Latest news with #Gahwa
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Exhibition unveils Emirati home-based projects
A five-day exhibition 'Bahjat Al Eid' was held which displayed a number of Emirati families' home-based projects and received tremendous response from visitors of all nationalities. The exhibition started on June 1 at Al Barsha Mall, Dubai and was organised by Union Coop with the aim of expanding its community services and providing an integrated shopping experience towards the residents of the emirate. An official said that 'the initiative is aligned with Union Coop's commitment to empowering Emirati productive families by offering them dedicated spaces within its commercial centres to display and market their goods. This practical step aims to transform small-scale ventures into sustainable economic contributors. Through this initiative, Union Coop merges community impact with service innovation, offering high-quality local products in a modern and comfortable shopping environment — adding a new dimension to the customer experience in its shopping centres.' Union Coop affirmed that the Bahjat Al Eid Exhibition is designed to add value for customers by introducing innovative and diverse products from Emirati families. This initiative not only enhances shopping options but also supports the local economy, reflecting the cooperative's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of its diverse consumer base. The cooperative added that today's customers prefer quality, authenticity, and a shopping experience rooted in national identity. By supporting productive families, Union Coop helps meet these expectations while fostering direct engagement between local producers and consumers. Visitors took part in an Emirati cultural coffee experience. The homegrown Emirati brand, Gahwatna, has launched a one-of-a-kind immersive experiential pop-up in partnership with Union Coop at Etihad Mall. This activation is far more than a coffee offering. It is a cultural movement designed to spark curiosity, enhance identity, and invite the world to experience the essence of the Emirates through all five senses. Pioneering in its concept, the Gahwatna pop-up seamlessly fuses the traditional art of Emirati Gahwa preparation with cutting-edge innovation and sensory storytelling. Visitors are not merely served coffee, they are invited to immerse in the narrative of belonging, memory, and modern heritage. Set within one of the UAE's most trusted community retailers, this initiative signals a new chapter in local entrepreneurship and cultural branding. At Gahwatna, we see Gahwa not just as a beverage, but as a ritual of connection, hospitality, and national pride,' said Ali Mansoor, Chief Executive Officer and creative force behind the brand. 'Union Coop represents the heart of our communities, and launching from here is a symbolic and strategic step in our journey to take an authentic Emirati voice from our home to the world.' Gahwatna is led by its partners Ali Mansoor and Saeed Al Suwaidi. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, visited the pop-up to personally experience what Gahwatna represents. Impressed by the depth and originality of the activation, he extended an invitation for Gahwatna to participate in the grand opening of Union Coop's new Khawaneej branch, where a tailored popup was launched the same day. Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter DUBAI: A five-day exhibition 'Bahjat Al Eid' was held which displayed a number of Emirati families' home-based projects and received tremendous response from visitors of all nationalities. The exhibition started on June 1 at Al Barsha Mall, Dubai and was organised by Union Coop with the aim of expanding its community services and providing an integrated shopping experience towards the residents of the emirate. An official said that 'the initiative is aligned with Union Coop's commitment to empowering Emirati productive families by offering them dedicated spaces within its commercial centres to display and market their goods. This practical step aims to transform small-scale ventures into sustainable economic contributors. Through this initiative, Union Coop merges community impact with service innovation, offering high-quality local products in a modern and comfortable shopping environment — adding a new dimension to the customer experience in its shopping centres.' Union Coop affirmed that the Bahjat Al Eid Exhibition is designed to add value for customers by introducing innovative and diverse products from Emirati families. This initiative not only enhances shopping options but also supports the local economy, reflecting the cooperative's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of its diverse consumer base. The cooperative added that today's customers prefer quality, authenticity, and a shopping experience rooted in national identity. By supporting productive families, Union Coop helps meet these expectations while fostering direct engagement between local producers and consumers. Visitors took part in an Emirati cultural coffee experience. The homegrown Emirati brand, Gahwatna, has launched a one-of-a-kind immersive experiential pop-up in partnership with Union Coop at Etihad Mall. This activation is far more than a coffee offering. It is a cultural movement designed to spark curiosity, enhance identity, and invite the world to experience the essence of the Emirates through all five senses. Pioneering in its concept, the Gahwatna pop-up seamlessly fuses the traditional art of Emirati Gahwa preparation with cutting-edge innovation and sensory storytelling. Visitors are not merely served coffee, they are invited to immerse in the narrative of belonging, memory, and modern heritage. Set within one of the UAE's most trusted community retailers, this initiative signals a new chapter in local entrepreneurship and cultural branding. At Gahwatna, we see Gahwa not just as a beverage, but as a ritual of connection, hospitality, and national pride,' said Ali Mansoor, Chief Executive Officer and creative force behind the brand. 'Union Coop represents the heart of our communities, and launching from here is a symbolic and strategic step in our journey to take an authentic Emirati voice from our home to the world.' Gahwatna is led by its partners Ali Mansoor and Saeed Al Suwaidi. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, visited the pop-up to personally experience what Gahwatna represents. Impressed by the depth and originality of the activation, he extended an invitation for Gahwatna to participate in the grand opening of Union Coop's new Khawaneej branch, where a tailored popup was launched the same day.
