The Little Fair Trade Shop

The Little Fair Trade Shop in Dubai is a pioneering ethical enterprise founded by Sabeena Ahmed, with a deeply personal mission to promote self-reliance and dignity for artisans and their communities around the world. While it has evolved its retail presence over the years, its core commitment to fair trade principles remains steadfast.

Mission and Values: The driving force behind The Little Fair Trade Shop is its commitment to social trade and justice. Its mission is to:

• Promote self-reliance: Empowering artisans to build sustainable livelihoods.
• Empower artisans and their local communities: Providing economic opportunities and fostering community development.
• Give them dignity and respect: Ensuring fair working conditions and equitable compensation for their craft.
• Support Fair Trade producers: Through the direct sale of their ethically sourced products.

The shop emphasizes a transparent supply chain, stating that "It starts with the producer and ends with us. Every step of the way a good thing is being done." Customers are encouraged to feel happy knowing their purchase of a beautiful product has supported a talented individual, a sustainable business, a community, and the environment.

Products and Sourcing: The Little Fair Trade Shop offers a diverse range of ethically sourced fashion and gifts. This includes:

• Handicrafts and home furnishings: Unique items crafted by artisans.
• Garments: Ethically produced clothing.
• Accessories: Such as bags (including innovative ones made from recycled materials like number plates and juice cartons), bracelets, necklaces, and purses.
• Baby & Child items: Including eco-friendly products.
• Stationery and Toys: Also with a focus on ethical and sustainable sourcing.
• Personal Care and Gifting & Starter Kits: Products that align with eco-conscious and fair trade values.

Sabeena Ahmed, the owner, is an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) since 2011.

Welcome to The Little Fair Trade Shop UK & UAE - Sabeena Ahmed

She personally travels and meets with the producers and artisans, hearing their stories firsthand to understand their difficulties, needs, and aspirations. Her journey began with an inspiring visit to Fair Trade Egypt in 2009, where she was moved by the work of the Tora Women's Group, who produced bags as a means of empowerment in a challenging environment. This experience spurred her to dedicate her efforts to trade justice.

Evolution of Retail Presence in Dubai: The Little Fair Trade Shop began its retail journey at various markets in Dubai, including:

• The Dubai Flea Market (starting September 2008).
• The Convent Garden Market at Jumeirah Beach Residences (2009-2011).
• The Ripe Organic and Craft market (October 2011 to January 2013). It also consciously traded at specialist events like the Festival at Masdar, the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market, WOMAD Abu Dhabi, DUCTAC, and the Arabian Travel Market.

After a period of reduced market activity between 2013-2016 due to personal circumstances, The Little Fair Trade Shop relaunched as an e-commerce store in Spring 2016, leveraging the power of the worldwide web to reach a broader audience. While it has a physical PO Box in Dubai, its current primary retail focus appears to be online.

Advocacy and Awareness in the UAE: Sabeena Ahmed is a passionate advocate for the fair trade movement in the UAE. She actively campaigns and engages with consumers, expatriates, educators, parents, and young Emiratis to create awareness about fair trade principles. She has been involved in celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight in Dubai and highlights the importance of supporting producers, particularly female farmers, in the global supply chain. The shop aims to educate people on the beauty and simplicity of an ethical lifestyle.

The Little Fair Trade Shop stands as a testament to the power of ethical consumerism, bringing unique, handmade products to Dubai while fostering meaningful change and empowerment in producer communities worldwide.