Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 

Special Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 
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The gala dinner raised $1.8 million for three charities including SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. (AN Photo/Loai El-Kellawy)
Special Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 
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The gala dinner raised $1.8 million for three charities including SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. (AN Photo/Loai El-Kellawy)
Special Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 
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The gala dinner raised $1.8 million for three charities including SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. (AN Photo/Loai El-Kellawy)
Special Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 
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The gala dinner raised $1.8 million for three charities including SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. (AN Photo/Loai El-Kellawy)
Special Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 
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The gala dinner raised $1.8 million for three charities including SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. (AN Photo/Loai El-Kellawy)
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Updated 25 January 2024
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Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 

Formula E gala dinner auction raises more than $1.8 million for charity 
  • SAF Chairman Prince Saud bin Abdul Aziz bin Farhan Al-Saud: This collaboration with Formula E not only strengthens our objective but also sheds light on the subject of autism
  • Guests at the gala included world champion Formula E drivers, actors, philanthropists and businesspeople

RIYADH: On Wednesday the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, in partnership with the Ministry of Sport and CBX, hosted its annual gala dinner and charity auction in the diplomatic quarter’s Cultural Palace in Riyadh. 

“We are appreciative of the support for the children and youth under our care,” said Prince Saud bin Abdul Aziz bin Farhan Al-Saud, Charitable Society of Autism Families (SAF) chairman. 

“This collaboration with Formula E not only strengthens our objective but also sheds light on the subject of autism. It is an honor for everyone to take part in an event that unites our community,” he said. 

The gala dinner raised $1.8 million for three charities including SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Guests at the gala included world champion Formula E drivers, actors, philanthropists and businesspeople.

The gala dinner began with opening remarks from Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, and Carlo Boutagy, founder of CBX, Diriyah E-Prix’s official promoter and events production house. 

Boutagy extended his thanks to stakeholders including the Ministry of Sport and Formula E. 

“Tonight we are here for a cause, the cause of Prince Saud’s charity, the Society of Autism Families,” Boutagy said. 

“Last year I stood here in front of you with a goal to raise $1 million. Thanks to all of you and your generosity we managed to raise $2 million, we doubled that,” he said. 

Boutagy said that this year he hopes the gala auction and additional donations can raise $4 million for the three charities. 

SAF cares for 5,000 families with Autism Spectrum Disorder with children of all ages across the Kingdom. It aims to improve autism services by launching high-quality and sustainable projects. 

In a press statement following the auction, Boutagy said that he was always humbled by the generosity of those who not only bid for items but donated them. 

“To raise more than $1.8 million is incredible and will go such a long way in supporting the good work of our three charities: SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The gala dinner is a great way to kick off what will be an exciting weekend of electric racing,” he said.

Following the dinner, the auction began with multiple lots presented and led by British auctioneer, Jonny Gould. 

The auction included one-of-a-kind art, and memorabilia pieces such as Puma running spikes signed by Usain Bolt. 

The first auction item to sell was a signed Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr FC football shirt, which went for $120,000. 

Among the auction items was a Dior pearl chocker necklace worn by Princess Charlene of Monaco as well as a painting titled “Al-Kabbah Al-Musharrafa,” which sold for $260,000. 

Attending the gala was Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody who presented a painting of his own, titled “Big Heart,” which sold for $275,000. 

Brody then presented the painting to the highest bidder. 

Some of the other auction items included the chance to drive the Formula E GEN3 car around the Diriyah circuit. 

The entertainment activities at the gala included a close-up and interactive magic show that involved the participation of all guests. 

The evening came to a close with the last item of the auction being sold and a book-signing opportunity with American portrait photographer Bobby Sager, the man behind “Diriyah: Face to Face.” 

The Formula E race is set to take place from Jan. 26-Jan. 27 in Diriyah.


Riyadh International Book Fair promises celebration of literature

Riyadh International Book Fair promises celebration of literature
Updated 17 September 2024
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Riyadh International Book Fair promises celebration of literature

Riyadh International Book Fair promises celebration of literature
  • Fair will host writers, thinkers, and intellectuals from Saudi Arabia and beyond, making it a pivotal literary platform in the region
  • Mohammed Hasan Alwan: The fair offers visitors a unique intellectual and cultural experience, incorporating the latest technologies and digital solutions

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is gearing up for the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair, which is set to take place from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5 at King Saud University in Riyadh.

With about 2,000 local, Arab and international publishing houses and agencies from more than 30 countries adorning 800 booths, this year’s fair promises to be a celebration of literature, knowledge, and creativity.