Entrepreneur
03-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Emirati-Born Brand 'Gahwatna' Partners With Union Coop to Launch First-of-its-Kind Pop-Up at Etihad Mall
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Gahwatna, an Emirati-born brand which sells authentic 'gahwa' [a type of coffee native to the UAE], has partnered with Union Coop, the UAE-based grocery retail giant, to launch a first-of-its-kind experiential pop-up at Etihad Mall. This initiative aims to create an environment where the Emirati brand doesn't just sell Gahwa—rather it also immerses visitors engaging all five senses in a celebration of identity, tradition, and vision. Gahwatna is led by its partners Ali Mansoor, Chief Executive Officer and the creative force behind the brand, and Saeed Al Suwaidi, Chief Commercial Officer and the strategic shaping its vision and market presence. Together, they have curated an experience that merges modern design, authentic Emirati Gahwa traditions, and immersive storytelling. Image source: Gahwatna "At the heart of this collaboration lies a powerful belief: Union Coop belongs to us," said Mansoor. "It's where Emirati families feel at home, and Gahwatna proudly starts its journey from that place of belonging—with a mission to take our story from us, to the world." Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, visited the pop-up to personally experience what Gahwatna represents. Impressed by the depth and originality of the activation, he extended an invitation for Gahwatna to participate in the grand opening of Union Coop's new Khawaneej branch, where a tailored mini popup was launched the same day. Image source: Gahwatna "Gahwatna is a sense of belonging—it's a movement. It's Emirati, it's human, and it's global," added Mansoor. "We are honored to start this journey with Union Coop, and together, we aim to make our heritage accessible, visible, and proud across every branch." Gahwatna is now in discussions with Union Coop to roll out nationwide activations, with the goal of bringing authentic Emirati experiences to every neighborhood through storytelling, retail innovation, and sensory engagement. With Eid Al Adha holidays around the corner, Gahwatna invites families to visit the Etihad Mall pop-up and enjoy a unique experience of Gahwat Al Dhaif, Kaif, and Saif—all wrapped in a spirit of togetherness, pride, and possibility.
