The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the main foreign contributer to the Camel Caravan

Sponsored by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Al Marai Dairy and Prince Abullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is by far the main foreign contributor to the Camel Caravan in the UAE.

Each of the artists drew inspiration from the rich cultural traditions of Saudi Arabia and each camel bears distinctive marks from different aspects of Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern life.

The Camel Caravan is drawing to a close and a Charity Gala will be held on the 29th March 2004 to auction these collectors' piece camels in aid of children's charities and for the development of arts and culture in Dubai.

'The Saudi camels within the overall herd represent the Kingdom's heritage, its thriving commercial sector, and its robust ties to the Emirates. We're anticipating an equally dynamic level of bidding during the upcoming auction that reflects the unique beauty of these seven special camel artworks,' said Ken Palmer, Project Director from Dubai-based ArtWorks, the driving force behind the Camel Caravan initiative.

Starting the 16th of March 2004 and for two weeks, individuals and corporations can bid online for their favorite camel via the Camel Caravan's official website (www.camelcaravan.ae). Funds raised for the Saudi camels will benefit Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women in Riyadh.

Camel Caravan officials said that both individuals and corporations are expected to buy the works of art for a variety of reasons. 'While some of the Saudi-sponsored camels may be purchased at auction and displayed or donated within Saudi Arabia, a number of them will hopefully remain on display in Dubai as 'goodwill ambassadors'. We've had tremendous response from potential Saudi buyers as well as organizations that would like to sponsor similar 'art-meets-charity' efforts within the Kingdom itself', Mr. Palmer continued.