Nokia, the global leader in communications, in conjunction with Hewlett Packard Middle East and Canvas magazine and with the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education, participated in bringing to Abu Dhabi a unique and vibrant collection of some of the most talented photographers from Lebanon.
The Nokia Fonetography Auction – in its fourth showcase in the Middle East - took place on 16 September 2006 and all proceeds went to the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent and the children in Lebanon. The event in Abu Dhabi raised 350,000 dirhams for the organization.
The highest bid - 65,000 Dhs - went to a photo captured by Saleh M Barakat, a gallerist specialising in contemporary Arab Art.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Hamadi – Deputy Secretary General for Administration and Financial Affairs. United Arab Emirates Red Crescent was very pleased with the results. "I would like to say a big thank you to all those involved in making this night a success and helping to raise significant funds for such a worthwhile cause. It is wonderful to see the impact of community involvement when socially responsible corporations and individuals work together."
“We take our corporate social responsibility very seriously and we are proud to help support this important organization," said Chris Braam, General Manager Nokia Middle and Near East of Nokia. "The Nseries ‘Do More’ message not only reflects on our anywhere, anytime philosophy, but also signifies the potential power of art and creativity to stimulate positive action and awareness of the benefit of society at large."
Some of the prominent Lebanese artists featured included Roger Moukarzel, Saleh Barakat, Assaad Awad, Zeina Arida, Bernard Khoury, Gilbert Hage, Nadim Asfar, Nadine Touma and Joe Kesourani. All of these artists are well known in their field and have had their artwork exhibited around the world.
The artists used Nokia N90 multimedia devices with Carl Zeiss optics and a 2 megapixel camera to take pictures that will be auctioned by Christie’s with proceeds going to help the UAE Red Crescent and the children of Lebanon. The N90 is part of the new N-series of multimedia computers, a series that now also includes the N73 N73 - with powerful photography features and a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics - and the N93 - the ultimate mobile device for spontaneous video recording.
The event has already taken place in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai, with over US$ 1 million being raised in those previous events for various causes.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokiamena.com
About Canvas
Canvas, an international bi-monthly magazine dedicated to art and culture in the Middle East and Arab world launched in the U.A.E. to regional and international acclaim. Described by Publisher and Editor in Chief, Ali Khadra, as ‘a voyage of discovery into the art world that sets out to explore art and culture from a new perspective aimed at promoting the rich artistic heritage of the region’, including exclusive interviews with some of the world’s most renowned Arab artists accompanied by portfolio collections of their work.
Canvas’ readers worldwide are discerning connoisseurs, many are experts; indeed many are artists of the highest repute. In short, Canvas is an exclusive magazine with extraordinary content. It is distributed regionally and internationally; on the news stands, by subscription and exclusively to royalty and VIPs - many of whom are featured in the publication or contribute to it directly.
About Christie’s
Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is the world’s oldest fine arts auction house. Over its history Christie’s has grown and diversified and currently offers sales in over 80 separate categories, which include all areas of fine and applied arts, collectibles, jewellery, watches and motor cars. Visit Christie’s on the web at www.christies.com
About HP Middle East
HP is the largest technology and solutions provider in the Middle East, with 670 employees and subsidiaries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Cairo and Ramallah servicing the GCC, Egypt and the Levant. HP has been present in the Middle East since 1968, and opened its first regional office in 1994. HP Middle East is the market leader for Enterprise, Small and Medium Business and Consumer technology products and offers a large portfolio of solutions and services in various domains. For more information on HP in the Middle East, please visit www.hp.com/me.
The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent
The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent (UAERC) was established in 1983 as a national non-governmental voluntary organisation and became a member number 139 from a total today of 185 of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Since its establishment the UAERC has been responding to all appeals issued by the Federation to assist affected countries.
