Earlier this year, our international trade consultants – Wietske Zandberg and Esmée Wiering spent a week in Dubai for the annual INDEX trade fair – an event providing the largest single trading and networking opportunities in the entire Middle Eastern Architecture & Design industry. This November, Wietske and Esmée went back to the Middle East, this time to Abu Dhabi, where they met with the Minjara team once more. Their main mission, while being there, was to support Minjara – a Lebanese brand that features the works of skilled furniture producers in Tripoli and brings them together under one umbrella – in increasing exports.

Creative export

Wietske, Esmée and the Minjara team attended the Creative Nations 961 event, organised by the Lebanese Business Council in collaboration with The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF). Described by Gulf News as: “A social, cultural, and economic event to encourage creativity in the Lebanese population within the UAE.”

On day one, the event was officially opened by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan – UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who was present at the show and took the time to speak to all exhibitors.

Matchmaking extravaganza

Day two greeted our international trade consultants with a bunch of matchmaking meetings. Wietske spent the day with Minjara’s Marketing and (UAE) Sales Managers – Diva Chbeir and Spiro Haykal. They attended meetings with companies who had projects in the pipeline, compatible with Minjara’s business lines. Esmée, on the other hand, spent the day at the Minjara booth at the event, welcoming potential buyers, identified by Globally Cool, and making fruitful connections.

A luxurious matchmaking detour

During the last day of the Creative Nations 961 event, Esmée was the one that took a detour to attend meetings. She was accompanied by the aforementioned Marketing and Sales managers – Diva & Spiro, as well as one of Minjara’s very own carpenter-artisans – Jihad Toros. They spent the entire day in Dubai and met with business owners and representatives. Esmée and her companions visited showrooms and multiple (luxury) interior design companies, where they pitched Minjara’s three lines of business and discussed potential opportunities for future collaborations. Meanwhile, Wietske was present at the booth to properly close off Minjara’s presence at the event.

Going the extra mile

Long days full of hard work and excitement for future business opportunities quickly pass, especially when you’re surrounded by warm and welcoming people! Our international trade consultants returned to the Netherlands with a smile and are already looking forward to their next adventure alongside Minjara.

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