Baristas Hazaa and Salem were enjoying a successful day at the Bee Café, the first cafe run by people of determination in the UAE. Meanwhile, chefs Zayed, Fares, and Al Hammadi were bustling with the preparation and offering of cream buns at their bakery. These individuals not only carved out their niche at the forum but also garnered significant interest in their products from numerous CEOs, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and top officials in attendance.

Affiliated with the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), the Bee Café has made substantial progress since its establishment in 2019. The adept workforce confidently manages kiosks at prominent events such as the Make in the Emirates Forum and the World Government Summit.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, they expressed gratitude to the leadership and the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) for the opportunity. Hazaa shared, “I am delighted to have had the chance to engage with industry entrepreneurs and decision-makers. It has been a remarkable experience.”

Conducted under the theme ‘Invest, Innovate, Grow’, the forum was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and ADNOC Group. ADEX, the export-financing arm of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), supported the Bee Café’s participation in the forum.

Salem, overwhelmed by the positive reception from visitors, emphasized their appreciation for ADEX’s support, expressing hope for similar opportunities in the future.

ADEX aims to showcase the skills of individuals of determination at such events, facilitating their active contribution to the country’s sustainable development and integration as productive members of society, stated an official.

Khalifa Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Deputy Director General at the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, lauded the inspiring initiative by the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination. He emphasized their pride in supporting the Bee Café and Bakery, aligning with the national vision of empowering all segments of society. Al Qubaisi reaffirmed the commitment to promoting these initiatives, highlighting the significant contributions towards the sustainable development of the UAE.

The two-day forum concluded on Tuesday, marking the culmination of its third edition.