turn those talents into something meaningful."
Among the other young entrepreneurs at the market was Salama Al Mazrouei, whose brand The Little Riders grew out of her love of horseback riding.
"I became so enamoured with horses that I started wondering if I could launch a horse-related business," she said. "Additionally, I wanted to inspire other kids to share my passion for horseback riding."
Al Mazrouei, who lives with diabetes, found that regular riding helped her manage her blood sugar levels - and turned that discovery into a small business selling horse blankets, riding helmets, and other equestrian gear.
