Florence: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) successfully concluded its participation in the International Handicrafts Trade Fair (MIDA) held in Florence, Italy, from April 25 to May 1. The Chamber's pavilion received significant recognition at the event, serving as a platform for promoting the UAE's creative and artisanal industries and empowering national talent to expand their presence in global markets.
According to Emirates News Agency, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, led the delegation, which included Mona Sultan Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of the SCCI's Chairman and head of the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, along with six talented Emirati women designers. The participation in MIDA 2025 was under the UAE Jewellery and Perfume Platform, a key SCCI initiative supporting Emirati entrepreneurs in these industries.
Al Owais highlighted that such international engagements are crucial for boosting local enterprises' competitiveness and supporting Sharjah's and the UAE's economic growth. He underscored the importance of direct engagement with global markets, expertise exchange, and product diversification for enhancing market presence.
Mona Al Suwaidi emphasized the UAE Jewelry and Perfume Platform's success in showcasing Emirati designers' talents globally and fostering business growth opportunities. She expressed pride in the achievements at the Florence exhibition, which demonstrated the craftsmanship and innovation of Emirati women designers.
As part of its agenda, the Sharjah Chamber delegation held meetings with senior officials in Florence, including Laura Sparavigna, President of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, and Lorenzo Becattini, President of Firenze Fiera. Discussions focused on cooperation prospects and expertise exchange in organising international exhibitions and developing innovation and tourism sectors.
The 'Emirates Perfumes' pavilion hosted a popular workshop on traditional Emirati perfume and incense production techniques, drawing praise from Italian and European attendees. Emirati women designers showcased high-end jewelry and fragrance lines, blending Emirati heritage with global design trends.
The delegation also visited aromatic oil factories in Florence, exploring advanced fragrance extraction technologies. Emirati designers participated in expert workshops on jewelry design, gaining insights and skills aligned with international trends.
