Manal's drawings chosen for charity greeting cards

Unicef has launched this year's Eid Al Fitr greeting cards that feature two drawings by Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Ladies Club.

"I am indeed honoured, as an Emirati and as the President of Dubai Ladies Club-to be part of an exercise that will bring joy and cheer to the less fortunate children of this world," said Shaikha Manal.

Unicef approached Shaikha Manal for her artwork after seeing them in her first exhibition last November at Dubai Ladies Club, said Mona Al Merri, Vice-President of Dubai Ladies Club and Executive Manager of Dubai Press Club.

Shaikha Manal was asked to donate two of her artworks to be used in Unicef greeting cards.

"This is the first time Unicef has selected artwork for their greeting cards from the United Arab Emirates.

"Shaikha Manal's artwork has become the first artwork selected by Unicef, not only from the UAE, but also from the Gulf region," said Al Merri.

"The two drawings were selected by an art selection committee," said June Kunugi, Unicef representative of the Gulf area Office. "The criteria was based on how much these drawings appeal to the UAE market.

"I think this is a good example of how Arab women from this region are becoming increasingly active and contributing to society and the world.

"The money generated by the sale of these greeting cards will partially go to support children around the world, and partially go to support children in the Gulf region," Kunugi told Gulf News.

She added: "We are trying to raise safety awareness in the Gulf. Not only road and traffic safety, but also household safety. Accidents are the main reason behind children's death every year. Hence, it is important to educate parents about these issues."

Al Merri and Kunugi asked people to buy these cards and share them with family and friends to support this good cause.

The greeting cards will be available in all leading book stores such as Magrudy's and other gift shops beginning the first week of August. A pack of 10 greeting cards costs Dh37.

The money from each pack of cards can buy school supplies for two children, including a slate, chalk, a towel and a plastic school bag and vaccines for full immunisation of 14 children.