Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Creating a unique opportunity for female entrepreneurs in the F&B and fashion textile industries to take their ventures to the next level, Sharjah Business Women Council has announced specialised workshops, which will take place in September and November, where industry experts will impart scientific and commercial knowledge, and offer possible methods and strategies to overcome potential challenges.

Particularly beneficial to those who run cloud kitchens or aspire to start one, and fashion designers who want to hone their knowledge and skills of a variety of fabrics and how to manipulate them to bring their vision to reality must register for the workshops on SBWC’s smart app (SBWC), available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

The first workshop ‘Fundamentals of Cloud Kitchen’ will be held on September 21 in Centro Hotel in Sharjah, and will be led by Akhilesh Bah, Founder and CEO of Malt & Salt Hospitality. Bah will take participants through an immersive journey, unlocking the secrets to running a successful cloud kitchen business.

From demonstrating viable financial models and formats of food delivery, to menu planning and development, inventory management, operational structures, building efficient supply chain networks, Bah will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the basic fundamentals of running a successful cloud kitchen.

The second workshop on November 2nd, titled ‘Textile Workshop’, will take participants to Dubai Textile city. Organised by Designers Hub and led by Yasser Albeer, Senior Vice President of Yaser & Mayasa Fashion, the hands-on workshop will offer participating designers a nuanced understanding of the five principles that will help them manipulate fabrics to execute their designs and elevate their brand to a new level.

Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said: “We believe that constant upskilling and gaining latest industry knowledge are essential to business success. Therefore, SBWC continues to create new and exciting opportunities for women to explore diverse economic and industrial sectors that rely on cutting-edge technologies. We also guide them through various initiatives and activities that introduce female entrepreneurs to different forms of investment and equip them with the necessary information and tools to establish and manage their projects in these sectors. This aligns with the council’s vision and strategy to empower women and encourage their active participation in economic and social development.”

In March, the council organised a ‘Perfumery Workshop’ led by SBWC Board member Olympia T. Mascolo, Co-founder of Anfasic Dokhoon. Participants had the opportunity to learn the secrets of the perfume industry and the importance of scents in defining personality and mood. The council also organised ‘Money Talks’ workshop led by Latifa bin Haider, an Emirati entrepreneur, who shined light on ways to manage money and thrive financially through BAYTUKI.

Meanwhile, PureGlass, a global leader in the glass industry, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and techniques, has asserted the UAE and Sharjah’s status as a preferred investment destination, by establishing its first regional production headquarters in Sharjah’s Sajaa Industrial Area, with the support of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah).

Constructing an impressive 10,000 square metre facility, PureGlass has invested over Dhs45 million to create a state-of-the-art factory that boasts an impressive daily production capacity of 1,000 square metres. In addition to its cutting-edge operations, the facility is poised to generate numerous employment opportunities in its initial phases.

Established in 2014 within the city of Luanda, Angola, PureGlass has carved a niche for itself as a specialist in the production of tempered and laminated glass. With an eye on growth, the company is now set to broaden its footprint in the UAE, the wider region, and global markets. This expansion strategy is underpinned by Sharjah’s strategic geographical positioning, its advanced logistics infrastructure, and the abundant growth opportunities it offers.

In the current year, the demand for glass has surged by approximately 5% when compared to 2022. This trend isn’t limited to the local market alone, as the glass industry has experienced a robust growth rate of 7%. These figures prove the escalating requirements of both local and global markets, further fueling PureGlass’s ambitions for expansion.

Modern Facilities and Smart Production Programs

As part of its ongoing mission to support investors and facilitate their business growth, a delegation from Invest in Sharjah, led by H.E the CEO, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, alongside João Pestana, Business Development Manager at PureGlass, attended the launch of PureGlass’s headquarters in Sharjah.

During their visit, the Invest in Sharjah delegation had the opportunity to tour the PureGlass facilities and see its advanced equipment in action, capable of producing a wide range of top-tier glass products. They also explored the production units, which leverage the latest advancements in smart applications for glass production, such as the Optima program, robotic machines, glass furnaces, digital printing, horizontal and vertical CNC machines, automatic loaders, as well as water recycling systems.