If you ever thought agriculture in an arid land like the UAE had as less as a snowball's chance in hell, here’s someone to prove you wrong downright. Mariam Al Jenaibi, an engineer with a major in Agri-Business, ventured into business with a determination to invite people towards a healthy lifestyle.

Mariam is the Superwoman behind Al Ebdaa Al Zahabi Investments. While we were aware of the busy schedule of the mother of two little naughty boys in managing the home while also handling her business so well, our team at Day of Dubai was as much curious to know how she could do so much. During a short break, Day of Dubai catches up with Mariam Al Jenaibi for a small chit-chat on her business.

When the idea strikes

“It was back during the days of my graduation that this idea caught me or vice-versa, as you like it,” a cheerful Maryam starts recollecting the seeding stage of her business, “Back in college, while I was a student at the UAE University, I pursued Chemical Engineering. After graduation, I was keen to take up Agri-Business for my major, wherein we had great professors from the States who enlightened us on the possibilities and benefits of organic farming.”

While pursuing her major, Mariam gained a wide exposure to the until-then-unknown world of organic farming. Her professor enlightened her on the prospects of such a concept in the near future. Eventually, she was moved to think of something as fresh as organic farming, as a lifestyle more than a business.

“The idea remained in my head for years. However, my interest was solely into agriculture and that was my strong point in academics as well. During this phase, I worked at different places, including the Ministry of Climate wherein I was the Agricultural Coordinator for Agriculture Policy in the UAE.”

“But then, I thought it was time for a change and I ended up resigning from the job.” she smiles reckoning the new beginning that it took her to. 

This was a stage of transformation for Mariam. She took the time to ponder over the idea that had been in her mind since graduation. She also utilized this time to look into herself and rediscover her true potentials.

“Meanwhile, I had also grown sick of all the unhealthy food I ate. All these factors together spurred me into going back to where I had started from – the farms. And that is how I got back to organic farming after an interval." 

Idea takes shape

“When we started with our enterprise back in 2015,” says Mariam, “we were driven solely by the idea of organic sustainable farming. I had previously had almost 7 years of experience in the field. And I have this great expert from Germany who has been of immense help with his impeccable knowledge in organic farming.”

With a powerful team ready to back her through thick and thin, Mariam began the epic journey towards making a dream come true. Al Ebdaa Al Zahabi Investments is one of the most prominent leaders in the green business today. The company has extensively expanded in food and agriculture with exclusive distribution. 

Organic Guild

Mariam also manages “Organic Guild” a website selling only organic. Organic Guild sells everything from food, beverages, to beauty care, gardening and artisan products among others. The online shopping site with a user-friendly interface sells varied objects which include local honey and organic beverages imported all the way from Sweden. It also sells products imported from Austria.

“We cooperate with the Serbian Food Chamber, the Agricultural Department of USA and also the UAE Government. We have a sister company that also deals with agriculture and innovative technological inputs in agriculture, called Nabta." 

Juggling between home and office, Mariam is also a fan of music and loves sports. She is a table tennis player and loves to travel. “I love traveling, only to explore new places, and not for shopping. The UAE has everything in it!” she laughs. Her two little boys study in grade 2 and KG respectively.

Mariam is a dynamic woman and has high ambitions pinned to her business. She strives to be nothing but the best. “We want to become one of the leaders in organic and sustainable business worldwide,” she announces with full confidence. And with that, we know she is already halfway there!