‘We showcase our country’s rich heritage through our products’
Sami Mohammad Hassan Al Seni and his partner Dhaif Allah Mohammad Nejad, who have been selling Yemeni jewellery, silver, daggers and handicrafts at the Yemeni pavilion for 12 years, speak six languages. They are among the pavilion’s favourite vendors, as they use their language skills to interact and converse with guests from all backgrounds.
Al Seni’s journey from his hometown Thila, 50km from Yemeni capital Sana’a, to Global Village, where he has set up shop for six months was one with many challenges.
“With the current situation in Yemen, I faced many difficulties to get here this year, and had to drive for six days with my shipment of goods through the Oman border and into the UAE. It really wasn’t easy, but I love taking part in Global Village, and I am happy to be representing my culture,” said Al Seni.
Along with other vendors at the pavilions, his partner was one of the few who were able to obtain a visa and take a two-and-a-half-hour flight to the UAE. “As a result of the situation in Yemen as well as visa issues, we were not able to take part in Global Village for two years in 2015 and 2016. But we are here this year, and are happy to meet our guests and regular customers,” he said.
Al Seni and his partner sell everything — from Yemeni antiques to the traditional ‘Akeek’ stone usually incorporated into rings, jewellery and Yemeni daggers.
Another vendor at the pavilion, Qasim Mohammad Musaed Saeed, owns a stall offering various types of authentic Yemeni honey including ‘Sidr honey’ and ‘Samar honey,’ used for multiple purposes and known for their healing ingredients.
“Global Village is a special celebration of cultures as it brings together everyone from around the world. Here at the Yemeni pavilion, we try and showcase a small representation of our country’s rich heritage, history and traditions through the products we sell such as the honey, spices, antiques and jewellery,” said Saeed.
He said after the conclusion of the annual festival, vendors will return to their countries and prepare for the next edition of Global Village.
“Despite the conflict going on in Yemen, the people are staying strong and persevering through the difficulties. We wish peace for the whole region and the world,” said Saeed.