The Abu Dhabi resident, now in her fifties, however, soon realised that the age-old skills she had learnt from her mother were good enough to ensure a comfortable life for her family.
"I had learnt how to weave hats and baskets from palm fronds as well as embroidery and, over the years, I taught teams of people those same skills and built a profitable enterprise that helped our family through the tough times we had to face. I've also inculcated these skills in each of my five daughters," Ameenah told Gulf News.
Ameenah's medium-sized business called Stylish Braids was one of more than 160 enterprises that displayed their products at the Micro Projects National Exhibition 2011 in Abu Dhabi.
Organised by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, the five-day exhibition concluded on Friday but not before it had attested to the market for traditional handicrafts, perfumes, embroidered outfits, linen and facial products among other handcrafted wares.
The event also underscored the role of organisations like the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development which offer funding and support for Emirati entrepreneurs.
Rashid Al Saeedi, a ministry representative, earlier told Gulf News that the exhibition was a means of encouraging enterprise among Emirati women across the country and inspiring the younger generation to stay in touch with the traditional way of life.
Ameenah said the Micro Projects exhibition had also provided her with an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs like herself.
Creative
Salma Al Daheri from Al Ain said the exhibition had allowed her to display her finely embroidered outfits for ladies and children. "I design about four to five exclusive pieces a month, and my friends and extended family are customers," the 33-year-old mother who runs Umm Mubarak Womens Tailors said.
"At first when I started devoting time to my enterprise, my children used to demand more of my attention. But over the years, they've become more supportive and my three daughters are especially glad because of the new outfits they get to wear," she added.
At a nearby stall, Yasmeen Esmail from Ras Al Khaimah sat in front of an assortment of coloured jars and tubes. "I recently switched from producing accessories to making homemade facial scrubs, henna and hair oils that are completely natural. I am glad this exhibition has given other people a chance to know me and my products," said Yasmeen, the owner of Al Ful Hair and Skin Care Productions.
"Such exposure is especially important for me because I run the business with my husband's and my own funds, and operate from our home," she said.
University students savour the experience
Student volunteers from Zayed University and UAE University who helped at the event told Gulf News that it had awakened an interest in them to learn traditional Emirati skills.
"I do not yet know any of the traditional arts like palm frond weaving or embroidery, but having met some of the women at this exhibition and seeing their wares, I too feel like like one day fronting a stall where I can display my own products," said Mariam Al Muhanadi from Zayed University.
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