Charity Iftar for women, children

Six popular local fashion designers and three local artists exhibited their collections at the Iftar designed to raise funds for the rehabilitation of victims — women and child victims of domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking in Dubai — all of who come under the care of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC).

The participating fashion designers were Medici, Rouge Couture, DAS Collection, Homa Q, Noon Haute Couture, and Nabrman Fashion and Design. While the artists included Abdul Rahim Salem, Noor Al Suwaidi and Obeid Suroor Al Mas.

Sara El Khouly, the 22-year-old Miss Egypt World and student of Public Relations at the American University in Sharjah, participated in the Iftar as part of her role for winning the Miss World contest.

Ohood Al Suwaidi, Communication Director of DFWAC, told Khaleej Times that the Iftar was the best charity event ever hosted for the Centre with the participation of over 200 corporates, organisations and individuals supporting the cause. “I also thank the Emirates Foundation, Unilever, Emirates Airlines, Emaar, Standard Chartered Bank and all who supported us,” he said.

A joint project of the DFWAC and The Address Hotel, the Iftar was expected to raise between Dh60,000 and Dh70,000 including the auction of art pieces and 10 per cent of the proceeds of the fashion collections on display.

Five fashion models from each of the six participating designers presented an array of jalabeyas, party dresses, traditional and modern abayas and sheilas, all exquisitely designed creations reflective of Arab traditions and a fusion of Arabic and Chinese designs.

Fatma Al Hashemi, winner of last year’s Oriental Red Carpet Competition and managing partner of Noon Haute Couture, told Khaleej Times she participated in the Iftar to help DFWAC. “Ten percent of the proceeds from my more than 100 designs and collections displayed here will go to the DFWAC Centre,” she said. — lily@khaleejtimes.com