‘Most Noble Number’ auction in Dubai sets new record of over Dh1 billion to support global fight against child hunger

Dubai: Amid regional tensions, the UAE community has gathered together to support the cause of saving the lives of five million children from hunger worldwide.

The Most Noble Number charity auction for special numbers, held this evening at the Armani Hotel Dubai, has raised over Dh1 billion, with all proceeds going to support the ‘Edge of Life’ campaign, a Ramadan initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“When the UAE faces pressure, it does not turn in worldly fear, it looks outward in generosity,” said Badr Jafar, special envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy, in his speech.

Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in collaboration with Emirates Auction and with support from Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), e& and du, the charity event has auctioned 29 special numbers, including nine RTA special vehicle plate numbers, ten premium mobile numbers from e& and ten from du.

Proceeds from the auction will go towards the ‘Edge of Life’ campaign, which operates under MBRGI. The initiative focuses on ensuring access to nutrition, protecting children from the threat of hunger, and reinforcing values of compassion and solidarity.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Ibrahim Al Balooshi, MBRGI director of sustainability and partnerships, has highlighted the importance of the campaign.

“Every minute, five children are passing away in the world due to malnutrition and hunger. I am advising everyone to support in whatever amount. Dh10 can make a difference in a child’s life,” said Al Balooshi.

He added, “After the auction, we will go to the execution part. We have partnered with international organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and Action Against Hunger to execute it in almost 15 countries around the world.”

The total fund has reached Dh1,136,221,000. Of these, Dh91,405,000 has been raised through the bids for RTA special plate numbers and e& and du special numbers.

Moreover, the total amount pledged has secured Dh1,044,816,000. Several foundations have donated significant contributions including Dh184 million from the Gates foundation, Dh184 million from Edelgive foundation, Dh367 million from Aga Khan foundation, Dh184 million from Piramel foundation, Dh73 million from Tata Trusts foundation, Dh18 million from Aliko Dangote foundation, and Dh5 million from Dalio Philanthropies foundation.

Additionally, donor impact packages have generated a substantial grant in the campaign.

Prominent philanthropists, business leaders, and public figures have attended the charity auction to support efforts of combating childhood hunger and improving access to essential nutrition for vulnerable communities around the world.

Bids for RTA special vehicle plate numbers have seen strong participation from attendees. The funds raised were as follows: Dh37 million for number DD6, Dh9 million for number DD16, Dh6.4 million for number DD25, Dh6.1 million for number DD30, Dh8.9 million for number DD99, Dh5.1 million for number DD100, Dh5.1 million for number DD999, Dh2 million for number DD7000, and Dh1.9 million for number DD22222.

Premium mobile numbers offered by e& also attracted competitive bidding. The funds raised were as follows: Dh500,000 for number 0500000012, Dh260,000 for number 0500000013, Dh240,000 for number 0500000023, Dh200,000 for number 0500000024, Dh160,000 for number 0500000036, Dh150,000 for number 0500000037, Dh150,000 for number 0500000063, Dh145,000 for number 0500000064, Dh55,000 for number 0500000161, and Dh45,000 for number 0500000181.

Meanwhile, special mobile numbers from du were also among the highlights of the evening. The funds raised were as follows: Dh4.5 million for number 0580000000, Dh550,000 for number 0580000001, Dh350,000 for number 0580000002, Dh300,000 for number 0580000003, Dh290,000 for number 0580000004, Dh250,000 for number 0580000005, Dh350,000 for number 0580000006, Dh350,000 for number 0580000007, Dh700,000 for number 0580000008, and Dh360,000 for number 0580000009.

The Most Noble Number auction adds to seven main donation channels available to support the campaign. Contributions can be made through the official campaign website, through a dedicated toll-free call centre at 800 4999, or through bank transfers in UAE dirhams to the campaign’s account with Emirates Islamic Bank.

Additionally, donations are accepted through SMS by sending the word “LIFE” to designated e& and du numbers, allowing contributors to donate Dh10, Dh50, Dh100 or Dh500.

Further options include the DubaiNow app, the YallaGive platform under the “Donations” tab, and Dubai’s community contributions platform Jood.