Al Noor Training Centre has partnered with leading interior decoration firm Greenline Interiors to launch “Smiles n’ Stuff,” the first retail store run by people with special needs in Dubai.

Sheikha Bint Saeed Bin Thani Bin Juma Al Maktoum officially inaugurated the store located within Al Noor’s own premises.

Greenline Interiors, which is recognized for delivering high quality interior design, has conceptualized, designed and outfitted “Smiles n’ Stuff.”

The initiative is considered the first stepping stone 'in what is aimed to become a retail chain that will expand the job opportunities available for people with special needs.'

The merchandise found within the “Smiles n’ Stuff” store inclusive of mugs, t-shirts, bags and other crafts are all manufactured by the students themselves within Al Noor’s vocational training unit.

These items have historically been distributed through various points of sales including bazaars and Al Noor’s catalogue, said a senior official.

It all began when Greenline Interiors approached Al Noor Training Centre with an initiative to support people with special needs that went beyond their training and education.

“Smiles n’ Stuff” is one of the Centres initiatives to create awareness and raise funds to help people with special needs lead more independent lives. Greenline’s drive to take part in this community initiative was to support Al Noor in achieving this.

By designing a friendly welcoming retail atmosphere, this space offers the first platform for Al Noor’s students to slowly acquire the skills needed to properly manage and run a retail store and to deliver efficient customer service allowing them to further integrate in their surrounding society. 

Al Noor Training Centre director Isphana Al Khatib, said, 'The project will provide our students with a unique platform to showcase their talents and abilities as well as enable us to market all the products under one recognized brand name.'

'However, through providing Al Noor with this new retail destination, Greenline has facilitated Al Noor’s aim to help people with special needs acquire more recognition for their efforts and achievements as well as opening new channels of raising funds for the non-profit organization,' he added.

Business Development director of Greenline Interiors, Lea Badro said the company was proud to be part of such an inspiring and rewarding project.

'Promoting such a project to support people with special needs required a platform which we were able to provide; from inception to design, manufacturing and branding.'

'Now that the store is open, we are looking forward to seeing the development and growth of not only the funds, but also the personal development of the students we have closely interacted with,' she added.-TradeArabia News Service