Shaikha Jawaher’s coat fetches Dh440,000
sharjah — The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has paid £100,000 (Dh440,000) for the personal overcoat of Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children.
The purchase follows Shaikha Jawaher’s donation of the coat to the ‘Jeans for Refugees’ (JFR) charity initiative dedicated to refugees worldwide. The garment was sold at an auction that followed the JFR exhibition, which took place at the Saatchi Gallery in London from October 24 to 30.
The JFR was launched by Johnny Dar, an internationally-acclaimed fashion designer and artist as a global artistic collaboration dedicated to helping refugees around the world. The essence of the initiative was to empower people to collaborate for a common goal and to create a brighter world through the involvement of popular celebrities from the worlds of cinema, art, fashion and music.
The SCCI secured the coat amid heated competition among a number of organisations, businessmen and supporters of refugee and women’s rights, all of whom bid significant amounts in order to provide funds for refugees. Shaikha Jawaher’s coat, which she wore during her visit to the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan in 2014, raised the highest sum for a single item at the auction, which also saw bids for the 100 pairs of jeans donated by world celebrities in support of the initiative.
“Conflict and strife across the world has encouraged people to launch humanitarian initiatives that support communities affected by them and help them overcome the obstacles and challenges that threaten their lives, such as forced displacement. One global humanitarian initiative is Jeans for Refugees. We highly appreciate and support this initiative, which will have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of refugees,” said Shaikha Jawaher. She said the proceeds will support the International Rescue Committee’s endevours to preserve the dignity of thousands of young girls and women living in refugee camps.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com