The fair will host writers, thinkers, and intellectuals from Saudi Arabia and beyond, making it a pivotal literary platform in the region.

Qatar will be the guest of honor at the fair. The rich cultural and intellectual legacy of the country will be on display through a dedicated pavilion featuring rare manuscripts and publications from Qatar’s Ministry of Culture.

Leading literary and artistic luminaries, alongside key organizations from Qatar’s cultural landscape, will feature at the event.

Mohammed Hasan Alwan, the CEO of the commission, said that the fair illustrated the unwavering support for cultural endeavors in Saudi Arabia.

He told Arab News: “The fair offers visitors a unique intellectual and cultural experience, incorporating the latest technologies and digital solutions. Attendees can discover thousands of new releases across various fields and enjoy a wide range of activities and events within the diverse cultural program, featuring prominent cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and beyond.

“This makes the 2024 edition a truly inspiring cultural journey, building on the successes of previous editions.”

This year’s fair boasts a dedicated business zone, with participation from literary agencies managing authors’ works and contracts, and with printing presses offering services to publishers. Additionally, there will be government and financial institution booths related to the publishing business sector.

The zone will host special sessions and workshops on topics such as entrepreneurship, licensing and copyright.

The fair will also feature a children’s area brimming with literary, cultural, and entertainment activities aimed at igniting the spark of curiosity in the young generation.

By championing local authors, providing a platform for self-published works, and offering a diverse range of cultural activities, the fair reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to nurture creativity and promote literary innovation.

The fair’s diverse cultural and intellectual activities are to be hosted in partnership with the Cultural Channel.

The program includes dialogue sessions, workshops, poetry evenings, and concerts and artistic performances designed to enrich the cultural sector, foster knowledge and promote reading as a way of life, while contributing to the sustainability of the cultural and intellectual renaissance underway in Saudi society.


Dubai gallery to host Andy Warhol exhibition ‘The Glam Factory’

Dubai gallery to host Andy Warhol exhibition ‘The Glam Factory’
Updated 17 September 2024
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Dubai gallery to host Andy Warhol exhibition ‘The Glam Factory’

Dubai gallery to host Andy Warhol exhibition ‘The Glam Factory’

DUBAI: Artworks by late pop art icon Andy Warhol will be displayed in the UAE as part of “The Glam Factory” exhibition at the Foundry gallery in Dubai.

Curated by Nada Ghandour, “The Glam Factory” highlights Warhol, a prominent American artist in the 1960s known for his pop art style. “Campbell’s Soup Cans,” “Marilyn Monroe” and “Banana” are among his most famous pieces.

In an interview with Arab News, Heritage Curator Nada Ghandour described the exhibition as a “new reading of Andy Warhol’s work through the lens of our digital era and here in Dubai.”

Warhol moved to New York City in 1949 to pursue his American Dream and become rich and famous, said Ghandour.

“People today come to Dubai to also live out this dream. The American dream is more about opportunity and prosperity, and we know that many people today are moving to Dubai because it is a destination for stability and growth,” she explained.

Inspired by Warhol’s workshop “The Silver Factory,” Ghandour named the exhibition “The Glam Factory,” paying homage to his artistic process.

To draw a portrait, she explained, Warhol would take about 150 photos. He would then choose small parts from each photo and mix them together.

“He was capable of doing the job of a plastic surgeon; this was the glamorous and beautiful aspect of it,” she said.

Ghandour described Warhol as an artistic and technological visionary.

“Warhol was ahead of his time and was describing the artificial intelligence that we know now,” she said.

If he were alive now, she added, “he would speak to AI to create something in collaboration with a computer.”

The collection features over 100 of Warhol’s original pieces including screen prints, photos and magazine illustrations.

Located at the Foundry art space in Downtown Dubai, “The Glam Factory” exhibition is set to run from Sept. 20 to Oct. 31 of this year.


Mona Zaki-starring ‘Flight 404’ chosen as Egypt’s Oscars submission

Mona Zaki-starring ‘Flight 404’ chosen as Egypt’s Oscars submission
Updated 17 September 2024
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Mona Zaki-starring ‘Flight 404’ chosen as Egypt’s Oscars submission

Mona Zaki-starring ‘Flight 404’ chosen as Egypt’s Oscars submission

DUBAI: Egyptian actress Mona Zaki and the Egyptian Film Syndicate announced this week that the film “Flight 404” will be Egypt’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards.

This means that the film will be considered for the shortlist. If the movie gets shortlisted, it could then get nominated for an Academy Award.

