Doha: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs honored the winners in the Arabic calligraphy competition for public schools, organized by the Ministry to accompany the Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition (Al Raqim).

According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony was held at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE)’s theater, in the presence of HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani and HE Undersecretary of the MOEHE Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi. They announced the 80 winning students and awarded them valuable prizes.

Chairman of the organizing committee of Al Raqim, Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Marri, stated that the competition was designed to achieve one of the pillars of the Qatar National Vision regarding the promotion of cultural identity and the development of local talents. Dr. Al Marri emphasized that the competition helps preserve the authentic Arab artistic heritage and encourages young individuals to engage in cultural activities connected to their historical roots.

Dr. Al Marri also mentioned that the committee, along with the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) under Qatar Museums, evaluated the artworks of all participating students and selected the top 10 works from each participating school. Coordinators of the participating schools were also honored for their significant contributions to the competition’s success.

Looking ahead, Dr. Al Marri expressed plans to expand the competition to include more schools and new categories, which would enhance the impact of this cultural activity. He extended gratitude to the MIA, the MOEHE, participating schools, and students’ parents for their support and collaboration.

Director of MIA, Shaikha Nasser Al Nassr, praised the competition and highlighted Qatar Museums’ commitment to this collaboration, which aims to instill pride in Arab and Islamic heritage among students. The MIA contributed by providing Arabic calligraphy workshops and an interactive educational space for students.

Al Nassr noted the exceptional skills demonstrated in many student submissions, reflecting the benefits gained from the workshops and the guidance provided by the competition’s supervisors.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in collaboration with the MIA and the MOEHE, was attended by officials, participating students, their parents, and school coordinators and supervisors.