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The COP is an initiative aimed at creating a more respectful, trust-based partnership between companies based in RLC and surrounding communities as well as a platform to develop sustainable projects in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The celebrations marked the beginning of building awareness among the northern local population about the presence of COP and its objectives.
Garangao, celebrated on the 14th night during the holy month of Ramadan, is special to the Gulf region, particularly Qatar, and is believed to have its roots in the pearl-diving tradition of the region.
The members of the RLC COP office welcomed around 300 children clad in traditional clothes and arranged a variety of cultural events to mark the occasion.
‘Sharing the spirit of Garangao’ was the theme of the event which emphasised the importance of sharing and generosity. The organising committee presented children with bags of sweets. The children also sang traditional Garangao songs and participated in various fun activities related to the theme.
Ras Laffan director and COP chairman Abdulaziz J al-Muftah said: “The holy month of Ramadan is a joyous time for all, and our Garangao celebration allowed RLC COP members to spread happiness among the youngest members of the Qatari community. Our diverse partnerships are created to reach as many people as possible, while perpetuating the programme’s message of generosity, openness, and the importance of associating with a vibrant local community.”
The COP founding members are Qatar Petroleum, Al Khaleej Gas, Dolphin Energy Limited, ORYX GTL, Qatargas, RasGas, and Qatar Shell.
Commercialbank joined in the Garangao activities by inviting its customers and their young children to its branches to celebrate this local tradition.
Looking for meaningful opportunities for interaction with the local community, particularly the younger generation, Commercialbank has celebrated this occasion every year at its branches in City Center, Villaggio, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark, Al Rayyan and Porto Arabia.
The event, which took place after Al Ishaa prayers, saw children wearing traditional clothes and having fun with Commercialbank staff while enjoying the Garangao candy and nuts.
Commercialbank deputy chief executive officer Abdulla al-Raisi commented: “We are proud to be part of Qatari society and enjoy celebrating the traditional Garangao, which brings so much joy to children, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Commercialbank focuses on reaching out directly to the Qatari community, by participating in and supporting events and activities that provide a healthy environment which encourages true community spirit.
“Commercialbank continues to take pride in supporting the community in the charity, cultural and social areas with the purpose of developing the bonds that tie the community together.
“The Bank’s involvement with the event reflects its total commitment to Qatari society and its desire to actively contribute to building a healthy community.”
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) took part in the Garangao celebrations on Sunday evening at various locations. In addition to organising many entertainment activities for the children at various shopping malls, souqs and residential areas, The Traffic Department deployed traffic patrols on all streets as a precaution to prevent accidents while children were moving around from house to house to collect sweets and gifts distributed by residents.
No traffic accidents were reported as a result of the co-operation of all, especially the efforts of the security departments and motorists.
The Traffic Department organised a number of entertainment programmes for children at Hyatt Plaza with the sponsorship of Qatargas and participation of the Qatar Centre for Volunteer Works.
The traffic police also visited children’s section at Hamad General Hospital and presented Garangao sweets and gifts to children undergoing treatment.
The Heritage Police distributed sweets and gifts for the children who visited Souq Waqif.
The Capital Security Department and Public Relations Department participated in the Garangao night celebration organised at the Qatar Foundation for Elderly People.
Al Sadd police station head Major Ganim Saad al-Khayarin, head of administrative affairs section at Public Relations Department Lt Mansour al-Khulani and a number of Qatari and expatriate children and relatives of elders attended the celebration.
Ezdan Real Estate launched on Sunday, its three-day programme to gift Ramadan candy lanterns to as many as 15,000 children all over Qatar. The lantern, made with coloured paper, contains assorted candies and toffees.
Ezdan Real Estate’s logistics affairs manager Nasser al-Jaber said the company attached a lot of importance to any activity related with children and their happiness.
The candy lanterns are being distributed at Ezdan Villages in Al Wakrah and Al Wukair, City Center, Villaggio, Landmark malls and many healthcare organisations.