Throughout history, nations all over the world have witnessed the small wonders of local creations, often handmade and simplistic but which echoes the impressive abilities of the local folk in utilising whatever implements at hand to create beautiful designs and creations. However in modern times, with the rapid development in technological innovation, these small scale industries have been diminishing due to its inability to keep up with modern trends.

Sougha is a micro business enterprise scheme that has been introduced and established by the Khalifa Fund to revive one such waning industry. The subject matter of Sougha encompasses the art of Emirati crafts, which, due to the development of modern malls in the United Arab Emirates, could not evolve to suit the apparent current demand. In order to eliminate any possibility of such artistic creations from disappearing and to preserve these unique crafts, Sougha provides the opportunity and financial stability for skilled women in the country to begin their own businesses.

Being a non profit initiative, all proceeds and profits from the endeavour is directly transferred to the women who lovingly create these crafts. Established over three years ago, with only seven ladies signing up, the initiative now encompasses the arts and crafts of nearly 200 other women and manages the selling process on behalf of its contributors.

If you are staying at one of the Abu Dhabi hotels on holiday or even for business purposes, these crafts would be an ideal and authentic gift for your friends and family back home or even a souvenir for yourself. These arts and crafts come in the forms of necklaces, chokers, key chains, bags and even business card holders, all of them made patiently by hand, using traditional thread. Such a gift is sure to be very well received! At present, they can be purchased at the Central Market Souk where the Sougha initiative co-ordinates a small kiosk for the purposes of displaying and selling these handmade crafts. Further, they are also sold in a number of high end malls and shopping centres in the city.

As you make all your shopping dreams a reality, endeavour to make your holiday in the Emirates even more amazing by residing in Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara whose genuine hospitality and innumerable comforts make it one of the best luxury hotels Abu Dhabi.