19th annual Bazaar at Dubai Women's College

Bazaar 2008 was opened by Ms. Najla Al Awadi, Deputy CEO of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), General Manager of Dubai One TV and Member of the UAE Federal National Council and Regional Board of Directors for Young Arab Leaders, who toured Bazaar businesses and received insights from participating students on the benefits of creating and managing their own businesses.

Attended by Dr. Howard Reed, Senior Director at the Higher Colleges of Technologies (HCT) and Director of DWC, members of the local business community, and DWC staff members, students and graduates, Bazaar 2008 coincided with DWC's celebrations of the UAE National day. The annual event is an integral part of the curriculum integrated across all programs providing students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in practical ways and working with real life businesses.

Groups of students create an original business concept to implement during the Bazaar. Students begin by presenting a mini business plan to a panel of teachers to obtain a 'trading license'. Upon approval, students prepare a detailed plan of tasks to be done with a timeline. Students take re¬sponsibility for all aspects of their business including purchasing, production, setup, pricing, promotion, and customer service. After the event, students write a reflective final report and presentation analyzing what they have learned during the project.

The annual event aligns with DWC's strategic priority focusing on developing strong entrepreneurs who can act as strong participants in the development of Dubai's economic market. This year, a total of 182 businesses participated in DWC's 19th annual Bazaar and covered several industries including food and beverage, printing, e-services, education, retail, and others.

Students this year focused on how to substitute junk food with fast healthy food and adopted policies that are environmental friendly by cutting down on plastic bags and replacing them with reusable cotton bags and by printing less posters to advertise their products.

Some of the newly introduced projects this year include air brush tattoo, skin clinic, hot air balloon, Bu Jelfa play, and various IT products. It was noticed this year that students focused more on connecting their business to UAE heritage and traditions like Sha3biya.com, Al khayal, Al Mazyoonah, Ghetra Edition and many others.

Paramedic students organized a blood donation campaign and health assessments for visitors. The Bachelor of Education students organized a project providing children's services during the Bazaar and offered activities such as drawing, arts, face painting, and reading.