Under the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), President of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, the Dubai Women’s Association inaugurated the National Renaissance Investment Festival (REACH) under the theme “Today’s Youth for Tomorrow.” The festival was attended by Her Excellency Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, along with distinguished officials and prominent figures.
Opening ceremony highlights
The festival began with the national anthem, followed by a keynote speech from the association outlining the event’s objectives and vision. A theatrical performance provided an engaging overview of the festival’s mission, after which the official sponsors and supporting institutions were honored. Her Excellency Ohood Al Roumi toured the festival’s facilities and activities, exploring its diverse offerings.
Festival features and activities
Held in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, the festival ran from December 19 to 22, 2024, showcasing a variety of features and activities designed to empower youth and enhance the economy. Key sections included:
Youth-driven retail stalls: A platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative projects and products.
Food entrepreneurs corner: Highlighting culinary projects by youth.
Local and international suppliers: Featuring exhibitors from the UAE and abroad.
Children’s entertainment area: Offering fun and educational activities for kids.
Interactive theater: Engaging audiences with live performances and sessions.
Relaxation lounges by the sea: Providing tranquil spaces for visitors.
Daily raffles: Adding excitement and rewarding attendees throughout the four-day festival.
Her Excellency Ohood Al Roumi – Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, Ms. Amina Al Dabbous Al Suwaidi – Executive Director of the Latifa Bint Mohammed Award for Childhood Creativity, Ms. Khawla Al Matroushi – Chairperson of the Reach Festival and Director of Future Generations at the Dubai Women’s Renaissance Association, Halima Seemba – Media Professional, Entrepreneur, and Certified International Trainer, and Ms. Mariam Seemba – Entrepreneur, Makeup Expert, and Founder of Purple Bubbles Company. Photo by © HALIMASEEMBA
One of the golden sponsors of the festival was PURPLEBUBBLES PERFUMES & COSMETICS TRADING, in collaboration with JUFFAIR ARTWORK, two Emirati sisters, Halima Seemba and Mariam Seemba, who are renowned for their contributions to the beauty and cosmetics industry.
Festival objectives
The National Renaissance Investment Festival aims to:
Empower youth to enter the new job market and develop their entrepreneurial projects.
Promote a culture of entrepreneurship and trade among the next generation.
Generate new investment opportunities to support sustainable economic growth.
Attract innovative talent, particularly in knowledge and technology-based sectors.
Foster business relationships between entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
Workshop by Halima & Mariam Seemba: Empowering you to start your own project
As part of the festival, Halima and Mariam Seemba hosted a workshop titled “Empowering You to Start Your Own Project,” which focused on guiding participants through the steps of starting their own businesses.
Key workshop highlights
Defining clear and actionable goals.
Brainstorming innovative project ideas.
Practical exercises to outline strategies for project development.
Mariam Seemba, co-founder of Purple Bubbles Cosmetics, expressed her admiration for the festival:“We liked how the festival combined entertainment and education, creating a space where attendees could learn while enjoying a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.”
Partnership and media representation
The festival also provided an opportunity for Halima Seemba, Strategic Partner of Purple Bubbles and a contributing writer for Brainz Magazine, to showcase her expertise. She expressed her gratitude for being part of the festival as both a partner and media representative:
“Partnering with a local festival like REACH and presenting our workshop allowed us to connect with a vibrant community while sharing our knowledge. It’s inspiring to see the UAE create platforms that celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation. Being part of the media team representing Brainz Magazine added another layer of purpose to our participation.”
Remarks by Ms. Khawla Al Matroushi
Ms. Khawla Al Matroushi, Head of the Generations of the Future Department at Dubai Women’s Association, emphasized the significance of the festival:
“The National Renaissance Investment Festival ‘REACH’ aims to empower youth by turning their ideas into tangible projects. It also helps create connections among entrepreneurs to exchange expertise and foster collaboration. We aspire to be a nurturing environment for youth, introducing society to new and innovative projects while building a sustainable generation of entrepreneurs for the next 50 years of the UAE’s future.”
From the left ( Halima Seemba – Media Professional, Entrepreneur, and Certified International Trainer owner of Juffair Company. Mrs. Khawla Al Matroushi – Chairperson of the Reach Festival and Director of Future Generations at the Dubai Women’s Renaissance Association, , and Ms. Mariam Seemba – Entrepreneur, Makeup Expert, and Founder of Purple Bubbles Company) Photo by © HALIMASEEMBA
Conclusion
The National Renaissance Investment Festival (REACH) is more than an event; it is a transformative platform that supports creativity, innovation, and youth empowerment. With the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the collaborative efforts of government and private entities, the festival successfully blended innovation, knowledge, and investment into a unique experience that inspires future generations.
