Ricci and Dillon: Sold!

Christina Ricci, Matt Dillon and Mandy Moore will bring glamour, cinema and charity together at this year's amfAR Cinema Against Aids gala, held on the sidelines of the Dubai International Film Festival.

Under the patronage of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, the black-tie event on Thursday will be held at The Gate district at the DIFC and aims to raise funds and awareness to fight HIV/Aids around the world.

Co-chairs Dillon and Ricci will host an auction at the event, which is in its third year at DIFF. Previous attendees include Sharon Stone, Salma Hayek, Goldie Hawn and Laura Linney.

Singer-actress Moore will deliver a special performance, while Queen Noor of Jordan will be the special co-chair.

The highlight of the evening is the celebrity auction during which stars get to play auctioneer for dozens of lots. Lots this year include a specially-created Chanel bag, a crystal-covered portrait of Marylin Monroe and a limited-edition gold Cartier watch.

Don't miss it

Ticket prices for the Dubai gala start at $2,000 (Dh7,344) for a supporter ticket and $25,000 (Dh91,805) for a Benefactor Package table for 10. Visit caadubai.kintera.org to purchase tickets. The amfAR Cinema Against Aids galas are a fixture on the international film festival circuit, with events held at the Toronto, Venice and Sundance festivals.

Did you know?

The Dubai amfAR gala, despite only being in its third year, is one of the most successful, raising Dh17.6 million over the past two events — more than one-tenth of the total of approximately $48 million (Dh176 million) raised by Cinema Against Aids galas globally, since 1993. The funds support amfAR's activities focused on Aids research, HIV prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of Aids-related public policy.