Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extends patronage to charity auction for the Pink Caravan Initiative

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE, recently extended her royal patronage to a private auction evening, hosted by Ralph Lauren in support of The Pink Caravan and Friends of Cancer Patients Society (FOCP). 100% of the proceeds will benefit The Pink Caravan to gather funds for a FOCP Mobile MRI Van which will enable them to provide women in the UAE with free mammogram and biopsy services.

Moreover, the highlight of evening will be the official announcement that Her Highness Sheikha Manal was honoured as Royal Ambassador to The Pink Caravan Initiative during a private ceremony; in recognition of her efforts and dedication in supporting women's issues – be it healthcare, child care or in the arts – and also for the attention that she pays to the various activities aimed at the advancement of women locally, regionally and internationally.

On this occasion, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid said; “It is with deep emotion that I accept this honoured distinction and extend my patronage to this noble cause, which is an evidence of the inherent sense community and philanthropy that exists within all sections of the UAE community. Guided by our wise leadership, the UAE has spared no effort in trying to make the country free from diseases that pose a threat to the health of society motivated by the firm belief that everyone has the right to a standard of living, access to basic medical care and information about health and wellbeing.”  

She added, “I am pleased to support this initiative in support of The Pink Caravan, as they help spread more awareness about early detection and promote the topic of breast cancer prevention by empowering and educating women about the disease and build the knowledge, tools and resources needed to lead the fight against breast cancer in their own communities.”

Truly visionary in her support of women’s causes and the environment, Her Highness Sheikha Manal has consistently sponsored female-focused healthcare and environmental endeavours in the UAE, through her patronage and the establishment of various projects such as ‘The Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Program’; plus international exhibitions such as the ‘Pieces for Peace’ CITYarts project and ‘The Reflective Mirror’ art exhibition under the theme of ‘Expression of Womanhood’ at the United Nations Head Quarters, New York. She recently extended her patronage to The Nomads Box Project, a moving art space located within a transformed shipping container. In 2009, she was also honoured by CITYArts New York with the ‘Making a Difference through the Arts’ Award. She was also awarded for her contributions to the arts at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Patrons of the Arts awards ceremony in 2010 and 2011.

On the environmental front, Her Highness Sheikha Manal is also the Honorary President of the Emirates Marine Environmental Group and recently extended her support and patronage to the ‘Al Murjan Reef Rehabilitation Project’. Borne out of her devotion towards the marine life sanctuary in Dubai, Al Murjan is the first community-based coral reef development project within the UAE. The project is an initiative by the Dubai Ladies Club, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and Traders Hotel, Dubai under the umbrella of ‘sustainability’ Shangri-La's Social Responsibility initiative.