DUBAI // More than Dh1 million was raised for the UN's World Food Programme at a gala dinner and auction in Dubai.
The donations raised at Wednesday’s event, attended by more than 350 guests, will go towards the organisation’s aid operations in Syria, Yemen and India.
Each year the World Food Programme (WFP) feeds an average of 90 million people in 70 countries.
Speaking at the fundraiser, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, urged people and companies to help reduce hunger around the world.
“Strength and resolve do make a difference,” Sheikh Nahyan said. “Since 1990, the number of underfed people has fallen by 130 million.
“Some day mankind may succeed in eliminating hunger from the face of the Earth. The challenge before us is immense.”
Items that went under the hammer included first-class tickets donated by Emirates Airline, jewellery from Khalil Al Sayegh, and artwork from the Barjeel Art Foundation and artist Faiza Shaikh.
Also up for bidding for were a two-night stay in the presidential and executive suites at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Roger Dubuis watches, Amanda Navai handbags, concierge services from Louis Fourteen and a three-day stay at Six Senses Resort, Zighy Bay, Oman.
Bishow Parajuli, the WFP’s director for Yemen, said the donation would “make a tangible impact” on the lives of thousands of needy people in the three countries.