Khaleej Times
08-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Look: Why these UAE-made handicrafts, organic products steal spotlight at Global Village
In a small 6-by-6-foot shop at Global Village, the creativity, heritage, and dedication of over 350 families from the eastern towns of the UAE come to life. From handmade incense burners and embroidered jalabiyas to organic ghee, finely blended spices, and traditional perfumes, every item reflects generations of craftsmanship and culture. At the heart of this initiative is Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment, a social welfare organisation that not only helps these families market their products but also trains them to refine their skills, ensuring they produce high-quality handmade goods. Established under the vision of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, and closely followed by Saeed bin Mohammed Al Ragbani, the centre has helped many artisans turn their inherited skills into sustainable businesses. 'Our objective is to empower productive families and develop their projects in line with UAE's heritage and culture. We support these families from Dibba Al Fujairah, Masafi, and other eastern towns, helping them generate a stable income through their traditional crafts,' said Hend Alhamoudi, a representative from Ghars Centre. Handmade Emirati treasure The families working with Ghars produce over 200 different types of products, all crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. One of the most sought-after items is flavored Emirati coffee (Gahwa). Families source coffee beans, roast them differently, grind them into powder, and mix them with traditional ingredients before packaging them for sale. Another popular product is handcrafted herbal tea, made with completely natural ingredients. Many customers also look for homemade pickles, which include lemon, beetroot, brinjal, and mango. These are made using age-old family recipes and have been in production for generations. 'The pickles and spice blends by these families are special because they are made at home, without preservatives, using recipes that have been passed down for decades. Many customers appreciate the authenticity and taste,' said Alhamoudi. Incense burners The incense burners created by these families are also a highlight. Made from clay, these burners are decorated with intricate paintings and embroidery. Customers can even request custom designs, including their names or poetic inscriptions. Perfumes Perfume-making is another heritage craft supported by Ghars. Families extract and blend fragrances using techniques that have been used for centuries, creating natural, handcrafted Arabic perfumes. Many of these perfumes are used in special occasions and religious rituals. Handcrafted items Handwoven prayer mats are another specialty. These mats are made from different materials, including jute, tree bark, cotton, and velvet. Some are packaged into special Ramadan gift sets, which include prayer beads, garments, and perfume. Families also weave date palm leaves into gift boxes, mobile covers, tissue boxes, and hand fans. These home decor and gift items are often purchased as souvenirs. 'Every product these artisans make carries a piece of our history. When people buy these handmade crafts, they are not just purchasing an item. They are taking home a piece of UAE's heritage,' said Alhamoudi A few local artisans also customize souvenirs such as fridge magnets, glass water bottles, and teacups. These products are hand-painted with traditional designs, sceneries, or customer provided photos Traditional clothes The centre also supports families who create prayer outfits, embroidered jalabiyas, abayas, and other traditional dresses. Many of these garments are customised with embroidery, paintings, and stonework. Organic, traditional food For those interested in traditional food, organic ghee and spices are among the best-selling products. Some families use secret family recipes to make pure, organic Arabic ghee, while others produce high-quality homemade spices, blending flavors that have been perfected over generations. Other traditional food items include vinegar, lime juice, and Mahyawa, a fermented fish sauce. These are crafted using methods that date back hundreds of years and remain a staple in many Emirati households. Henna production is also an important craft. Some families grow henna plants in their backyards, dry the leaves, grind them into fine powder, and package them for sale. 'These natural henna products are especially popular among Emiratis and tourists,' said Alhamoudi. 'The time required to produce these items varies. While some products, like incense burners and simple woven crafts, can be made in a day, intricate embroidery or customized orders can take up to five days or more,' added Alhamoudi. From home to market Ghars Centre is not only helping families produce handmade goods, but it is also ensuring that their products reach a wider audience. The organization provides training on packaging, quality control, and marketing, helping artisans improve their craft and sell their products effectively. 'At Ghars, we ensure quality control and also help artisans develop their skills through specialized training. After that, we assist them in marketing their products, allowing them to take specialized courses in packaging and business promotion,' said Alhamoudi. Currently, Ghars has a dedicated retail space at the 971 Pavilion in Global Village, where customers can purchase these handmade products. The organization has also partnered with DoubleTree by Hilton Fujairah, allowing artisans to showcase their goods in a premium setting. Additionally, Ghars actively participates in various exhibitions and cultural events within and beyond Fujairah, providing artisans with more exposure. 'Many of the artisans we work with have been able to grow their businesses independently. Some have even started their own brands after gaining experience through Ghars,' said Alhamoudi. Expanding beyond the UAE With the rising demand for handmade, authentic Emirati products, Ghars Centre is now looking to expand its reach beyond the UAE. 'We are planning to open doors to other markets in the GCC and are also in the process of launching an e-commerce platform for online sales,' said Alhamoudi. This move will provide even more opportunities for home-based artisans and allow UAE-made traditional products to reach global customers. Through its efforts, the centre is not just supporting local families, it is keeping UAE's rich traditions alive.
