The inaugural edition of Royal Bridges — a global artistic movement comprising of artist members from royal lineage — made history in Dubai at the Ritz Carlton, DIFC on Nov. 29 and 30. Hailed a resounding success, the event collectively saw the attendance and support of over 30 royal, princely, and noble houses from Europe, Middle East, the Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Concluding the series of events, Royal Bridges — in collaboration with Christie’s — raised close to half a million dirhams in proceeds to go toward feeding the world’s hungry with the World Food Programme’s initiatives.
The guests of honors from the region in attendance were Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan — Chairman of the Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation, Emirati Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi and Princess Basmah bint Saud bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.
Also in attendance from the European reigning houses were Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, Princess Alexandra zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Princess Tessy of Luxembourg and Nassau and Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark.
The two-day event included a dinner and auction at The Ritz Carlton, DIFC for 250 guests. The top auction item, raising $25,000, “Pursuit of happiness,” 2015, an artwork by Princess Sibylle of Prussia, followed by “Together,” 2015, a painting by Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa which fetched $20,000. “Souk ahrid,” 2016 photography by Princess Reem Al Faisal went for $11,000.
A total of 11 art pieces were created donated by the royal artists together with objets d’arts and crafts donated by the sovereign guests and Tanagra, the sponsor for the evening which raised a total of $135,000 in support of the World Food Programme’s mission to help end hunger worldwide.
“The generosity of our guests is absolutely amazing. The support of all of Christie’s, sponsors and friends is what makes this event such a success,” said Shaikh Rashid. “We feel fortunate to be able to make this contribution to the WFP and stand for a global cause that we all feel strongly about.”
Organized by ArtBahrain, Royal Bridges, founded by HE Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, is in association with The International Humanitarian City supporting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: Arab News