Doha, 4 December 2017 – QNB, the leading bank in the Middle East and Africa region, has joined festivities of the National Day celebrated annually on 18 December by organizing a National Painting Competition under the theme “ A Small Contribution; A Great Hope” in cooperation with the Shafallah Center for People with Special Needs, part of Qatar Foundation for Social Work.
The competition hosted by the Shafallah Center on 14 - 15 November brought together a number of students with special needs between the ages of 7 and 16 along with 10 Qatari artists. The paintings of children will be displayed at QNB’s stand as part of Darb Al Saai’s national day activities.
The cultural event aims at helping children with special needs excel in intellectual activities, enhance their integration into the community and improve their self-reliance and independency in order to become fully productive adults.
In a festive atmosphere, filled with joy and cheerfulness, Shafallah Center ‘s children shared with the Qatari artists their creativity through paintings inspired by Qatar and its rich heritage while conveying love, loyalty, patriotism, solidarity and appreciation to the nation and the wise leadership.
The children, who proved that creativity has no limits, have conveyed a vivid picture of Qatar's heritage through a series of paintings depicting hunting, equestrian, falconry, camels and other illustrations of great heritage significance.
QNB's keenness to contribute in supporting creative disabled talents in Qatar comes in line with its diverse range of corporate social
responsibility (CSR) initiatives and programs launched with the aim of aligning them with Qatar's National Vision 2030.
Mr. Salem Al Nuaimi, Assistant General Manager at QNB Group, said: “It is a great honor for QNB to participate in this year's National Day celebrations, which represent a proud moment for us to express our loyalty and allegiance to the wise leadership and to commemorate the founding fathers.”
“The organization of the National Drawing Contest in cooperation with the Shafallah Center for People with Special Needs reflects QNB’s keenness to achieve a better cultural and social integration of persons with disabilities and instilling love of the Homeland and loyalty to the country in PWDs since their young age.”
“We express hope that this event would enhance the significant efforts made by the Shafallah Center, which plays a pioneer role with regard to the rehabilitation and integration of children with special needs.”
Renowned Qatari artist Abdul Hameed Al Siddiqi said: “The participation of artists in the State of Qatar in this national drawing contest stems from our belief in the importance of the role being played by Qatari artists in promoting the national comprehensive development considering the progress witnessed by Qatar’s art scene.”
“Taking part in today’s event shows that community responsibility to support PWDs is a priority for Qatari artists, who make sure to engage with all segments our community.”
“This cultural event was a good opportunity to express my love for Qatar on the occasion of the National Day. It also enabled me to explore creative abilities Shafallah Center’s children and to teach them basic drawing skills,” says Al Siddiqi.
Besides providing certificates of recognition to the winners and Qatari artists, who took part in this event, QNB has distributed a number of gifts to stimulate the imagination of children of all ages.
QNB is the Official Strategic Partner of the National Day Celebrations Organizing Committee.