Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and Furjan Dubai have joined forces to introduce the “Little Neighborhood Trader” initiative across residential neighborhoods in Dubai. The initiative is designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking among children and encourage a culture of creativity, responsibility, and productivity from a young age.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to support young talent and strengthen the social fabric of neighborhoods. By giving children the chance to step into the world of business in a practical way, the initiative not only helps them build valuable skills but also brings neighbors together, reinforcing Dubai’s spirit of unity and community connection.
Giving Children a Real Taste of Business
At the heart of the “Little Neighborhood Trader” initiative is a simple but powerful idea: learning by doing. Children will be able to showcase their products, manage small projects, and interact directly with customers in a safe, organized environment that mirrors a real marketplace.
Through this hands-on experience, participants will develop essential skills such as communication, planning, budgeting, and marketing. More importantly, they will gain confidence in their abilities and begin to understand the value of effort, creativity, and teamwork.
The initiative also creates meaningful opportunities for families to get involved. Parents and children will participate together in community events, helping strengthen neighborhood ties and promote a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
A Collaborative Effort to Support Young Talent
The cooperation agreement was signed in the presence of His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality. Representatives from the three entities formalized the partnership as part of a unified effort to create a supportive ecosystem that identifies and nurtures talent at an early stage while encouraging independence and initiative.
Under the agreement, Furjan Dubai will oversee the organization of the initiative’s events across various neighborhoods. Young participants will have the opportunity to present their ideas and products during national celebrations and community festivals. Their projects will also be promoted through social media platforms, helping them reach a wider audience and receive community encouragement.
First Event to Take Place at Mushrif Park
The first edition of the initiative is scheduled for February 14 and 15 at Mushrif Park. The park will be transformed into a lively community marketplace, welcoming families and visitors to explore 33 small projects presented by 62 children.
Designed as a safe and well-structured mini market, the event will offer children a realistic and enjoyable introduction to entrepreneurship, while giving the community a chance to support and celebrate young ambition.
Dubai Municipality will allocate suitable parks, beaches, and public facilities for upcoming events and will streamline the necessary procedures to ensure a secure and inspiring environment for participants.
Training and Professional Support
To ensure the initiative’s long-term success, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will provide sponsorships and professional support across neighborhoods. In addition, specialized training programs will be introduced to guide children on how to start and manage small businesses, while teaching them the fundamentals and ethics of trade.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri emphasized that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to embedding entrepreneurship into the fabric of society and preparing a generation capable of turning ideas into successful ventures that contribute to the national economy.
His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita highlighted Dubai Municipality’s dedication to community-focused initiatives that empower young generations, describing the “Little Neighborhood Trader” as a practical model that promotes productivity and early entrepreneurial development.
Alia Al Shamsi, Director of Furjan Dubai, noted that the initiative supports the organization’s vision of transforming residential neighborhoods into nurturing spaces for emerging talent. By giving children early exposure to real-world business experiences, the initiative helps lay the foundation for a creative and confident generation ready to shape the future.
