Dubai, Apr.4th 2006 (WAM) -- Mohammed Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development has announced that it will organise next week a White Stick Gala Dinner and auction to raise funds for Tamkeen, the centre founded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to empower the visually impaired, and ABLE UAE, an internationally recognised non- profit organisation, which aims to help children with special needs to provide them with access to quality education.

The event, which is being held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed, will include an auction with a twist. The auction will be conducted by Sotheby's.

Called a ''blind auction'', the Sotheby's auctioneer will only give hints about the lots, such as the starting bid to give the perceived value and the organization which has made the donation.

''We have deliberately set up the auction in this way to highlight the problems that can be faced by the visually impaired and others who face physical challenges in their daily lives.

Currently, there are not enough resources available in schools across the United Arab Emirates to help students with special need and we hope that our blind auction will raise significant funds to help Tamkeen and ABLE UAE to continue to do their good works,'' explained Azzah Al-Sharhan, spokesperson for White Stick.

''It's very easy to sit back and expect others to do the work of providing the much needed education and resources required.

However, there are children who are denied the education they crave because of their special requirements as well as adults in today's society who are unable to find jobs due to a lack of skills because the facilities were not there to help them get an education. It's vitally important that we do not ignore the real talent that is often left by the wayside because others fail to realise their potential,'' added Al-Sharhan.

"Sotheby's, who will be represented by one of their most talented auctioneers and who are increasing our presence across the region, are delighted to be supporting this evening. We conduct some of the most successful charity auctions all over the world and are confident of a very good result for the White Stick." stated Robin Woodhead, Chief Executive, Sotheby's Europe & Asia.

Star lots have been gifted for auction by a range of high profile private and commercial donors.

We are happy that the fund raising effort has received the support of leading international organizations. We would like to thank Shell, UAE and Rotary Club of Dubai for their generous sponsorship stated Al-Sharhan.

Taking place at the Ballroom of the Mina Salaam hotel at 7pm on Sunday 9th April, the Gala Dinner has proved very popular with the private sector, which has strongly supported this event.

The organizers have had an overwhelming response and are grateful to everyone who has supported this worthwhile cause.