Ataya

1309 Studios. Photo: Courtesy
After last year’s virtual edition, the annual Ataya exhibition returned on February 28 under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF). Its 11th edition this year was inaugurated by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State.
Ataya (meaning ‘giving’ in Arabic) is an exhibition for charity organized by ERC under the patronage of HH Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) for Women Affairs, Chairperson of the Higher Committee of the Ataya Initiative, and the wife of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.
The inauguration of the Ataya exhibition. Photo: Courtesy
Open to visitors till March 4 at the Jiu Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi, the exhibition seeks to aid 2,000 refugee families in Jordan and Iraq, provide education and advance their digital skills, and set foundations for productive projects on agriculture and livestock in rural areas. Featuring more than 100 exhibitors from a total of 13 supporting countries, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Germany, India, Brazil, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Indonesia, the exhibition gathers its proceeds through jewelry, home appliances and furniture, and clothing. The proceeds will then be donated towards the charitable cause of empowering and supporting refugees.
Some of the participating designers and brands this year include Sarah’s Bag, 1309 Studios, Musée Poudre, Anita Dongre, Bokja Design, and Orchard Moon, which will be launching a line of abayas at the exhibition.
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N Designs. Courtesy Ataya
Naheel Alshubat, owner of N Designs has announced that all of the proceeds from her sales will go towards supporting this year’s Ataya cause. Supporting nurses in seven countries–the UAE, India, the Philippines, Egypt, Mauritania, Albania, and Bosnia–Ataya will offer 200 fully-funded scholarships to aspiring nurses in these countries. “Ataya has been an amazing platform that helped establish N Designs in the UAE and GCC markets and continues to do so every year,” starts Alshubat of the shopping exhibition. “Nursing has always been one of the most noble professions that demands an extraordinary amount of compassion and selflessness, and we came to realize the importance of it during their significant role as front-liners in the Covid-19 pandemic,” she comments. “Donating all of the proceeds this year is my way of giving back, especially since it is to a great cause.”
Ataya’s higher committee explains that this year’s charitable selection was largely based on the report by the World Health Organization, which proved the need for 6 million additional staff to work in the nursing field around the world. “Training and empowering aspiring nurses will contribute to providing the necessary healthcare to those who deserve it. And so we aim to provide knowledge to those who need it and support a new line of frontline workers who are competent and able to help fight the spread of the virus and end the pandemic,” states the Ataya higher committee. Under the umbrella of the UAE Red Crescent, Ataya has worked to support different programs aimed to “enhance human life, health, and education in countries facing a shortage in services in those fields,” adds the committee. Ataya, operating for ten years now, “seeks to support the capacities of humanitarian organizations and charities in those countries to play their role within their societies and spread the concept of giving and solidarity among different segments of society. Through our initiatives, we aspire to advance the global humanitarian mission undertaken by the United Arab Emirates under its wise leadership that has pushed the UAE to the forefront as a world-class international donor of humanitarian aid.” Ataya, Until May 31st
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Photo: Instagram/@odeem_official
Starting now until May 31, many Emirati designers and artists will be featuring their work at the first virtual edition of Ataya. Meaning “giving” in Arabic, Ataya is an annual initiative organized by the Emirates Red Crescent, with 35 participating exhibitors each chosen individually by the Higher Committee of Ataya. Living up to its name, the proceeds raised through donations and exhibitor participation fees will support 200 fully funded training grants for nurses from select universities in India, the Philippines, Egypt, Albania, Bosnia, Mauritania, and the UAE.
In its 10th edition, Emirati artists will be showcasing work ranging from handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces from clothing, accessories, to crafts and home decor.

Odeem 
Photo: Instagram/@odeem_official
The Dubai-based luxury accessory label founded by Fatma AlOtaiba specializes in expertly designed leather goods. Odeem creates classic handbags by combining a variety of leather skins and textures that are responsibly sourced.
Designed by Hind
Photo: Courtesy of Ataya
Homeware brand helmed by Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi combines elegant Emirati elements with contemporary designs to create bespoke crockery. Designed by Hind has become one of the UAE’s leading brands of porcelain.
Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts 

This is a non-profit organization under the patronage of HH Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Emirates Red Crescent President’s Assistant for Women’s Affairs which aims to empower underprivileged women through sustainable crafts. Supporting over 200 craftswomen from different nationalities and ages, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts offers a range of products including corporate gifts, stationary, home accessories, and fashion.
Alserkal Jewelry 
Photo: Courtesy of Ataya
Designed by Sheikha Bint Abdullah bin Eisa Al Serkal, the jewelry collection features gemstones from and motifs from the UAE, drawing inspiration from the region’s rich culture and heritage.
Sefeefa Collective 

Sefeefa Collective is an Emirati brand centered around the desire to bring the art of palm frond weaving to the forefront while providing a sustainable income for craftswomen in the region.
To support local Emirati designers, artists, and boutiques, or to make a donation, visit Ataya’s website.
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