A Dubai charity auction of exclusive vehicle plate numbers and premium mobile numbers has raised AED 91.405 million for the Edge of Life campaign. This is a global humanitarian initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Dubai charity auction sees fierce bidding for premium plates
According to The Times of India, the most noble number charity auction, held at a Suhoor event. It was organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) at the Armani Dubai Hotel in Burj Khalifa.
The event featured 29 special numbers, including nine RTA vehicle plates, 10 premium numbers from e& UAE, and 10 from du. Bidding on the RTA plate numbers alone generated AED 81.5 million.
The auction raises AED 91.4M for Sheikh Mohammed’s Edge of Life campaign and premium plates and mobile numbers fund fight against global child hunger.
Other significant plate sales included DD 16 at AED 9 million, DD 99 at AED 8.9 million. Also, DD 25 at AED 6.4 million, and DD 30 at AED 6.1 million.
The auction also raised AED 1.905 million from e& premium mobile numbers and AED 8 million from du numbers. The highest mobile number bid was AED 4.5 million for du’s 0580000000, followed by AED 700,000 for 0580000008.
Beyond the auction proceeds, international philanthropic organisations pledged $276.36 million (AED 1.014 billion) during the event. Major pledges included $100 million from Aga Khan Foundation, $50 million each from Gates Foundation, EdelGive Foundation, and Piramal Foundation.
Additionally, Individual donors contributed an additional AED 35.816 million. This included AED 10 million from Badr Jafar, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy. It also includes AED 5 million each from Patrick Chalhoub, Mahdi Amjad, Hussain Dawood, Michael Lahyani, and Abdallah Al Sheikh.
The total amount raised, including over AED 1.049 billion in pledges and contributions, alongside the auction proceeds. This will support the campaign’s goal of rescuing five million children from hunger worldwide.
Global philanthropists pledge AED 1.049 billion
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of MBRGI, said the campaign has sparked a powerful global response since its launch.
“The Most Noble Number charity auction highlighted the UAE community’s deeply rooted values of compassion and solidarity, and its members’ commitment to helping the world’s most vulnerable populations,” he stated.
The Edge of Life campaign, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, Save the Children, and others, aims to deliver nutrition support. It also aims to protect vulnerable children from the devastating impacts of hunger and malnutrition.
Meanwhile, the Suhoor gathering brought together philanthropic and business leaders. This is in collaboration with Emirates Auction, with support from RTA, e& UAE, and du.
The campaign continues to welcome donations through its website, call centre 800 4999, bank transfers, and SMS.
In another development, Lady Gaga’s foundation donated $100,000 to COR, a non-profit empowering young people. The foundation’s donation will boost mental health services for young people in Atlanta.
Similarly, the expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro charity climb has raised over £100,000 for a UK anti-bullying charity.