Sunday, Sep 26, 2010
Gulf News
Event aimed at building goodwill and friendship through art, culture, fashion and literature
Dubai So much more aid is needed for the flood victims of Pakistan, as the help received so far is inadequate for the 20 million people affected by the natural disaster, Pakistan’s Ambassador-at-large Javed Malek said.
“The flood victims need continuous support for food, medicines and rehabilitation as they have lost everything in the biggest disaster in the history of Pakistan,” Malek said at ‘The Art of Friendship’ function in Dubai on Friday.
Malek said that the event’s main focus was to build goodwill and friendship between the UAE and Pakistan through art, culture, fashion and literature and to encourage creative dialogue between talented individuals from both countries.
Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum officiated at the art exhibition by UAE and Pakistani artists, as part of the evening’s proceedings.
The function was attended by leading members of the Pakistani community, diplomats and Emiratis.
Malek paid tribute to the long-standing relationship between the UAE and Pakistan, and said he appreciated the ideal environment that had been created by the visionary leadership of the UAE.
This had enabled people from different communities to live, work and do business here and be part of the UAE’s progress, while at the same time achieving personal goals.
The event also featured a fashion show by Emirati and Pakistani designers, including Shaikha Hind Al Qasimi, and celebrated Pakistani designer Hassan Sheharyar Yasin.
A book entitled Trendsetters by Miraj Rivzi, featuring some 20 prominent Pakistanis living in the UAE, was also officially released at the event.
“This book not only documents the achievements of some of the UAE-based Pakistanis, but in many ways is also a glowing tribute to the people and leaders of the UAE for welcoming people from all nationalities, including from Pakistan to live, work and do business in this multicultural society,” Malek said.
The evening also provided an opportunity to raise money for flood victims in Pakistan.
Wajahat Hussain, global head of United Bank Limited, said that the company had launched a scheme to match donations given to buy water purifiers.
“The bank will [donate an] equal amount if some one donates for buying water purifiers,” Hussain said.
“[The] cost of one unit is just Dh110 and it can provide clean drinking water for a family of five for about three years,” he said.
He invited donors to contact any United Bank Limited branch regarding their donation.
Mohammad Al Zarouni, general manager of Dubai Red Crescent, outlined the charity’s key role in helping flood victims in Pakistan.
He gave a presentation on the night, which highlighted the destruction caused by the massive floods in Pakistan and aid provided by the UAE.
See also Page 23
francois nel/Gulf News
Abstract masterpiece
Shaikh Mansour and Javed Malek opened the art exhibition at the Atlantis Hotel, on Friday. The function entitled ‘The Art of Friendship’ was organised by Malek.
By Ashfaq Ahmed ?Chief Reporter
Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
