Nokia, the global leader in communications, in conjunction with Hewlett Packard Middle East and Canvas magazine and with the patronage of Sheik Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education, is bringing together some of Lebanon’s most prominent photography artists a prestigious fundraising event conducted by the international auction house, Christie’s. The Nokia Fonetography Auction – in its fourth showcase in the Middle East - will take place on 16 September 2006 and all proceeds will go to the United Arab Emirates Red Crescent. The event will be held at Al Thuraya Ballroom, Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, in Abu Dhabi.
The artists used Nokia N90 multimedia devices with Carl Zeiss optics and a 2 megapixel camera to take pictures that will be auctioned by Christie’s with proceeds going to help the UAE Red Crescent and the children of Lebanon. The artists were given free reign to shoot whatever they liked, and express their talents through the myriad abilities of the Nokia N90. The results will be up for auction for all guests to bid on.
“Nokia is very proud to play a part in those areas where support is most needed,” said Chris Braam, General Manager Nokia Middle and Near East of Nokia. “This event not only showcases the breathtaking artistry of Lebanon, but is a great way for the people of Abu Dhabi to reach out to those in need.”
The photographers made use of Nokia’s N90, which features Carl Zeiss optics and a full set of advanced digital camera features. The 2 megapixel camera contains an integrated flash, macro mode for sharp close-ups, and high quality video capture with on-phone editing capabilities to create a collage of masterpieces. The professional capabilities of the camera have allowed the artists to create unfettered visions and masterpieces.
“A charity auction such as this one that gives so generously to a deserving cause is our way of demonstrating our commitment not only to the Middle East’s economies, but to their communities and future generations as well,” added Chris Braam of Nokia.
The event has already taken place in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai, with over US$ 1 million being raised. The Abu Dhabi event will undoubtedly add to that already enormous total.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokiamena.com
About Canvas
Canvas, an international bi-monthly magazine dedicated to art and culture in the Middle East and Arab world launched in the U.A.E. to regional and international acclaim. Described by Publisher and Editor in Chief, Ali Khadra, as ‘a voyage of discovery into the art world that sets out to explore art and culture from a new perspective aimed at promoting the rich artistic heritage of the region’, including exclusive interviews with some of the world’s most renowned Arab artists accompanied by portfolio collections of their work.
Canvas’ readers worldwide are discerning connoisseurs, many are experts; indeed many are artists of the highest repute. In short, Canvas is an exclusive magazine with extraordinary content. It is distributed regionally and internationally; on the news stands, by subscription and exclusively to royalty and VIPs - many of whom are featured in the publication or contribute to it directly.
About Christie’s
Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is the world’s oldest fine arts auction house. Over its history Christie’s has grown and diversified and currently offers sales in over 80 separate categories, which include all areas of fine and applied arts, collectibles, jewellery, watches and motor cars. Visit Christie’s on the web at www.christies.com
About HP Middle East
HP is the largest technology and solutions provider in the Middle East, with 670 employees and subsidiaries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Cairo and Ramallah servicing the GCC, Egypt and the Levant. HP has been present in the Middle East since 1968, and opened its first regional office in 1994. HP Middle East is the market leader for Enterprise, Small and Medium Business and Consumer technology products and offers a large portfolio of solutions and services in various domains. For more information on HP in the Middle East, please visit www.hp.com/me.
The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent
The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent (UAERC) was established in 1983 as a national non-governmental voluntary organisation and became a member number 139 from a total today of 185 of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Since its establishment the UAERC has been responding to all appeals issued by the Federation to assist affected countries.
