The charity event raised funds for the 100 Million Meals campaign. Previous RTA events, such as the one pictured here, regularly attract many interested bidders. Courtesy RTA
The charity event raised funds for the 100 Million Meals campaign. Previous RTA events, such as the one pictured here, regularly attract many interested bidders. Courtesy RTA
The charity event raised funds for the 100 Million Meals campaign. Previous RTA events, such as the one pictured here, regularly attract many interested bidders. Courtesy RTA
The charity event raised funds for the 100 Million Meals campaign. Previous RTA events, such as the one pictured here, regularly attract many interested bidders. Courtesy RTA

Dubai charity auction selling rare car plates and mobile numbers raises Dh50m


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A charity auction in Dubai selling rare number plates and mobile numbers raised more than Dh50 million ($13.6m) for the 100 Million Meals campaign.

Four car plates, including AA9, were auctioned at the ‘Most Noble Numbers’ charity event on Saturday evening.

AA9 sold for Dh38m after some fierce bidding, while three other plates – U31, T38 and E51 – raised Dh6.85m.

Five mobile numbers were also auctioned, with 056 999 9999 achieving a top price of Dh3m, while the other four brought in a combined Dh650,000.

More than Dh1.95m was also contributed via direct donations from those attending the sale, meaning a total of Dh50.45m was raised to help disadvantaged communities in 30 countries.

The auction was organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which last week held a charity art auction that raised Dh36.6m for the 100 Million Meals campaign.

After achieving its Dh100m fund-raising target within 10 days of launch, the campaign continues to accept donations to provide food parcels. Distribution is already under way in Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Ghana, Angola and Uganda.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives has been working with the World Food Programme, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Food Banking Regional Network, local food banks and charity institutions in beneficiary countries since the campaign's inception.

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Ant-Man and the Wasp

Director: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas

Three stars

Brief scores:

Toss: South Africa, chose to field

Pakistan: 177 & 294

South Africa: 431 & 43-1

Man of the Match: Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

Series: South Africa lead three-match series 2-0

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

The 12 breakaway clubs

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.