Successful Souk Exhibition at Business Bay Square Mall attracts thousands

The two-day Souk Exhibition held at Business Bay Square Mall concluded with overwhelming success, according to organisers and participants. The event, held over the weekend, brought together seventy small businesses, exceeding the original target of 50 vendors. It attracted thousands of customers eager to explore a wide variety of products.

The exhibition, which ran from Saturday to Sunday, provided a platform for small businesses to showcase their products, ranging from food, cosmetics, clothing, real estate, and consultancy services. Hospitals and banks also took part in the event, adding to the diversity of businesses on display. The souk attracted a large number of visitors, with vendors reporting strong sales and positive interactions.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the participation of children, who were able to interact with various animals, including rabbits, ducks, and chickens. Bouncing castles and toys were also available for the children, making the event family-friendly.

Hibo Abdirahman, the event organizer, expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the exhibition a success. Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, Hibo noted that the event attracted people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Hibo Abdirahman, organiser of the Souk Exhibition at BBS Mall. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

"Everyone is so happy. It was one of a kind, and we are hoping to have more. We had planned for 50 vendors, but we secured 70," she said.

Hibo also thanked The Eastleigh Voice for their role in promoting the event through a pre-event interview, which helped attract both vendors and customers.

Anas Zaid, from Drip Burgers, was among the vendors who praised the exhibition. He highlighted the diverse crowd and the opportunity to engage with customers from various ethnicities.

"This should be done regularly. We met new customers and explored a new location. What's unique is that every business is open here," Anas said. He added that his business sold more than expected, making the event a valuable opportunity for growth.

A view of the Souk Exhibition at the BBS Mall on October 6, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Farhia Ahmed, who attended as a customer, shared her experience at the exhibition. She came with her friends specifically to buy products that are not usually available in Eastleigh.

"I was told the viral Dubai chocolate was here, so I came with my friends to try it out," she explained. Farhia mentioned that the variety of products available was a significant draw, and she hoped similar events would be held more often.

The event was opened by Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan, who officially launched the exhibition on Saturday. The souk followed a halal format, ensuring it was suitable for all attendees. Music and indecent behaviour were not tolerated, allowing the event to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.

As the event concluded at midnight on Sunday, there was hope that this would be the first of many such exhibitions. Both vendors and customers expressed their desire for the souk to become a regular feature at Business Bay Square Mall. Organisers are optimistic about the future, with plans to host similar events in the coming months.

An aerial view of the Souk Exhibition at Business Bay Square Mall. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)