Dubai's Celebration of the Arabian Horse heads to Ibn Battuta

From now until mid-May, visitors to Ibn Battuta will be treated to the sight of more than 80 brightly-painted horse artworks, created in aid of primarily local charities. On May 18, the majority of the sculptures will be sold at a gala public art auction, with proceeds benefiting more than eight children's and cultural organizations.

'Complementing the elaborate themed layout of the UAE's latest shopping destination, the Arabian horse sculptures 'grazing' throughout Ibn Battuta Mall remove art from the traditional gallery setting and enable visitors of all ages and cultures to enjoy these hand-painted creations in a vibrant new environment,' said Patricia Palmer, Director of ArtWorks and founder of the project.

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In parallel with the horse exhibition at Ibn Battuta, tickets to the exclusive gala auction are selling rapidly, as both leading corporations and the UAE's most social residents mark their calendars for the black-tie affair on May 18.

Christie's of London, the world-renowned auction house which recently established a representative office in the UAE, will oversee the bidding at the Madinat Jumeirah's Mina A'Salam. A glittering array of local decision-makers and society figures have been invited to support this art-meets-charity program, with the funds raised from the evening going to both children's charities across the region and toward the development of arts and culture in Dubai.

Dubai's Celebration of the Arabian Horse is personally supported by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister, in his capacity as the founder of Godolphin, the premier sponsor of the unique art exhibition.

'From its launch during DSF 2005 to the current exhibition at Ibn Battuta, Dubai's Celebration of the Arabian Horse has captured the imagination of residents and tourists alike. We are confident that funds raised the equine auction will exceed all expectations, reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a city where the spirit of charitable giving is alive and well,' added Saeed Al Nabouda, CEO of the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, who has been a key supporter of the project.

Among the charities who will receive the proceeds from the sale of sculptures featured in Dubai's Celebration of the Arabian Horse are the Dubai Autism Centre; Dubai Centre for Special Needs; Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre; Emirates Children's Symphony Orchestra; Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, Al Noor Centre For Special Needs, Medicins Sans Frontieres and the Riding for the Disabled Centre of Dubai.