Silver Jubilee Celebration: A Quarter Century of Giving
In a move that embodies its pioneering role in social and developmental work, the Girl of the Gulf Charitable Women's Association in Al-Khobar launched the 25th edition of the "Jellabiyas: Creations" exhibition, in a special celebration coinciding with the exhibition's silver jubilee. This event represents the culmination of a quarter-century journey in empowering Saudi women and enhancing their role in the national economy, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The exhibition, which runs until November 11th, was launched amidst a remarkable community turnout, reflecting the great confidence in the association's achievements and its pivotal role in the Eastern Province.
Historical background and development context
The Girl of the Gulf Society is one of the oldest charitable organizations in the Eastern Province, established to be a beacon of support for women and families. Throughout its history, the Society has launched numerous initiatives aimed at transforming families from recipients of aid to active participants in development. The “National Creations” exhibition stands out as one of the most prominent of these initiatives. It began as a modest event 25 years ago and quickly evolved into a leading economic and social platform. The exhibition has undergone significant transformations over the years, keeping pace with economic changes and market demands, evolving from a simple charity market into an eagerly anticipated annual event that serves as a true launching pad for many emerging women-led projects.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The exhibition's significance extends beyond its role as a mere trade event, serving as a key driver of sustainable development at the local level. It provides a vital platform for female entrepreneurs and young designers to showcase their products and engage directly with the market, thereby honing their skills and expanding their customer base. Dr. Ibtisam Al-Jubair, CEO of the association, emphasized that the exhibition's continuation this year is a testament to its unwavering commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact. The exhibition is expected to contribute to strengthening the local economy by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promoting national handicrafts, and offering products capable of competing with imported goods, as exemplified by the products of the association's "Ataa Al-Khair" center, which has successfully trained Saudi craftswomen to produce high-quality prayer rugs, gifts, and crochet items.
Integrating heritage with modernity and supporting talent
This year's exhibition is distinguished by its great diversity, combining the authenticity of Saudi heritage with modern touches that reflect the aspirations of the new generation. This vision was embodied in the designs of Noura Al-Saleem, who drew inspiration from the Crown Prince's directives to present the "Saudi Thobe" with a contemporary vision that integrates the fashions of the Kingdom's four regions. Inspiring success stories were also showcased in the experience of perfume designer Safaa Al-Hashem, who transformed her project from a simple charitable initiative in 2020 into a successful brand thanks to the logistical and moral support provided by the association. These examples confirm that the exhibition is not merely a display space, but a comprehensive environment that nurtures talent and provides it with the necessary tools to grow and flourish.
