One&Only Royal Mirage joins the Camel Caravan

One&Only Royal Mirage beach resort has agreed to sponsor one of dozens of individually painted full-size fibre glass camels that will go on display in a multitude of high profile locations around Dubai before being auctioned off for charity.

'One&Only Royal Mirage blends tradition and fantasy, thus we are delighted to be the first sponsor to endorse the Camel Caravan. Such event will benefit both art and charity. We are truly honoured to be associated with Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Rotary Club, Dubai Municipality and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing,' said Olivier Louis, General Manager, The One&Only Royal Mirage.

The One&Only Royal Mirage's camel will be turned into a unique work of art by a specially commissioned artist before it goes on display around Dubai, from September until the end of February. At the end of the Dubai Shopping Festival it will then be auctioned, along with the other sponsored camels, with the proceeds going to a number of charities.

'We are absolutely delighted to have signed up such a prestigious sponsor so quickly after the project's launch,' said Ken Palmer, Project Director from Dubai-based ArtWorks, the driving force behind the initiative.

'Camel Caravan is a high value, eye catching, public art project that will not only be good for business and polish the image of sponsors, such as the One&Only Royal Mirage beach resort, but also benefit the community, the arts and many charities.

'The aim is to create the most exciting, beautiful and appealing camels possible, that will attract people to the city and bring the highest bids at auction.'

Inspired by an exhibition of cows in Switzerland, similar public art projects have been staged in over 50 global cities. Chicago's cow parade was its most successful promotion, being viewed over 10 million times and attracting more than 2 million visitors. It also raised US $3.5 million for charities and led to higher visitor levels at the city's museum's and art galleries.

Patricia Palmer, the project's Art and Commmunity Service Director said Camel Caravan will transform Dubai into a colourful outdoor art gallery.

'This innovative and inspirational initiative reinforces Dubai's commitment to nurture the arts and culture and to create entertaining events for visitors and residents,' she said.

'We will be working with schools, local and international artists and many of the city's leading companies and organisations to ensure the success of Camel Caravan. In the coming months we will be announcing numerous exciting opportunities for people to participate in this project.'

Camel Caravan is supported by the Dubai Rotary Club and its patron His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Municipality and Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.