In Pictures: Abu Dhabi Dream Ball and Global Gift Gala Raise Over 1 Million USD For Lebanese Red Cross and Global Gift Foundation
Bazaar Arabia shares highlights from last Thursday’s star-studded gala
Star power was strong in Abu Dhabi this past weekend as both regional celebrities and international A-Listers made their way to the W Hotel on Yas Island for a night of glamour, entertainment, and, of course, giving back at one of the biggest philanthropic and social events of the season.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the prestigious Abu Dhabi Dream Ball – which was created by a collective of women in the UAE capital who support charitable causes Sawtouna – joined forces with the Global Gift Gala, welcoming the likes of Global Gift Foundation founder and chair of the event Maria Bravo; actress, philanthropist and co-chair Eva Longoria Bastón; sister-duo beauty moguls and co-chairs Huda and Mona Kattan; soprano Angelica de la Riva; noughties pop sensation Anastacia; and esteemed guests from all walks of life to the emirates’ capital, all united for a good cause.
“This annual Dream Ball is an opportunity to display our desire, indeed our commitment, to providing life opportunities to those women, children, and families who most need our support,” noted H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan in his opening speech. “It also provides an occasion to honour and celebrate the community spirit on display here this evening. Your partnership this year with the Global Gift Foundation allows you to explore and realise new ways for improving the lives of women and children in our country and around the world.”
The event saw Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid presented with the prestigious Global Gift Excellence Award.
The gala managed to successfully raise over a million dollars (approx. 3.7 million dirhams) for the Lebanese Red Cross and Global Gift Foundation – and was a sold-out affair.
“It was the first year ever to sell out and that was insane, so we really saw the power of Abu Dhabi’s influence and His Highness, Sheikh Nahayan’s,” Mona Kattan noted, as both she and Huda highlighted the positive effects that the Abu Dhabi government support had on the gala.
Celebrating its first year anniversary, luxury jewellery and Dream Ball sponsor Fawaz Gruosi donated a beautiful 18k rose gold earrings set for the auction, which was worn by actress Eva Longoria Bastón at the gala dinner.
Take A Closer Look at A Few of Fawaz Gruosi’s Most Exquisite Pieces In The Video Below…
“Not only is the Abu Dhabi Dream Ball one of the world’s great charitable events, but it is also one of the most glamorous. It’s a standout moment on the global calendar and the caliber of its guests match the levels of its fundraising, making it a great complement for values of the Fawaz Gruosi brand. I have watched the Ball’s reputation grow over the past few years and I am deeply impressed by how this spectacular event provides support and resources for those in need for the rest of the year,” he exclusively told Bazaar Arabia.
His exquisite pieces were also spotted throughout the evening on Anastacia – who performed a heartwarming duet with rising star and Global Gift Foundation ambassador Jude James Sinha, supermodel Halima, host Rosemin Madhavji, and Dubai-based model and philanthropist Jessica Kahawaty.
The overarching message throughout the evening was clear: be it big or small, support of all kinds for the Global Gift Foundation is always cherished. Though the donations were coming in throughout the course of the evening via silent auction, Eva Longoria Bastón was quick to highlight that support of all kinds is appreciated – be it donating time, energy or money.
“The biggest myth is that you have to be rich and famous to make a difference,” she told Bazaar Arabia, highlighting how everybody who has made a difference in the Global Gift Foundation were simply individuals wanting to do something good and give back.
“This is a great time to give back,” Mona said. “Any little bit goes a long way, so if you can do it.”
Here, Bazaar Arabia shares a few highlights in pictures from the glamourous evening here…
For more information on how you can give back visit globalgiftgala.com and globalgiftfoundation.org