Dubai’s vibrant community spirit and entrepreneurial ethos were celebrated through a special youth initiative that garnered high praise from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The heartwarming event, organized by the Lootah family, transformed a Muhaisnah neighborhood into a bustling marketplace exclusively operated by young entrepreneurs, many appearing under 15 years of age.
The engaging community market featured children managing their own stalls with remarkable professionalism, offering diverse products ranging from handmade crafts and clothing to creatively packaged snacks and beverages. One ambitious young girl operated a fully-stocked stationery booth with artistic supplies, while another confidently served customers from her lemonade stand. Seasonal offerings included carefully prepared hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, alongside freshly baked cookies and confectioneries.
Beyond commercial activities, the event fostered meaningful social connections as families strolled through the vibrant space, sampling products and encouraging the young vendors. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a display of classic and vintage cars that attracted admiration from both children and adults, creating a festive family-oriented environment.
Sheikh Mohammed, sharing video footage of the event through his official channels, commended the initiative as exemplary in promoting interpersonal connections and neighborhood cohesion. He specifically called upon Dubai Municipality, the Department of Economy and Tourism, and Dubai Fargan to replicate such community-driven programs across the emirate, emphasizing their dual benefit in nurturing early entrepreneurial skills while strengthening family and community bonds. The ruler’s concluding statement, ‘We are one big family in Dubai,’ encapsulated the event’s overarching theme of unity and collective growth.