Zabeel Investments auction generates region's highest amount ever at Dhs105m for Dubai Cares

His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre, put Dhs80m on behalf of the DIFC towards the royal handprints of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and those of his children, HH Sheikh Hamdan, HH Sheikh Maktoum, HH Sheikh Ahmed, HH Sheikh Mayed, HH Sheikh Saeed and HH Sheikha Maitha, which was the highest single bid of the evening

HE Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman, said: 'The handprints are a living history, and for me its value is priceless. I could not let this precious piece of its kind leave the DIFC, and the fact that the money paid for it will go to help so many children in achieving a better future, makes it even more precious. Dubai International Financial Centre has become renowned as a patron of arts and culture, and this gift will take pride of place in our collection.'

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, Seven Gifts to the world took its concept from the Holy Quran's Surat Al Baqarah verse 261, where it says that a sheaf of wheat produces seven stalks, each of which produce more than 100 grains. The idea for the evening was that the seven gifts would bring to benefits through the funds raised and help thousands of children realise their potential.

Omniyat President and CEO, Mehdi Amjad was the second highest bidder of the evening, with a total of Dhs11.1m on two items; the second gift, a six metre by four metre six embroidered door cloth from the Ka'aba which reached Dhs7m and the fifth gift to the world, a rare black and white photograph of the first ever horse race in Dubai, featuring HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which reached Dhs4.1m.

The first gift to the world, a Kiswah from the Ka'aba, received Dhs1m, while a venerated Hilye, the third gift to the world, describing the appearance of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) reached a final bid of Dhs3m. The fourth gift to the world; a collection of rare antique coins, dating back more than 1,000 years, received a final bid of Dhs2.25m.

The sixth gift to the world, a poem specially written by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the event fetched Dhs8m.

In conclusion, HE Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi, Executive Chairman of Zabeel Investments, said: 'Each piece contributed to the Seven Gifts to the World has intrinsic links to the Dubai, and the UAE, in that they reflect our heritage, our culture and our religion. The team at Zabeel Investments worked tirelessly to ensure that the items fit within those criteria, and we are grateful to HE Mr. Abdulrahman Al Owais and Mr. Abdulnasser Al Khayat for their selfless contributions, which helped make the evening such a success.'

The event was hosted at The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre, by Dubai Cares and Zabeel Investments, as a round up of activities in the closing days of major fund raising for Dubai Cares. Over the past eight weeks Dubai Cares has surpassed its original target of Dhs200m, as government organisations, private sector companies, non-profit organisations and the general public have joined together to now raise more than Dhs1.5bn in support of children's education in poor countries.