Dubai charity art auction helps raise Dh1.2m to treat blindness

A charity art auction in Dubai has helped raise Dh1.2m to prevent and treat blindness across the globe.

Forty Arab and international artists donated work to the Art4Sight exhibition, held to support the Noor Dubai Foundation.

Now in its third year, the programme was inspired by the story of a 12-year-old girl from Mali called Fatoumata, who had her sight restored thanks to surgery from the Noor Dubai team.

As well as offering practical support to those suffering from blindness, Art4Sight aims to raise general awareness of preventable sight conditions worldwide.

Dr Manal Taryam, chief executive of the Noor Dubai Foundation, told the state news agency, Wam, that "people across the world are in much need of our assistance and through this programme we hope to make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of their family members. Providing the gift of sight aids both economic and social development in countries of need."