Occidental Petroleum of Qatar (Oxy Qatar), in partnership with Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC), has officially launched the “Mawaheb Competition 2016,” a talent competition aimed at supporting a Qatari video producer or graphic designer with financial backing and the knowledge to make his or her skills a sustainable profession.
The winner will be awarded with the opportunity to participate in QBIC’s LeanStartup Programme. The top three proposals will be presented in front of jury. The winner will also be awarded QR200,000 over a two-year period when the artist completes certain milestones and the
incubation process.
Stephen Kelly, president and general manager of Oxy Qatar, said: “Oxy has had the privilege of operating in Qatar for more than 20 years. We are committed to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030 through our social responsibility programme, designed to help Oxy be a partner of choice in Qatar and everywhere we operate. Our focus areas include promotion of local arts and culture, as well as encouragement of entrepreneurship and business skills.”
Kelly noted that Mawaheb evolved from the “Oxy Adopts a Qatari Artist,” created by the company last year. Through Mawaheb, Oxy Qatar is supporting the cultural goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, he said.
“The winner of Mawaheb will be a talented Qatari, who will be able to develop his or her business skills to thrive as an artist while generating an income. Oxy Qatar is partnering with QBIC to bring their expertise to achieve this goal, with the hope that Oxy Qatar’s financial award and QBIC’s LeanStartup Programme will provide the winner the tools for long-term success,” according to Kelly.
QBIC chief executive officer Aysha al-Mudahka said: “We’re always keen and excited to bring new additions to the QBIC family, and doing so alongside Oxy Qatar means that we can also support the company
in achieving its valued CSR initiative.
“We welcome budding entrepreneurs of all kinds to further enhance our circle of diverse entrepreneurs at QBIC. We hope that the creative winner can refine their project ideas with us at the Lean Startup Programme to quickly and efficiently
develop the soulful art scene in Qatar.”
To be eligible for the competition, applicants must be a Qatari national with a minimum age of 22 and not exceeding 35 years old. If the entrant is applying as a company that has multiple owners, one owner must be a Qatari national. The participating company should not be in business more than three years.
The winner will be announced on August 2016. The competition is open from now until July 17.