Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani with Essa al-Mannai, executive director of Rota, Hamad al-Baker, PR manager at Qatar Petroleum, and Sarah al-Dorani, acting global communication manager at Qatar Petroleum International, at a press conference.
Proceeds from the upcoming fifth Gala Dinner and charity event of Reach Out to Asia (Rota), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), will go towards education projects helping thousands of people and hundreds of communities across Asia and the Middle East.
Details of the event, which takes place at the castle of Sheikh Ali bin Abdulla al-Thani in Al Rayyan on November 15 under the theme “Plant a Book - Harvest a Future”, have been announced.
Under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the event supports QF’s mission to provide world-class education and foster a progressive society by addressing immediate social needs.
Sponsored by Qatar Petroleum International (QPI) and supported strategically by Qatar Petroleum, the bi-annual event gathers high-profile dignitaries and celebrities from Qatar and the region.
The guest list includes the Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada.
The event will include a charity auction by Sotheby’s.
Funds from items donated by Angelina Jolie, Alfardan Automobiles, Nasser bin Khaled Holding and Al Shaqab will help support access to education for thousands.
The fifth Rota Gala Dinner will support young people in Nepal and the West Bank, schools in Tunisia and Syrian refugees in Lebanon. For the first time in the gala’s history, bidders will have the opportunity to support specific flagship Rota projects directly in the auction. Rota’s previous Gala Dinner raised $13mn.
Regional celebrities attending this month’s event include Parween Habib, Latifa from Tunisia, Hussain al-Jassimi, Lojain Omran, Ahmad Fathi, Saber al-Rebai and Ahlam.
Auction items include a black spinel necklace worn by Jolie, a Njoud Al Shaqab Arabian horse and custom Hermès saddle, a Mini Paceman decorated and signed by Damien Hirst, luxurious getaways at Singita and the One & Only Resort in South Africa, and a rare MV Agusta F3 800 Ago motorbike.
“No single evening has a greater impact on education access and development in the Middle East and Asia than Rota’s bi-annual Gala Dinner,” said Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani, Rota board member.
“The gala continues to be a high-profile, high-impact opportunity for our generous sponsors and supporters to renew the promise we have made to our neighbours in Middle Eastern and Asian communities to invest in human potential and break down barriers to a decent education in the face of crises and political turmoil.
“Proceeds from the auction will support Rota’s educational development projects, ensuring that they continue to make a positive impact and moving them forward towards Rota’s vision for the future."
Dr Sheikha Aisha said this year’s ceremony will feature, for the first time, a charity auction directly supporting a number of Rota education projects in Palestine, Tunisia, Nepal, Pakistan and one helping Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
The winning bidder’s name will be listed as the sponsor of each project.
There is also a silent auction, which will feature a unique collection of artwork and gold ornaments from Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art. The results of the silent action will be announced at the ceremony.
The Gala Dinner has been widely received, she said, adding that all special front-row seats – which cost $60,000 each - have been sold.
Referring to the venue of the event, Dr Sheikha Aisha said it is a unique and architectural masterpiece known for an impressive library that has been hailed as one of Qatar’s first great knowledge oases. "We are pleased that the Rota Gala Dinner and charity event will be the first event of its kind hosted at this unique venue."
QPI CEO Nasser al-Jaidah added: “We are pleased to be sponsoring the Reach Out to Asia Gala Dinner in support of its global education projects, which serve thousands of underprivileged children.”
