Colonel Saeed Mattar Bin Belailah announces results of Camel Caravan Charity Auction

During the auction, a total of Dh4.73 million was raised and the amount will be given away to various charitable causes.

One of the most active bidders during the auction was the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Establishment, which bought 30 camels for Dh3.465 million. The hand-painted fibreglass camels had adorned the streets and public places of Dubai since the beginning of Dubai Shopping Festival 2004.

The auction was held under the auspices of Christie's, the world-renowned auction house. The gala dinner held during the auction, organised to mark the second anniversary of Dubai Rotary Club, was attended by over 670 businessmen, VIPs, counsels and diplomats.

During a press conference held to announce the results of the Charity Auction, Colonel Saeed Bin Belailah said: I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Establishment, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, for its support to the Camel Caravan and its participation in the auction."

He added: "I would also like to express my gratitude to HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his patronage and attendance at the event. The results of the auction was beyond our expectations."

Hussain Al Jaziri, Secretary of the Dubai Rotary Club, said the amount raised at the auction will go to charities, which take care of children with special needs and organisations catering to educational development in the UAE. "The auction showcased great harmony between art, business community and charity activities. The event was aimed at serving the society, and the tremendous response will help in encouraging similar initiatives in the future," he said.

Jussi Phylkkanen, Deputy Chairman, Christie's International UK Limited, has also expressed pride over Dubai Rotary Club's choice to select the auction house for the occasion. "Christie's felt honoured to be chosen as the auction house for the landmark event. The atmosphere at the auction was electric. Bidding was fast and furious, driving prices higher than expected," Mr. Phylkkanen said, adding: "The announcement of the results has epitomised the enthusiasm and willingness in charity activities."

Camels were auctioned between a price tag of Dh45,000 and Dh350,000. The costliest bid, worth Dh350,000, was for a camel nicknamed 'Emirates Banker 2', which was won by Emirates Bank. Another camel, nicknamed 'Dubai Dream', was auctioned for Dh250,000, which was bagged by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian and Charity Foundation. A small camel, which had the autograph of world's top golf player Tiger Woods, was auctioned for Dh75,000.