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Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Children artists in Oman showcase Emotions of Oceans
Young artists in Oman shine in third edition of 'Emotions of the Oceans' exhibition which opened at Bait al Zubair Museum on April 28 As part of the 400 Years of Maritime Heritage between Oman and the Netherlands and the broader Cultural Week celebrations, Green Life Art Center, in close collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Oman, presented the 3rd edition of 'Emotions of the Oceans Art Exhibition and Competition'- a vibrant celebration of young creativity, emotional storytelling, and environmental awareness. The event brought together colourful reflections on marine life, showcasing the emotional and imaginative connection young artists aged 6 to 15 years old feel toward the oceans and marine life. The selected artworks were exhibited during the celebration of Dutch King's Day at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Muscat, on April 27 and were on display at the inauguration at Bait Al Zubair Museum on April 28, which also marks the opening of the Dutch Cultural Week. The exhibition will continue at Bait Al Zubair Museum until May 8 for public addition to Emotions of the Oceans, Green Life Art Center has slated two interactive eco-art workshops at Bait Al Zubair Museum during the Cultural Week. These sessions will feature activities such as Green Book storytelling, eco-art projects, and educational tours, inspiring students to connect with sustainability, creativity, and cultural exchange. Alongside the exhibition, Emotions of the Oceans featured a children's art competition, where around 60 artworks were submitted by schools and independent participants. After a careful and fair judging process, 20 paintings and 3 sculptures were selected, celebrating outstanding artistic expression and emotional depth, disclosed Niasa Mobtada, founder of Green Life Art Group who has been championing the cause of promoting art with a message among budding, young artists in Oman. The participating schools and centres this year included Apple Green Private School, Asas Private School, Downe House International School, Green Life Art Center, Najeya Bint Amer Al Hajri Government School, Pakistan School Salalah, PDO School, and Sultan's School, besides independent to the event, Creative Mentorship sessions were offered to all participants — providing general creative guidance, exploration of marine themes, and encouragement for artistic growth without offering any unfair advantage in the competition judging panel combined cultural, artistic, and educational expertise, and included H E Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, Maryam al Alawi, renowned Omani contemporary artist, Green Life Art Center Team, and experts in art, education, psychology, and special opening ceremony at Bait Al Zubair Museum featured a live Dutch orchestra performance, speeches by distinguished guests, alongside the celebration of the young artists' creativity — marking a beautiful union of art, education, sustainability, and cultural friendship. Through Emotions of the Oceans and its broader Cultural Week activities, Green Life Art Center continues to empower young voices, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen cultural bonds between Oman and the Netherlands through the universal language of art. Cultivating a creative future At Green Life Art Center, our key motive is to inspire young minds to see art not just as a skill, but as a powerful way to express their emotions, connect with their environment, and find their unique voice. As an interdisciplinary centre focusing on art, psychology, and literature, we nurture not only artistic techniques but also emotional intelligence, imagination, critical thinking, and personal growth. We place a strong emphasis on well-being and sustainability, helping children develop a deep connection with themselves, their community, and the world around them. Through initiatives like Emotions of the Oceans, we hope to cultivate a new generation of talented, thoughtful artists who will enrich the cultural and creative landscape of the sultanate in the years to come. Niasa Mobtada
CairoScene
26-02-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Egypt's Fintech Sector Grew Fivefold in Five Years
Egypt's Fintech Sector Grew Fivefold in Five Years A new report from Entlaq, in partnership with the RVO and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt, highlights this growth. Egypt's fintech sector has grown 5.5 times over the past five years, driven by digital payments, lending, and B2B marketplaces, according to a new report from Entlaq. The report was launched in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt. Government initiatives and the Fintech & Innovation Strategy have contributed to this rapid expansion, though regulatory hurdles, digital literacy gaps, and cybersecurity risks remain significant challenges. 'Fintech is more than just technology; it's about empowering people and businesses with the financial tools they need to succeed in a digital world,' said Peter Mollema, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Egypt. 'As the landscape report reveals, the rapid growth of Egypt's fintech sector presents a great opportunity to drive financial inclusion, economic resilience, and digital innovation.' With over 177 fintech startups and payment service providers now operating in Egypt, the country has become a regional player in digital financial services. The 5.5-fold growth points to increasing investor confidence, shifting consumer behaviour, and a demand for more accessible financial tools. The report highlights how regulatory frameworks, public and private sector moves, and rising consumer adoption are shaping this transformation. Omar Rezk, Co-founder and Managing Director of Entlaq, described the sector as being 'at a pivotal moment of transformation.' While he acknowledged challenges related to regulation, digital literacy, and cybersecurity, he noted that 'this report provides invaluable insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to navigate and thrive in Egypt's dynamic financial technology landscape.' Egypt's fintech boom signals a major shift in how financial services are accessed and used, but its long-term success will depend on how well it addresses regulatory gaps and infrastructure challenges.
