An upcoming charity ball to be hosted in the heart of The Empty Quarter is being held in aid of Make a Wish UAE.
The locally based charity foundation was set up to help grant the wishes of children threatened with life-threatening diseases.
Taking place on Thursday April 16 at the Royal Pavilion Villas by Qasr Al Sarab — set amid the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted sand desert — the themed Gala Masquerade Ball will also bring the week-long Anantara Gourmet 2015 food festival to a close.
The extravagant event, expected to attract 120 guests and hosted by Dubai Eye Business Breakfast radio presenter Richard Dean, will feature a presentation by Michelin starred chefs, live entertainment and a fund-raising auction.
But the main event is a carefully crafted five course menu.
Danish chef Henrik Yde-Andersen will serve the cold starter, while the Anantara’s own chef Aztaj Eddoukani will hope to impress the visiting competition with his hot appetiser.
Italian chef Igor Macchia will serve the seafood course, while Australia’s chef Mike Tafe will tackle the meat course. Chef “Sugar Hari” Unterrainer, another antipodean, promises a decadent dessert.
Aside from eating, other attractions on the night include a charity auction, with items up for grabs including a three-day test drive of the latest Maserati teamed with a weekend stay at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, an original artwork by Des Spencer, and a year of monthly massages at Eastern Mangroves.
Patrick Both, general manager of the resort, said: “Anantara Gourmet is off to a strong start and the feedback from guests in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai has been very positive. This Thursday night all attention moves to Qasr Al Sarab where we will put on a spectacular event, where no expense has been spared to benefit Make a Wish UAE.”
• Tickets for the evening are Dh750 per person, or purchased as part of a package from Dh2,400 including an overnight stay in a deluxe garden room for two, tickets to the gala evening, as well as breakfast served at Al Waha the next morning. A two-night stay package costs Dh3,800. All prices are subject to 10 per cent service charge and six per cent tourism fee. For more information visit www.anantara.com/gourmet or email gourmet.me@anantara.com.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
