Transforming the Al Ibtisama Centre for people with disabilities
DUBAI, Feb. 26, 2025 – PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the completion of a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® project that helped revitalize the Al Ibtisama Centre for people with disabilities in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the first project in the UAE for the Colorful Communities program, which celebrates 10 years of impact in 2025.
More than 150 volunteers carried out a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® project at that transformed the Al Ibtisama Centre for people with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the first Colorful Communities project carried out by PPG in the UAE.
The Al Ibtisama Centre provides children with autism and intellectual disabilities access to education and therapy tailored to their specific needs. The project aimed to create a welcoming and inspiring environment for the more than 150 children, staff, and visitors who use the center. Over 120 volunteers – including PPG employees, their families, community members and architectural students from Amity University – came together to transform the centers with 18 vibrant murals designed by the students and repaint three exterior fences.
“As PPG celebrates the 10 years of the Colorful Communities program, we are proud to bring our commitment to making a positive impact to this region,” said Olga Kolevatova, PPG general manager, Middle East, Turkey and Caspian Region. “The Al Ibtisama project exemplifies our dedication to enhancing educational environments and creating colorful and inspiring spaces for children to learn and grow.”
Volunteers used nearly 53 gallons (200 liters) of SIGMA COATINGS™ paints by PPG for the murals, which illustrate key moments of growth and discovery including nurturing family bonds, playful exploration, connection with nature and self-expression. They were designed by the students to reflect cultural identity and sustainability while fostering creativity, curiosity and a sense of belonging, encouraging children to dream big and embrace their potential.
“The new murals have brought a fresh energy to our center, making it a more vibrant and joyful place for our students, said Irshad Adam, Principal of the Al Ibtisama Centre for People with Disabilities. “This project has not only improved our physical environment but has also uplifted their spirits.”
“We were honored to collaborate with PPG on this transformative project,” said Abraham Samuel, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Amity University. “Our students and faculty were thrilled to contribute their expertise in design and create a mural that is not only visually appealing but also functional and inspiring. This partnership highlights the importance of community engagement and the positive impact that thoughtful design can have on educational environments.”
The Colorful Communities program, PPG’s signature initiative for supporting communities, aims to protect and beautify the neighborhoods where PPG operates around the world. Through the Colorful Communities program, PPG’s committed volunteers contribute their time and PPG paint products to help transform community assets – from painting classrooms to bringing color to a maternity ward and redesigning a playground. Since 2015, PPG has completed nearly 600 Colorful Communities projects, impacting more than 10.2 million people in over 50 countries.
PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $18.4 million in 2024, supporting hundreds of organizations across more than 30 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow tomorrow’s STEM innovators and skilled workforce in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more here.
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.
Colorful Communities, the PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
Sigma Coatings is a trademark of PPG Nederland B.V.
PPG Media Contact:
Andrew Wood
Corporate Communications, EMEA
+31 6 5121 6579
awood@ppg.com
ppg.com/colorfulcommunities