The recent charity auction hosted by Dubai International Film Festival and luxury Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen during the 8th edition of the festival generated more than $1 million, philanthropic organisation Dubai Cares and Oxfam revealed.

All proceeds from the auction, which featured an array of treasured celebrity items and experiences, went to Dubai Cares and Oxfam.
 
The charity auction and gala dinner was held under the patronage of UN Messenger of Peace HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the Armani Hotel in Dubai.

In addition to several local and regional Arab celebrities including Emirati filmmaker, Ali Mustafa; and Egyptian film star, Amr Waked; the event was attended by a host of international celebrities including singer Ronan Keating who performed with his band, Hollywood star Owen Wilson, and Oxfam ambassadors Danish fashion model and photographer, Helena Christensen; Indian actor and social activist, Rahul Bose; and VIPs from the UAE, Arab and international regions.

Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares, said: “The money raised will support Dubai Cares’ primary education programmes that are currently reaching 5 million beneficiaries in 24 developing countries around the world, giving more children and their communities hope to turn their dreams into reality.”
 
One of the biggest attractions at the auction was a luxury IWC Swiss watch, designed especially for the charity gala, which was auctioned for $85,000. A Pablo Picasso masterpiece ‘Bacchanale au Taureau’ sold for $50,000, and an art piece by an Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej which was auctioned for $30,000. 

Among the unique celebrity items auctioned were two tickets to the world premiere of ‘The Avengers’, donated by Scarlett Johansson, in addition to an opportunity to meet the actress at the premiere, which fetched $20,000.  – TradeArabia News Service