SSSD forum explores ideas to boost family products

Held at the Holy Quran Academy, the session was attended by Maryam Al Hammadi, Director of the “Intaj” Centre, who highlighted the centre’s services since its establishment in 2009. The centre works to economically empower families receiving social support, as well as residents of care homes, through training and qualification in home-based production, offering competitive products and services.

Marketing support and new services

The centre provides organised opportunities to market products through various channels, with a focus on improving presentation, packaging, and adding artistic touches and product information. It also supports members’ participation in exhibitions and events across the UAE, helping to raise quality and competitiveness under the “Intaj” brand.

Al Hammadi explained that coordination with the Sharjah Economic Development Department resulted in offering the “I’timad” licence at a 50% discount for members wishing to market their products officially. She confirmed that all training courses, workshops, and specialised services are provided free of charge to productive families and affiliates.

She also pointed to new services recently introduced at “Intaj”, which include advanced smart devices such as 3D printers, laser cutting and engraving machines, and digital embroidery machines. Members of the “Ibda’a” (Creativity) package were trained on these devices under professional supervision, producing high-quality designs that showcased their skills and creativity, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of their products in the local market.

Community dialogue and proposals

The brainstorming session, led by Moza Salem Al Alili, a strategic analyst at the Institutional Development Office, sought to generate practical outcomes that strengthen the services of the “Intaj” Centre. Participants presented numerous ideas and proposals aimed at supporting their journey in handicrafts and developing products with greater competitiveness in the market.

Nabdh Mujtama initiative

The “Nabdh Mujtama” dialogue series, launched by the Sharjah Social Services Department in collaboration with the Government Communication Office, provides an interactive platform to enhance communication with affiliates and beneficiaries. The initiative will run as a series of eight sessions in 2025, each highlighting the role and services of one of the department’s divisions. Sessions feature discussions led by senior officials, with the participation of stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries, creating opportunities to review services, exchange views, and collect development proposals that improve the quality and impact of the department’s work in the community.