In line with its mission to promote and boost business opportunities for its members, the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) - a NAMA Women Advancement affiliate, is organising ‘Majlisna in Khorfakkan’ between November 17 – 20 to enable entrepreneurs, businesswomen and partners to network and showcase their products and services to communities in the Eastern Region.

The festival, which runs between 4pm – 10pm at Khorfakkan Beach, provides a platform for aspiring businesswomen to launch their projects and enables established entrepreneurs to secure investment opportunities. The high-profile marketing and entertainment events will also help support and advance the women-led business community in the Eastern Region.

For children aged 6-13, ‘Majlisna in Khorfakkan’ is hosting a series of unique and fun craft workshops led by NAMA affiliate, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, and UAE-based nonprofit, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF). Irthi will engage children in the art of weaving the Emirati craft of Talli to craft a woven chair and offer lessons on decorating a tote bag with funky designs using scraps of fabric and recycled yarn while at the workshops hosted by TBHF, children will write inspiring messages on tote bags and create attractive donation boxes. In addition, two calligraphy workshops organised by Wildflower Calligraphy, and Ghain, enabling children to practice their unique writing skills on tote bags.

Maryam Bin Al Sheikh, Director of SBWC, said: “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the launch of several integrated development projects is elevating the eastern coastal city as a major tourism and investment destination in the country.”

The SBWC Director added: “In light of the historical and cultural significance of the city, SBWC is keen on spearheading efforts to support entrepreneurs in the Eastern Region to help them realise their potential and advance their businesses and projects.”

A number of food trucks and cafes are available during the festival, offering a wide range of delicious foods and drinks. Participating F&B outlets include Mama’s Food, Caffeine Shot, Takyah Cafe, Bahaar café, Double ss, 1more.coffee, She Burge, and Not a Space.

The four-day family-friendly festival features hands-on workshops and a host of engaging activities presented by institutions operating under Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA).

Sharjah Business Women Council recently received a delegation of 14 businesswomen from the Kyrgyz Republic to explore opportunities for collaboration between them and business women in the UAE and Sharjah in sectors as diverse as education, infrastructure, fashion and retail, media and consulting, renewable energy, agri-food industries, travel & tourism, and more.

The Kyrgyz delegation was led by Nazira Beishenalieva, Chairperson of the CJSC Bank of Asia and Chairperson of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kyrgyz Republic; and Daria Chebakova, PR-Manager of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The delegation comprising entrepreneurs, experts and business leaders was received by the SBWC management led by Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC. Other attendees at the networking meeting included SBWC members and Board members, Emirates Business Women Council Board Members and officials of leading commercial entities in Sharjah, including Sharjah Airport International Free (SAIF) Zone; Sharjah FDI Office - Invest In Sharjah; as well as representatives of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

Following the networking session, Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said: “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the UAE in 1996, and later the Agreement on Economic Cooperation of 2014, the country has become an important economic partner of the UAE in Central Asia. This meeting provided female business leaders from Kyrgyzstan a closer look at the opportunities available in Sharjah and the UAE’s diversified economy and specific areas they can capitalise on here.”

“Since going global last year to reflect SBWC’s ongoing evolution and its bold vision to drive full integration of businesswomen in the economy, not only locally, but around the world, we have been frequently hosting business women and female entrepreneurs from around the world as we believe that we can act as a catalyst, enabling them to realise their goals to establish themselves in this part of the world.