This Emirati fragrance Label launches a unique initiative to support worldwide seafarers

Salva, a UAE-based perfume label unveiled their new fragrance named “Hope” dedicated to the efforts and the ceaseless work of seafarers around the world. Through this initiative, the brand aims to spread awareness about the plight of seafarers around the world and offer support to them. 50 per cent from the sales of the fragrance will be utilised to aid seafarers with the “hope” of making their lives better and their future brighter. 

Her Excellency Eng. Hessa Al Malek, President of Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA) and Founder of Salva, joined hands with Marasi News, one of the first specialized maritime magazines and portals in the UAE for this initiative that she is a staunch supporter of. 

A ray of hope

The seafarer crisis has always been a cause for concern in the maritime industry. The COVID-19 crisis has only amplified the challenges seafarers face, making this grave issue a humanitarian crisis. In the early months of 2020, the news of stranded cruise ships became a commonly heard of event with seafarers being the most impacted group of maritime professionals. In June this year, the number of stranded seafarers was estimated to be 150,000. By September, this figure rose to 400,000. 

Apart from the challenges that arose during the pandemic, over the years, seafarers have dealt with issues including delayed crew changes, strenuous work and extended work hours, at times even being stranded at sea for days. Maritime piracy, unpredictable weather conditions and difficult work environments are also some primary concerns. 

Her Excellency Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Founder of Salva and President of AWIMA said, “Approximately 80 per cent of world trade by volume is carried out by the maritime industry and at the helm of this crucial job is the army of seafarers, who are a significant part of the global maritime industry” and added “Working at sea is definitely not an easy job. It requires physical and mental prowess. For me, seafarers are undoubtedly the unsung heroes of the maritime industry, and this is not only limited to the pandemic, but also in the pre-COVID world and the post-COVID era. It is an honour to be able to do something for the benefit of this group of professionals. I can proudly say that “Hope” is one of the first “Made in the UAE” products dedicated to seafarers around the globe”

A local initiative

Through this collaboration that is one of the few Emirati initiatives to back this cause, Al Malek hopes to draw the attention of the world to the hardships that seafarers face. 

Effat Mostafa, Managing Editor, Marasi News said, “We are extremely proud to support an Emirati initiative that will, in the long run, make a mark on the shipping industry. Her Excellency Eng. Hessa Al Malek has never shied away from showing her support for the right causes. Our mission to shed light on the problems that seafarers face aligns with her goal to better their lives. This couldn’t be a better opportunity for us to be associated with such a noble cause.”