A Market of Opportunity and Inclusion

FNF Jordan Hosts the Ramadan Refugee Market in Amman

Amman, Jordan – March 2025

In the spirit of Ramadan and community solidarity, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) hosted the Ramadan Refugee Market by Naumann from March 16 to 22, 2025. Set in the heart of Amman, the week-long event brought together over 30 refugee- and migrant-led small businesses, transforming the capital into a vibrant hub of cultural expression, entrepreneurship, and inclusion.

Each evening, hundreds of visitors were welcomed into a warm and festive atmosphere. Traditional Arabic coffee, live oud performances, and Arabic melodies set the tone for an experience rooted in heritage and human connection. Families enjoyed activities such as cultural games, roaming cartoon characters, henna, face painting, popcorn, and children's movie nights, creating joyful memories for all generations.

A Celebration of Resilience and Diversity

More than just a market, the bazaar was a celebration of the resilience and creativity of refugee and local entrepreneurs. Participants included Syrians, Iraqis, Palestinians, Sudanese, and Jordanians, many of whom travelled from various governorates—such as Irbid, Jerash, and Balqa'—to take part in the event. Their stalls reflected the region’s diverse cultural tapestry, offering everything from handmade textiles and jewellery to organic skincare products and mosaics.

“This was our first bazaar ever, and it meant so much to us,” shared a member of Majara, a women-led initiative representing 12 artisans. “We weren’t just selling our products—we felt seen, heard, and supported in ways that helped us reach a completely new audience in Amman.”

Amongst the youngest participants was Fatima, an emerging mosaic artist, who attended alongside her brother. “This event was more than just a place to sell,” she said. “We met new friends, explored different crafts, and enjoyed every moment while sharing our work with others.”

Economic Empowerment with a Human Touch

At its core, the Ramadan Refugee Market sought to empower refugee communities by supporting income generation and business development. The event provided entrepreneurs with direct access to consumers, enabling them to grow their visibility, refine their branding, and establish potential long-term partnerships. Importantly, the market was free of charge for both vendors and the public, reinforcing its inclusive nature.

High-end products shared space with traditional crafts, highlighting the innovation and ambition of refugee-led businesses. From intricately embroidered pieces to premium artisanal goods, participants showcased the evolution of their enterprises and their readiness to scale.

The market also drew attention from influencers, civil society members, and community leaders, many of whom helped amplify the voices of under-represented entrepreneurs. This visibility was key to expanding networks, strengthening business models, and opening new avenues for collaboration.

Crafting Futures, Building Bridges

Beyond the economic opportunity, the Ramadan Refugee Market by Naumann represented a shared moment of cultural celebration, where visitors and vendors alike experienced connection, empathy, and inspiration. It served as a powerful reminder that refugees are not only recipients of aid, but active contributors to their communities—entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, and storytellers.

By supporting this initiative, FNF reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of refugee communities through freedom, dignity, and opportunity.