An exhibition organised by Dubai Ladies Club raised Dh600,000 to help aid the "Selah" art programme that seeks to support the UAE Initiative for Connection with Orphans and Minors.

The 'Designs of Hope' event, which was conducted for the third year in a row, drew a large participation from ladies within the local community.

The charity exhibition included collections of abayas and jalabiyas made by 21 leading fashion designers in the UAE. Each fashion house contributed more than 20 pieces to the exhibition sold at a symbolic price of Dh1,000 per piece regardless of the original value. The designers also showcased their Eid collections and contributed a portion of the sales to the Selah art programme.

The art programme led by Emirati volunteer artists comprises a series of fun, inspirational, art workshop for children between four and 16 years old. The programme focuses on drawing and painting as an important method to help orphans develop their self-expression abilities in order to integrate them into the society.

The Selah programme was launched by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council; president of the Dubai Women Establishment; and wife of Mansour bin Zayed bin Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; to support the initiative for orphans and minors, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Mona Al Ghanem Marri, chairperson of the board of Dubai Women Establishment and vice-president of Dubai Ladies Club, lauded the designers for participating in the exhibition.

Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, director of the Dubai Ladies Club said: "We are happy with the success of the Designs of Hope exhibition, which exceeded our expectations for the third time. It is the most important event organised by the club."

In 2013, the club raised Dh300,000 to help the visually challenged through Noor Dubai Foundation. The following year, it raised over Dh500,000 with the aim of providing five million people in developing countries with improved access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation.
Source: Khaleej Times