Amal Al-Sibai Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – The International Medical Center (IMC) has long been known not only for providing premium healthcare to its patients but also for its leading role in community services and enriching social activities. As part of its objectives in being a driving force behind empowering the youth and investing in their advancement, the IMC recently launched a photography competition under the theme "Our Mission in a Picture." The competition was announced via the social media and was open to all. "The goal of the competition was to get the youth involved and the photographers were asked to express the mission of the hospital in a picture, which is to promote healing of the body, mind, and soul by applying the best global healthcare standards and pursuing divine ethics. "Each contestant was given a one hour tour of the hospital so that he/she could absorb the concept of holistic healing and the vision of the founders of this hospital. "Through this competition we were able to reach out to the Jeddah residents and the contestants depicted through their pictures what this hospital stands for," said Bashayer Wali, public relations representative at the IMC. The participants had submitted their photographs in October after which, they were posted on Facebook to allow the public to vote and shortlist the semi-finalists. The community buzzed with excitement as friends and family rushed to support the young photographers. However, the final call in choosing the winning photographs was taken by a panel of judges which included professional photographers such as Dahi Al-Ali, CEO of IMC Dr. Walid Fitaihi, and lecturer Dr. Ali Abul Hasan. The decision was a tough one as all the 35 photographs submitted were meaningful, vivid, and beautiful in their own way. Jan. 14 marked the day to host the photography exhibition, where all the submissions were put on display at the hospital. The winner of the competition was Abdulaziz Muhammad followed by Duaa Kalenten and Eman Jabr in the second and third place respectively. Shetha Sabbah, a 20-year-old photographer, said: "In my photograph, I wanted to depict the respect and reverence of traditional Islamic scholars in medicine, who in reality were the forefathers of medicine. "My photo portrays that we are the future but we cannot move on without understanding our past." Kalenten said the holistic approach in medicine adopted by the IMC aims to use a variety of treatment methods that all complement one another in synergy to aid the healing process. "Each realm is important and not one can be neglected; the patient's mind, science and medicine, spirituality, and positive emotions and social support." Nooredeen Alzuabi, 15, was the youngest contestant at the competition. Although he did not win, Alzuabi said he enjoyed being part of the event. "I learned a lot during this competition and I want to work harder, improve my skills, and take my hobby of photography more seriously." In his welcome speech at the awards ceremony, Fitaihi said: "The main purpose of the photography competition was to search for creativity and talents in the young society. "Islam is also interested in arts, in the beauty of this world, and in drawing, but within certain boundaries. "Morals and ethics guide Muslims in all areas of their lives, even in art and photography. "We encourage the youth to participate in such events and continue discovering their talents and nurturing their skills, while respecting the Islamic principles." The audience was inspired to think of the role art plays in the lives of people. Art invites beauty and balance in our lives, breaks the boring routine, helps you relax, encourages you to think of complex issues, communicates important messages across and about cultures, and helps spread peace. Lecturer, social reformer, and scholar Abul Hasan congratulated the young photographers and offered them valuable advice. "There is beauty everywhere in the world, from a miniscule atom to a grand galaxy of stars and planets. "Your talent as a photographer is not only a gift and a blessing, but also a responsibility. "Use your lens and camera to bring about positive change in society, defend humanitarian rights, and spread a noble message. "The reward of this photography competition is not a medal or trophy to be won, but the reward is your work, the effort, and the learning process in itself," said Abul Hasan. Libra Productions, Jeddah sponsored the contest and is keen on supporting creativity and ingenuity of Jeddah's youth.
