Young Trader Initiative At Hatta Festival Empowers Children To Explore Entrepreneurship

The Young Trader initiative introduces children to hands-on business activity during the Hatta Festival, part of the #HattaWinter initiative. Brand Dubai and Dubai SME jointly run the programme. The focus is on early entrepreneurship skills, practical trading experience, and direct interaction with customers in a structured setting that connects learning, leisure, and economic awareness.

Four child-led projects join the Young Trader initiative, with participants aged between 8 and 13. These projects display varied commercial interests and creative ideas. Children present products and concepts to visitors, manage simple transactions, and explain their work. The experience is designed to strengthen communication, confidence, and problem-solving skills through real customer engagement.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), links the Young Trader initiative to wider policy goals. The programme supports Dubai SME’s strategy and the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. It also aligns with the priority of backing Emirati startup talent and building future business capacity.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri said: "Our participation in the ‘Young Trader’ initiative aligns with Dubai SME’s strategic direction to support the entrepreneurship community and achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 and the key priority of empowering Emirati startup talent." Almheiri highlights how the initiative connects childhood experiences with long-term economic aims.

Almheiri explained that the Young Trader initiative exposes children to entrepreneurship, project organisation, and public interaction at an early stage. The platform gives practical space to test ideas and manage simple operations. It helps children develop confidence and core skills. Almheiri also stressed that the programme reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation and applied learning among younger generations.

Amina Taher, Member of the #HattaWinter Initiative Organising Committee, noted that the Young Trader initiative helps children discover abilities from a young age. Taher said the set-up mixes education and entertainment, making entrepreneurship more accessible. The environment mirrors real business situations and encourages self-reliance, guided learning, and peer support within the Hatta community context.

Young Trader initiative within the #HattaWinter framework

Taher added that the Young Trader initiative allows children to present ideas, display products, and speak directly with visitors. This interaction supports clearer communication, strengthens self-confidence, and encourages creative thinking. The Young Trader initiative sits under the broader #HattaWinter initiative, which is delivered by Brand Dubai with oversight from the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta.

The #HattaWinter initiative includes cooperation with several Dubai government bodies that help shape the Young Trader initiative setting. Partners include the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Community Development Authority, Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Together they provide an organised environment that links tourism, community activity, and youth entrepreneurship in Hatta.

With inputs from WAM