Adding unmatched spectacle to the charity auction at the DIFF Cinema Against AIDS Dubai Gala, today (December 10, Thursday) to raise funds for amfAR, is a one of its kind and priceless object d’ art – a necklace inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The limited edition piece created by Saudi Arabian jewellery designer Kholoud Osama Kurdi is named ‘Sentiment of a Knight’ and is artistically illustrated using stunning Arabic calligraphy. The 18 k gold necklace embedded with 7 karats of diamonds across the neckline is among several impressive memorabilia to be auctioned today.
Celebrities Matt Dillon, Christina Ricci, and Mandy Moore will join Indian stars Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and a special appearance by Katrina Kaif, alongside a bevy of Arab actors at the gala. The much-awaited auction, which will also feature several objects of desire including a Swarovski-crystal studded portrait of Marilyn Monroe and a one of its kind Chanel bag, among others, will be held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma said the charity gala is expected to make a strong contribution from Dubai to amfAR’s dedicated fund focused on AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy.
“We are honoured to have in the collection a necklace inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, whose guidance and vision leads the emirate’s various cultural initiatives including DIFF. Dubai’s generosity has contributed to over AED 17.6 million to the amfAR funds in just two years, and this year, with a line-up of celebrities and several objects that will appeal to connoisseurs to bid for, we expect robust contributions for a cause of global significance.â€
Among the objects to go under hammer today are a portrait of Brooke Shields, Cartier’s Market Special Edition Middle East Watch, an all paid luxury trip for two to Las Vegas, with stay at the deluxe MGM Bellagio organized by Dubai Pearl and business class seats on Emirates Airlines with US$5000 to spend courtesy Dubai Duty Free. A Dubai Pearl Bellagio Residence will also be auctioned, and Dubai Pearl is donating the first AED 2 million of the proceeds to amfAR.
Los Angeles based artist Sandeep Mukherjee’s Untitled, the Horse Neck series by fashion photographer Steven Klein courtesy of Staley Wise Gallery, dream skiing in the Alps packages for 12 courtesy of La Compagnie and Shanghai/Versace packages offering a round-trip airfare to Shanghai for two, luxury VIP accommodation and two VIP tickets to the inaugural amfAR Asia event and Versace component will also be open for bidding. Dubai Pearl is the title sponsor of the event.
