Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council Showcases Emirati Entrepreneurs at “Emirates’ Imprint — Building Together” Exhibition
Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council highlighted Emirati entrepreneurs at ‘Emirates’ Imprint — Building Together’ (May 7–10, 2026), advancing female-led SMEs.
The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council participated in the national exhibition “Emirates’ Imprint — Building Together” from May 7 to May 10, 2026, bringing a curated group of Emirati entrepreneurs, designers and women-led brands to a platform celebrating local creativity. The council’s presence underscored its drive to promote female-founded and female-led small and medium enterprises as part of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and innovation agenda. The event, presided over by Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, positioned the council as a conduit between emerging women entrepreneurs and wider market opportunities.
Council Brings Emirati Entrepreneurs and Local Brands Together
The council’s pavilion assembled a cross-section of Emirati businesswomen alongside homegrown labels and nascent initiatives, offering a concentrated showcase of talent in one national forum. Exhibitors included firms across design, fashion, creative crafts and premium products, each selected to reflect both cultural identity and commercial potential.
This collective presentation aimed to amplify visibility for businesses that are often underrepresented in mainstream retail channels, connecting owners directly with consumers and potential partners. Organizers noted that the platform’s footfall and media attention created tangible leads and dialogue for future collaborations.
Emphasis on Design, Fashion and Creative Industries
A central emphasis of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council’s participation was on design-led enterprises and fashion houses run or founded by Emirati women. These categories were highlighted because they combine cultural storytelling with scalable commercial models that can enter regional and international markets. Exhibitors used the opportunity to present capsule collections, limited-edition crafts and pilot product lines that demonstrate both aesthetic quality and market readiness.
The council deliberately promoted artisanship alongside contemporary design, positioning traditional craft techniques within modern product strategies to attract buyers seeking authenticity. Sector specialists at the exhibition provided informal mentorship and feedback, helping participating businesses refine packaging, pricing and presentation for broader retail appeal.
Support Measures for Female-Led SMEs and Market Access
Beyond exhibition space, the council facilitated networking sessions aimed at accelerating SME growth, including introductions to distributors, retail partners and platform providers. These sessions were designed to convert exhibition interest into concrete commercial agreements and distribution opportunities across the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Council representatives also outlined follow-up support including business development clinics and market-readiness workshops.
Participants reported that the engagement helped them map next steps for scaling, from securing placement in multi-brand stores to negotiating wholesale terms and exploring e‑commerce partnerships. The council emphasized measurable outcomes as part of its mandate to support female entrepreneurship, tracking leads and conversion prospects generated through the event.
Institutional Partnerships and Event Backing
The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Design Committee — Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ataya project, creating a coordinated government, private sector and community effort. This multi-stakeholder backing lent institutional weight to the initiative and provided exhibitors with direct access to resources and advisory networks. The presence of these partners signaled a policy-aligned approach to nurturing creative industries and women-led enterprises.
Organizers also said that the national platform model was intended to create sustained visibility for local makers, rather than a one-off showcase, by linking events to longer-term trade and promotion strategies. The synergy between the council and institutional partners aimed to streamline pathways from craft and concept to market-ready business.
Council Chair Highlights Women’s Economic Role and Next Steps
Asma Al Faheem, chair of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, said the participation reflected the council’s commitment to enhancing competitiveness and market reach for projects led by women. She highlighted the need for quality platforms that enable entrepreneurs to display their products, expand networks and seize growth opportunities. Al Faheem described the council’s work as aligned with Abu Dhabi’s objectives to build an innovation-driven, diversified economy where women play a central role.
Looking ahead, the council plans targeted follow-up programmes to convert exhibition momentum into sustained business expansion, including mentorship, access to finance guidance and partnerships with commercial buyers. These initiatives aim to embed participating firms more firmly in supply chains and retail ecosystems.
The “Emirates’ Imprint — Building Together” exhibition provided a concentrated, visible stage for Emirati women to present commercially viable work and to strengthen networks that underpin business scaling. By connecting creative talent with institutional support and market channels, the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council reinforced its role in driving inclusive economic growth and expanding opportunities for female-led SMEs across the emirate and the region.
