Asharqia Chambers businessmen recently launched a number of sports activities and investment development programs during Ramadan to raise funds for charitable organizations and create citizens' awareness of investing in small and medium enterprises. “These activities have the dual purpose of promoting the game of football, which is a favorite sport of Saudi youth, and encouraging citizens to engage in SMEs,” said Adnan A. Al-Naeim, Secretary General of the Asharqia Chambers. Al-Naeim said leading football clubs from the Eastern Province and neighboring countries, like Bahrain, are participating in a series of football matches. Meanwhile, an investment forum will be held at the Asharqia Chamber headquarters. “Thirty two companies have agreed to donate SR32,000 each to finance the two events, which will hopefully raise enough money to support charitable organizations aiding handicapped citizens in the Eastern Province,” he said. Apart from the football matches and investment forum, the chamber has erected a huge tent within its premises in Dammam in which seminars on livelihood programs, photo exhibitions, and conferences focused on social development and health awareness will be held during Ramadan. On Sept. 10, the top 1,000 businessmen in the Eastern Province will hold their annual festival the highlight of which will be awards to the 15 companies which have the best business performance. Special events exclusively for businesswomen will also be held during the Eid holidays. The events include seminars, exhibition of products produced by companies owned and established by women entrepreneurs, and presentation of job offers by local companies for women in various establishments. Al-Naeim said several departments of the Asharqia Chamber have prepared activities to provide support to citizens and residents during the Ramadan season. The tourism council of the chamber, for example, is holding festivals that are rich in cultural presentations during the Eid holidays. __
