The Qatar-based Virginia Commonwealth University (VCUQatar) has announced the winners of the first phase of the 2008 design competition.

The winning entries, all from Al Rawafed Private School, were judged by a jury comprising representatives from the Qatari ministry of education and arts faculty from VCUQatar.

Various other VCUQatar officials attended the judging and reception including VCUQatar associate dean of academic affairs Dr Charles Bleick.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners. It is remarkable to see all the wonderful work submitted by students from all over the region. The design contest has served as a platform to develop young designers of today and to encourage the creative minds of tomorrow. We are so grateful to Qatar Islamic Bank for making this competition possible,” said Dr Charles Bleick.

The design competition provided VCUQatar the opportunity to recognise the talents of the young people throughout the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.

“This year we had a great response to our design competition.  All the art work was of exceptional standard.  The students did a great job in the use of imagery in their artwork to capture their vision of success, which is this year’s theme” said Donna Duffett, Events Project Manager.

“What success means to you?” was the theme of the first phase of 2008 design competition provided by Qatar Islamic Bank. 

DHL Express, the official shipper for the design competition, provided all contestants with free shipping of their projects. 

From all the participants, three semi-finalists from each country were chosen and will receive cash prizes of $1200 for first place, $800 for second place and $600 for third place, generously provided by Qatar Islamic Bank.-TradeArabia News Service