Ajman’s artisans pull shoppers
Mosaic Market draws people of all ages looking for the traditional and modern
AJMAN // An arts and crafts market has proved a big hit with shoppers, with thousands of people picking up handicrafts and homemade food since it opened last month. The weekend Mosaic Market at Al Safia Park was set up to support small businesses and entrepreneurs with about 40 stalls selling everything from organic vegetables to clothes, said Shaikha Al Nuaimi, corpo- rate communication manager at the Abdulaziz bin Humaid Foundation, a non- profit organisation.
Aisha Khalfan bin Bader said the market was the ideal place to sell her clothing designs.
“My business started in May. I have a villa for the display room, but the market has helped in increasing the number of my customers who demand couture and unique designs,” the 49-year-old said.
Yahya Al Shamsi has been do- ing brisk business for his hats and caps featuring the UAE flag and Arabic sayings.
“I wanted to start my small business to increase my income. When my friend told me about the market, I got enthusiastic because I found a place to display my items, get experience about business and build relations with entrepreneurs,” Mr Al Shamsi said. At the Ajman Pearl Journey booth, visitors learnt about the country’s history of pearl diving.
“This project is to revive the UAE traditions. We show the visitors the traditional equipment that was used by our ancestors for pearling, how they were diving to catch the oysters and open them. Also, they can buy an oyster and open it to find their own pearl,” said Abdulaziz Al Mohsen. “We have a shop in Abu Dhabi and will soon open one in Ajman. So we got a chance from this market to promote the project to Ajman’s people.”
About 6,000 people visit the market each weekend. Its last day is next Friday. Sana Adham, a Grade 7 pupil from Syria, visited with family and friends.
“I loved the place. It has many beneficial and entertaining things such as the shows, a cin- ema, and a zoo,” the 12-year-old said.
“It was my first time and I saw how Emirati food is made. Also, I got plenty of details from the pearl booth.” Arwa Al Hamadi, a chemical engineering student, appreciated the variety of products and food on offer.
“I liked the organic vegetables booth as it was the first time I saw a shop that sold organic food. It is also a nice place where we can enjoy our time in the open, especially as the weather is nice,” the 20- year- old from Sharjah said.