Latest news with #KamilbinFahdbinMahmoodalSaid
Observer
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
20 artworks by children with autism spectrum disorder
MUSCAT: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Ministry of Social Development, represented by the National Autism Centre in collaboration with the Royal Opera House Muscat, inaugurated the Second Autism Spectrum Disorder Art Exhibition, titled 'Citizenship: Identity and Belonging.' The event was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers; and in the presence of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, along with several high-ranking officials and members of the State Council. The exhibition aims to showcase the talents and creativity of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting their abilities particularly in the creative arts — as a means of expression that helps them communicate, interact socially, stimulate creative thinking, build self-confidence and promote social inclusion. The exhibition features 20 unique artworks created by children with ASD, along with a collection of artistic products. This year's works reflect themes of national identity and citizenship, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and community responsibility while raising public awareness of the individual's role in nation-building. It also highlights the role of culture and art in strengthening social cohesion and delivering meaningful messages through a visual language accessible to all segments of society. The Second Autism Spectrum Disorder Art Exhibition, titled 'Citizenship: Identity and Belonging' was opened on Tuesday evening. The event also featured the official launch of the children's story 'A Spectrum of Light', the second in a series inspired by the real-life experiences of individuals with ASD. The book, authored by Fawzia bint Ali al Fahdiyah and illustrated by Haneen al Lawati, is supported by Omantel. The story tells the inspiring journey of a child with ASD and showcases the efforts of the National Autism Centre in supporting and developing the child's skills. The book aims to promote awareness, acceptance and empathy among children towards their peers with ASD. Additionally, an agreement was signed during the ceremony with the Mohammed al Barwani Foundation for Charitable Works to support the establishment of a Hydroponic Agricultural Reserve, designed to provide vocational training for individuals with ASD. The initiative seeks to offer a supportive learning environment where participants can acquire hydroponic farming skills, enhance their social integration and raise public awareness about the importance of including individuals with ASD in community and developmental activities. The National Autism Centre continues to provide comprehensive rehabilitation programmes; and specialised educational and psychological services aimed at developing the skills of children with ASD and enhancing their integration into society. The centre also strives to organise exhibitions and events that showcase the talents of these children, encouraging interaction with their families and the wider community to build a supportive and inclusive environment that recognises their needs and celebrates their abilities.
Observer
16-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
ICEF scholarship, partnership summit begins
MUSCAT: The 2nd ICEF Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit 2025 began in Muscat on Sunday, with the participation of more than 60 international universities and institutions with leading scientific programmes. The summit was opened under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. The two-day summit aims to explore opportunities for student exchange, scientific and research partnerships, and the challenges of scholarships. In her speech, Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, underscored the importance of the summit in exchanging expertise, developing agreements with regional and international educational institutions, and opening new horizons that include supporting the transformation of the Sultanate of Oman into a knowledge-based economy. The summit reviews important international indicators related to higher education and national capacity building and discusses ways to sustain it, share best practices in the fields of scholarships and training. It seeks to strengthen relations among the parties concerned with education in the participating countries. The summit includes panel discussions on national, regional and international trends, innovations and future steps, enhancing the cultural influence of international students in shaping global citizens, highlighting the importance of cultural adaptation and learning the languages of host countries such as Arabic, and building cross-cultural relationships. The 2nd ICEF Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit 2025 highlights examples of successful practices from the Sultanate of Oman, the GCC countries and other non-GCC countries. It focuses on the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in promoting innovation and providing internship opportunities for international students. — ONA
