Doha, Qatar: The Skills Development Center (SDC), a pioneering institution dedicated to nurturing arts and culture in Qatar, is set to celebrate its 23rd anniversary on December 5, 2025, at the DPS Indian School auditorium in Al Wakra. Over two decades of committed service have transformed the center into a hub of artistic excellence, producing students who shine on both local and international platforms.

More than 260 students will present a vibrant array of performances, including karate demonstrations, classical dance, Kathak, classical and light music, instrumental music, Zumba, cinematic dance, and personality development programs. Guided by highly qualified and experienced teachers, SDC students have consistently delivered outstanding performances, earning recognition and accolades across Qatar and beyond.

A notable strength of SDC is its affiliation with prestigious Indian and international fine arts and performing arts bodies. The center is affiliated with the International Dance Council (CID), the official global umbrella organization for all forms of dance, founded at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

SDC is the only institution in Qatar authorized to conduct diploma-equivalent examinations and issue certificates in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic music, Hindustani music, painting, and tabla. These programs are offered through its affiliations with Bharat Sevak Samaj (BSS) — a national development agency promoted by the Planning Commission, Government of India, in 1952 — and the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Mumbai.

The Karate division, led by Sensei Shihabudheen, a 6th Dan Black Belt and certified instructor of the Qatar Karate Federation, stands as another major pillar of SDC. The department is recognized by the Qatar Karate Federation and also operates as the Qatar headquarters of the Japan Shotokan Karate Association (JSKA), Tokyo. Associated with the center since 2002, Sensei Shihabudheen has trained students who have won numerous national and international titles under his expert guidance.

Through its affiliation with Trinity College London, SDC also conducts examinations in piano, keyboard, guitar, violin, and drums, offering students globally recognized certifications.

Earlier this year, SDC celebrated several milestones: 140 students made their debut dance performances at DPS Modern Indian School, 60 students presented their debut classical music performances at ICC, and 170 students participated in the Karate belt-awarding ceremony held in May 2025.

In the realm of fine arts and performing arts, SDC has emerged as an exceptional institution with a team of highly qualified and extensively experienced teachers — many of whom have been associated with the center since its inception. With its professional learning environment and well-equipped facilities, SDC remains one of Qatar’s best-managed educational and cultural institutions.

The 23rd anniversary celebrations will begin with an opening ceremony on December 1, 2025, at the SDC Annex premises, inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Vipul, Ambassador of India to Qatar, along with other dignitaries. This will be followed by the main celebrations at the DPS School auditorium on December 5. The event will be held in two parts, attended and chaired by distinguished guests from India and Qatar.

The first part of the event will be graced by Father Dr. Paul Poovvathinkal, Director of Chetana National Institute of Vocology and Chetana Music Academy, Thrissur, and Ms. Gayathri Karunakara Menon, Grammy Award Nominee (2025), Western Music Composer and Songwriter, and a graduate of Berklee College of Music, USA.

The second part will be attended and chaired by Shri Vaibhav A. Thandale, Counselor and Head of Chancery at the Embassy of India to Qatar, along with other prominent Qatari and Indian guests.

As SDC marks 23 remarkable years of service, it continues to inspire creativity, discipline, and excellence, reaffirming its influential role in shaping Qatar’s arts and cultural landscape.

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