The activities of "My Industry 2023" commence today at Dhahran Expo.
Starting today and continuing until September 2, 2023, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince "Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz," the Prince of the Eastern Province, the events of the "My Industry 2023" exhibition for local producers, craftsmen, and artisan businesses are set to take place. Organized by the Eastern Chamber in its sixth edition, the exhibition features the participation of around 300 exhibitors, 25 civil associations, and nearly 5 governmental entities. The exhibition is located at Dhahran Expo Grounds, Dammam-Al Khobar Coastal Road.
In discussing the exhibition, Badr bin Suleiman Al-Ruzaiza, the Chairman of the Eastern Chamber's Board of Directors, emphasized that the exhibition has been a strategic choice for the Chamber since 2015. It serves as a direct marketing channel that enables families, craftsmen, and artisans to engage directly with the exhibition's visitors. He highlighted the Chamber's extended role in promoting the culture of freelancing as a strategic objective, driven by its strong belief that the sustainability and expansion of the freelancing sector in the country are indicators of the quality and robustness of the national economy.
Al-Ruzaiza stated that the exhibition aims to provide training and qualification for local producers, craftsmen, and artisans by offering them the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and establish sustainable marketing channels. It also encourages entrepreneurship, freelancing, and motivates the community to establish home-based investments, all of which contribute to the preservation of national heritage, handicrafts, and the promotion of national identity.
He also mentioned the training programs carried out by the Chamber for participants in collaboration with the Social Development Bank prior to their participation in the exhibition. These programs aimed to develop their capacities and equip them with professional, managerial, and creative skills to enhance product quality. He emphasized that these programs focused on imparting fundamental principles in project establishment, introducing the latest marketing methods and their roles in project success, as well as educating participants on using social media and building their brand identity.
Regarding the supporting entities of the exhibition, Al-Ruzaiza mentioned that around 25 civil associations and nearly 5 governmental entities are participating in the exhibition, including: the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's branch in the Eastern Province, the Eastern Province Council for Social Responsibility, the Social Development Bank's branch in the Eastern Province, the Heritage Authority's branch in the Eastern Province, and the Saudi Arab Arts Association in Dammam.
He pointed out that a platform has been allocated for the General Directorate of Prisons, providing an opportunity for inmates with skills and crafts to showcase their products. Similarly, a platform has been designated for the Iffah Association for Disability Care to exhibit their creations.
Al-Ruzaiza clarified that a printed and electronic directory has been made available for visitors, containing the names of all participating families, craftsmen, and artisans, along with details about their products. This facilitates post-exhibition communication, allowing the public to easily reach out to participants after the event concludes. He expressed hope for the success of the exhibition, aiming for effective participation from the exhibitors and an opportunity for the Eastern Province's community to become acquainted with their creative works.
