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Noor Dubai raises Dh1.2 million through Art4Sight charity exhibition

For the third consecutive year, ART4SIGHT has succeeded in raising funds to support Noor Dubai Foundation’s prevention of blindness programs globally.

Art4Sight was recently held at the Zabeel Ladies Club and the exhibition was inaugurated by HH Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the charity art exhibition.

The auction which was held on day-two of the event, helped raise AED 1.2 million. Fourty local, Arab and international artists donated 47 pieces of their artwork.

Engineer Essa Al Maidoor, Chairman of Noor Dubai, said: ‘Art has a universal language and creativity knows no bounds, so this is a great platform to fund this cause. Every artist understands the importance of vision and they have provided us overwhelming support by donating their best artworks. The proceeds raised through this auction will be used to provide the blind living in countries of need with the gift of sight. The funds will also be used to carry out prevention, education and training programs in these countries.’

Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation, said: ‘ We are thankful to all the artists, art galleries and auction houses for their support and encouragement. Our programs in countries of need are not limited to restoration of sight; we also support patients who are unable to afford eye medication and glasses with an aim to prevent further deterioration of their condition. People across the world are in much need of our assistance and through this program we hope to make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of their family members.’

Providing the gift of sight aids both economic and social development in countries of need.’

She said that this year’s auction was held with the participation of 40 artists who have donated 47 pieces of artwork to support blindness prevention, treatment, education and training.

Dr Taryam said that a panel discussion took place on the second day of the exhibition. The panel discussion was held with eminent personalities including Muna Al Gurg, director at the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and chairwoman of the Young Arab Leaders and the discussion was moderated by HH. Shaikh Sultan bin Saud Al Qassimi.

The panel discussion was held under the title, ‘supporting art and philanthropy services in the UAE’

She added that the participating artists included Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Maktoum Al Maktoum, Abdulqader Al Rais, Najat Makki, Fatima Lootah and young artists such as Aliya Hussein Lootah who donated a special piece that was made in honour of the UAE’s 40^th National Day, and was signed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Noor Dubai Foundation is currently preparing for its third mobile eye camp for 2013, in the city of Tamale in Ghana.

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