Noor Dubai Foundation raises AED 1.3 million through Art4Sight charity exhibition and auction.

Thirty-four artists contributed their works to raise AED 1. 3 million  for blindness treatment, prevention and education.

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, April 27, 2014: Art4Sight, an annual art exhibition and auction, organized by Noor Dubai Charity Foundation raised AED 1.3 million to fund blindness treatment, prevention and education programs globally.

The exhibition was supported by the Cultural Office of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,  Tashkeel Studio and the auction was managed by Christie’s International.

The exhibition was held at the Dubai Ladies Club and was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Thirty-four local, Arab and international artists donated 39 pieces of their artwork which helped raise AED 1.3 million.

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. 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 highlighted that the funds raised through this exhibition will mainly be used for Noor Dubai’s “Trachoma Elimination” program in Ethiopia as well as for the elderly screening program in Northern Emirates.

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 Badr Jafar, managing director of the Crescent Group, HE Manal Ataya ,  director-general of Sharjah Museums Department (SMD), El Seed, calligraphy and graffiti artist and moderated by HH Sheikh Sultan bin Saud Al Qassimi, founder and chairman of Barjeel Securities and managing director of Al-Saud Co.

The panel discussion was held under the title, “Supporting humanitarian efforts through art.”

Participating artists included Najat Makki, Tagalsir Hassan, El Seed and Samir Al Safadi. Sheikha Lateefa Bint Maktoum’s artwork “Oral Tradition” was among the unique pieces of artwork at the exhibition. Farhad Moshiri’s artwork “Tomorrow is a New Day”  received the highest bid and was sold for 77,000 US Dollars.

Noor Dubai Foundation has an ongoing eye camp in Yemen and will carry out another camp in Ethiopia next month.