Social Development Center partners with ExxonMobil to host 8th Gala Dinner

The Gala Dinner is hosted biennially; it is one of the centre's most anticipated charity events and is celebrated for raising funds that are channelled to SDC's key community development initiatives.

Ms. Amal Al Mannai, Executive Director of SDC, said, "SDC's Annual Gala Dinner is more than just a fundraising event; it is a way to bring together the best of different worlds and has a hugely positive impact on the community. And therefore, we are excited to announce our partnership with ExxonMobil today, for together, we are combining our expertise and resources to create valuable entrepreneurial opportunities for aspiring individuals in Qatar. Therefore, I feel honoured to welcome all representatives of ExxonMobil here tonight and would like to thank each and every one of them for pledging their support in our endeavour, to achieve yet another successful milestone for SDC."

Donations collected through the 8th Gala Dinner will be allocated to support SDC's entrepreneurial programmes, including Tanmiya, a development program to support small and medium enterprises; RASAMEEL funds to support entrepreneurs; Badr..Wa Int Gadr, a leading program which offers full entrepreneurship support to individuals and families throughout the country, as well as a new program targeted at young Qatari entrepreneurs to provide them with small pilot projects and supporting them through expert guidance.

SDC and ExxonMobil enjoy a partnership that goes back more than a decade. Most recently, the two organizations launched the First Step Program in 2010, a qualifying program for citizens to prepare to launch their careers. The program focuses on skills essential to career development and aims to instill work ethics such as teamwork and a sense of responsibility through a series of interactive programs. In 2012, the First Step Program graduated more than 100 young people.

"We, at ExxonMobil, are proud to deliver this year's Gala Dinner alongside SDC. By hosting events like the Gala Dinner to raise awareness around its initiatives, SDC continues to pioneer efforts that help foster effective social and human development in Qatar - key pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. ExxonMobil's long withstanding partnership with SDC demonstrates our own ongoing commitment to supporting the nation's goals in this regard," said Bart Cahir, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil.

This year, the gala night will have a tropical Brazilian theme and will be dedicated to the friendship and co-operation between Qatar and Brazil. This event also reinforces some of the common strategic goals and bilateral ties that bind both countries,- such as hosting some of the world's biggest sporting events participating in actively promoting global environmental change, and strengthening economic co-operation between the two nations.

One of the main reasons behind the chosen theme is the immense pride that Qatar and Brazil have in their traditions, cultural heritage, and strong family values, which serves as a common ground for this upcoming event.

Ms. Al Mannai added, "Brazil is the largest country in South America, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world. A nation with a strong heritage and vibrant culture, Brazil is a country of great geographical diversity, ranging from bustling cities such as Rio de Janeiro to the Amazonian wilderness. SDC's 8th Gala Dinner will provide us with the unique opportunity to celebrate this amazing nation in Qatar, while providing a networking platform for Qatar-based Brazilian VIPs and SDC's supporters."