Dubai: More than 23 million people have benefited worldwide from Noor Dubai Foundation’s programme of restoring eyesight to those in need.
Noor Dubai Foundation is headed by the Chairman of the Foundation, Eisa Al Maidour, who is also Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority.
The foundation is a UAE-based charity focused on providing people globally with the necessary treatment and tools to prevent blindness or any visual impairments.
Launched in 2008 by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the foundation has impacted the lives of people in various countries.
The foundation held its fifth edition of the Art4Sight Exhibition and Auction at the Zabeel Ladies Club. In the event, artists from around the world displayed their work that was auctioned later in the day with the proceeds going to the charity.
Shurooq Al Banna, from the Marketing Communication Department at the Foundation, said that 34 artists participated in the exhibition, with the youngest exhibitor being 17 years old.
“The prominent theme in the artworks exhibited today is love in all its forms,” said Shurooq, “the word ‘love’ is written in calligraphy or even a picture that portrays a mother’s love for her child.”
She also added that after the auction, the money will go towards the mobile eye camps that aim at reaching a target of 5,000 people in a week’s time in every country visited. Through these visits, the mobile eye camps will offer free eye surgeries, eyedrops, medicine and glasses.
“If you think about it, the money made from one piece of art benefits hundreds since the price of a cataract surgery is $8 (Dh29.38) and the price for a pair of glasses is $4,” said Shurooq.
Noor Shamma, a part-time Emirati artist, said it was the first time she was participating in the exhibition and was thrilled to become part of a good cause.
“As an artist it is always difficult to let go of your artwork and even though the painting I donated is one of my favourites, it feels right to give it away for a good cause,” said Noor.
Ameenah Al Abbasi, a Bahraini artist and gallery owner, explained that she has participated in the exhibition for three years in a row to help provide people with the necessary medical help.
“My family is filled with people who come from a medical background but I never knew that as an artist I, too, could help people in need. I never thought that my paintings could help restore someone’s sight and it feels great to use my skills for a purpose,” said Ameenah.
Majid Al Yousuf, a Dubai-based artist, also found that a difference can be made through art and donating his artwork for a noble cause is uplifting.
“It feels satisfying since there is a lot more you can give to the world and this event is more substantial than just an exhibition for someone to sell their art,” he said.
The countries that will be visited by the mobile eye camps and benefit from the money made through the exhibition are Morocco, Sudan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Thus far, Noor Dubai Foundation has carried out 30 mobile eye camps across Africa and Asia.
Maria Botros is a trainee at Gulf News.