The movie tells the story of Ghada, who, just days before her Hajj pilgrimage, is confronted with an emergency that requires a large sum of money. Forced to seek help, she must turn to individuals from a troubled past she had promised to leave behind.

Besides Zaki, the film, directed by filmmaker Hani Khalifa and scripted by Mohamed Ragaa, stars actors Mohamed Farag, Mohamed Mamdouh, Shereen Reda, Khaled El-Sawy, Mohamed Alaa, Hassan Al-Adl, Sama Ibrahim, Shadi Alfons, Rana Raies, Gihan El-Shamashergy and Arfa Abdel Rassoul.

The Oscar’s 97th edition is set to take place on March 3, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. 

Key dates for the 2025 submissions and voting were announced earlier this year. The deadline for general entries and Best Picture submissions is Thursday, Nov. 14. Preliminary voting for shortlists in ten categories will occur between Dec. 9-13, with the results to be revealed on Dec. 17. The nominations voting period will run from Jan. 8-12, and the official nominations will be announced on Friday, Jan. 17—a shift from the usual earlier-in-the-week schedule.

Last year, Egypt selected Mohamed Farag-starring “Voy Voy Voy!” as its entry for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film award, while Yemen selected director Amr Gamal’s “The Burdened” and Tunisia competed with Kaouther Ben Hania’s “Four Daughters.” Morocco selected Asmae El-Moudir’s documentary “The Mother of All Lies.” 

Jordan submitted Amjad Al-Rasheed’s movie “Inshallah a Boy” and Palestine submitted Lina Soualem’s documentary “Bye Bye Tiberias.” 

None of the films won at the 2024 Oscars, though “Four Daughters” was nominated for Best Documentary Feature, a category ultimately won by “20 Days in Mariupol.” This marked a historic moment for director Kaouther Ben Hania, as she became the first Arab woman to receive a second Oscar nomination.


Jude Benhalim jewels spotted in ‘Emily in Paris’

Jude Benhalim jewels spotted in ‘Emily in Paris’
Updated 17 September 2024
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Jude Benhalim jewels spotted in ‘Emily in Paris’

Jude Benhalim jewels spotted in ‘Emily in Paris’

DUBAI: Egyptian jewelry label Jude Benhalim gets a starring role in the latest season of Netflix’s hit series “Emily in Paris.”

Throughout multiple scenes, the Cairo-based label’s pieces are featured prominently on several characters in different episodes.

In episode six of season five, the Ripple Ring in gold is seen on Emily Cooper, portrayed by Lily Collins. Also in episode six, Camille’s mother, Louise, played by Camille Japy, shines in the Droplet Earrings in white.

Additionally, Mindy Chen, brought to life by Ashley Park, is spotted wearing the Elea Hoops in the same episode.

Mindy Chen, brought to life by Ashley Park, is spotted wearing the Elea Hoops. (Supplied)

Earlier in the season, Melia Kreilling, who plays Sofia, is seen showcasing the Sahara Mixed Earrings in episode four.

Benhalim, who is part-Libyan and part-Syrian and grew up in Egypt, founded her eponymous brand in 2011 when she was just 17 and has since gone on to release a number of lines that each pay tribute to her heritage, finding fans in a handful of celebrities


Peggy Gou, Teddy Swims round out Abu Dhabi F1 concerts

Peggy Gou, Teddy Swims round out Abu Dhabi F1 concerts
Updated 17 September 2024
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Peggy Gou, Teddy Swims round out Abu Dhabi F1 concerts

Peggy Gou, Teddy Swims round out Abu Dhabi F1 concerts

DUBAI: US singer and song-writer Teddy Swims and South Korean DJ and singer Peggy Gou have been announced as the final artists for the 16th edition of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the 2024 Yasalam after-race concerts, headlining the opening day on Dec. 5.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

 Swims, 31, who blends genres including R&B, soul, country and pop, will take to the stage at Etihad Park and will perform some of his biggest hits including “Lose Control.”

 Gou will then perform and close out the first evening of concerts. She will play some of her best-known hits including “It Makes You Forget” (Itgehane), “Starry Night,” “Jigoo” (with US house music legend Maurice Fulton), “Nabi” (with fellow Korean artist OHHYUK) and “Go.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

The rest of the line-up includes US pop rock band Maroon 5, who appear on Dec. 6, US rapper Eminem who will perform on Dec. 7, and British rock group Muse, who will hit the stage on Dec. 8.

Access to the after-race concerts is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix ticket holders.