House of Talents, a DSF Office initiative for creative women talents across the country, has announced the launch of the 2008 House of Talents Award. The awards are being given out for the first time in a House of Talents edition. Global Village, a member of Tatweer, is hosting this year’s House of Talents till March 1, 2008.

Aimed at recognizing the efforts of participants in the creative exhibition, the awards will honour a winner (Golden Butterfly Award), a runner-up (Silver Butterfly), and a second runner-up (Bronze Butterfly Award). Each of these awards carries prize money of AED 10,000, AED 7000, and AED 5000 respectively. Additionally, trophies and certificates will be handed over to the winners.

Khulood Al Thani, DSF Marketing Manager said, “House of Talents is an integral part of DSF’s contribution to the larger picture of empowering women for an enhanced social scenario. By initiating the Award, we have gone a step ahead in the endeavour to provide women with exceptional talents a platform to communicate to the public.”

The award criteria will be based on the quality of products and services displayed or offered, commitment on the part of participants, and the overall stall maintenance and decoration.

House of Talents is an exhibition for women in the UAE to display their talents in categories including handicrafts, architecture, fashion design, drawing, interior design, jewellery designing, information technology, photography, perfume making, and make-up and hair styling.

The annual DSF display of creativity attracts talents from diverse backgrounds- from college students to working women and housewives – and is known for successfully empowering women to launch their own initiatives.

There are a total of 30 participants for the 2008 House of Talents besides special participation from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs. Sama Dubai TV is the official media sponsor of House of Talents this year and will conduct individual interviews with the participants in a special programme.