How The Abu Dhabi Dream Ball 2022 Continues To Give Back

The annual Abu Dhabi Dream Ball once again broke records, turned heads and raised funds for refugees in the Middle East

Late last month, in partnership with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, the fourth annual edition of the Abu Dhabi Dream Ball was held at the W Hotel Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Overlooking the iconic F1 race track and under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet member and the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, this year’s ball raised over $1 million dollars (Dhs3,673,005) towards a larger ongoing campaign in support of Anera, a charity that has helped refugees and vulnerable communities in the Middle East since 1968.

The fundraising event is co-chaired by Nadine Maalouf, Nadia Sehweil and Asma Al Fahim – the inspiring women behind Sawtouna; an Abu Dhabi[1]based committee that works together voluntarily each year to organise the annual Dream Ball. Key highlights of this year’s ball included international hosts and performers such as Deepak Chopra, British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé and official fashion partner Elie Saab Jr.

“It is Sawtouna’s mandate to maximise the potential of women and children by supporting key charities and foundations, both in the region and internationally, and that’s why the Abu Dhabi Dream Ball was launched four years ago,” says Nadine. “This annual gala dinner makes a real difference to the lives of refugee women and children in the Middle East, and the collaborative effort by organisations and individuals really motivates us,” she adds.

The hotly anticipated night to remember was filled with an ocean of glamorous gowns worn by dazzling and generous donors. The garden gleamed with style thanks to the support of the ball’s partners Al Fardan Jewellery and Elie Saab, who dominated the glitz and glam on the night. Many friends and faces from within the pages of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia also attended the event in support of the cause in showstopping looks. Best dressed from the night included Hadley Gamble, Olga Diyachenko Nina Zandnia, Raya Abirached, Ana Santos and Rosemin Madhavji.

Guests bid on luxury items during the live auction including a couture week experience inclusive of a stay at the Georges V in Paris donated by Elie Saab and a Dream Pearls drop-down earrings set crafted from handmade white gold, diamonds weighing over 12 carats and lustrous 37.79-carat pearls, which were donated by Al Fardan Jewellery, and a one-year family membership at the prestigious Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi donated by Mandarin Oriental. Not to mention a beautiful yellow-gold diamond HOB necklace donated by Bil Arabi. Each of these lots contributed significantly to the final seven-figure sum raised on the night.

 Art from Middle Eastern artists also played a crucial role in the fundraiser. Leila Heller Gallery and a variety of her artists very generously contributed to the cause by donating nine magnificent pieces. Artworks from Marwan Sahmarani and Shahzad Hassan Ghazi were sold on the night. However additional works by Parinaz Eleish, Azza AlQubaisi, Anton Bakker, Melis Buyruk and Slamp can still be purchased online as part of the ongoing silent auction. This also includes a bespoke piece by Stefania Nazzal entitled Never Give Up which was created specifically for Abu Dhabi Dream Ball and symbolises hope, love and tolerance.

The ball is one of the biggest charity events that takes place the UAE. It could not have been possible without the generous contribution of the sponsors who funded the ball and the supporters who made it possible; Al Dar, Mubadala, Etihad Airlines, OKX, The Rich List, Hoko, Pernod Ricard, Elie Saab, Al Fardan Jewellery and Emirates Red Crescent.

But for those still keen to help support a good cause during this season, the silent auction remains open until the end of this month. Donors can continue to bid on items online or make a pledge towards the bigger goal.

Still on the block in the silent auction are an opportunity to attend the highly anticipated Alexander McQueen fashion show in Paris next year, inclusive of a personalised concierge service for two guests. The chance to bid on a one-year membership at Kintsugi Space: an invitation-only private wellness club for women in the heart of Abu Dhabi, and an all-inclusive Caribbean Private Island stay for two people.

To see a full list of remaining exclusive items up for auction that you can buy in benefit of Anera go to: https://app. goinggone.io/addb22

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s December 2022 issue