UAE woman earns up to Dh200,000 annually selling homemade goods for over 25 years

Khaleej Times

10-04-2025

For over 25 years, Mouza Al-Qaidi has been a familiar face at Ras Al Khaimah's local markets, selling homemade traditional products. Now in her 70s, she continues to offer items such as herbs and Sahna, a dried fish preparation she has become known for.
Before setting up in markets, Mouza sold her products by walking long distances from house to house, carrying goods on her head to areas like Hamraniyah and Ghalilah. Her items included traditional herbs like anzaroot, all sourced naturally from the mountains.
'Living in the mountainous areas, herding goats, and relying on nature for medicine and food made us stronger and healthier,' she said. 'We learned to appreciate the wild animals around us, like wolves and deer, and that connection to the earth was essential for our well-being.'
She later began selling at the Al Maerid Fish Market and the Fruit and Vegetable Market in Ras Al Khaimah. 'Before, when we used to sell outside the fish market, the setting used to look like stalls,' she said. 'Now, we have our corner in the fish market.'
Over time, Mouza became well known for her traditional product, Sahna, a type of fish that has its head removed, cleaned, and dried. It is considered a good source of calcium, which supports healthy bones and teeth. Her business saw significant success, with annual earnings reaching Dh200,000.
Her entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges. Mouza faced betrayal, which caused her stress and financial loss. 'Be careful whom you trust,' she said. Mouza said she learned a valuable lesson, with her resilience and commitment helping her stay self-reliant.
Mouza could have sold her homemade products from home but chose to sell in the market instead. 'I enjoy being in touch and surrounded by people from the community,' she said.
For Mouza, connecting with her customers is important. One of her regular customers, Mona Easa, said, 'Every time I come to the market, I love buying Mouza's Sahna because it is unique, and I feel I won't find anything similar elsewhere. Additionally, I don't just buy from her; I also enjoy connecting with her as a person and listening to her stories about when she lived her childhood in the mountains.'
Mohammed Salem recalled the first time he saw Mouza at the fish market. "I was shopping for fish when I decided to explore all the stalls across from the market and came across Mouza's stall," he noted. "I was inspired by her dedication to selling homemade products and wanted to see what her local business offered, so I bought some items to support her." Now, whenever Mohammed visits the fish market, he greets Mouza and supports her business.