New Delhi | May 1, 2017

Gala Night of Hope was organized under the parasol of UAE Embassy & FICCI and in support of Rashid Centre and Sun Foundation. It took place on 1 May 2017 at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi. On this spectacular evening, Approx 300 patrons came together to support the special needy children in their journey of living.

The event was held under the patronage and in the presence of H.H Sheikh Jumaa Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum (Managing Director of Rashid Center), H.E. Dr Ahmed Albanna (UAE Ambassador to India), H.E. Swashpawan Singh (Secretary to Vice President of India), Mr Ahmed Khoury (Founder of Rashid Centre), Mr Vikramjit Sahney ( Chairman Sun Foundation) along with various distinguished dignitaries, celebrities and Business man from both the countries. The evening promised faith, friends, food and fun, but also an opportunity to honor those who have been vitally important in advancing the mission.

As we know that UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in support with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has declared 2017 as the Year of Giving. Giving’ which is a value we cherish and saw personified in the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed. We still continue to see this philanthropic legacy embodied by his sons. They believe giving is not limited to monetary donations. Rather, “giving” is defined by the differences we make: the differences in someone’s life, in a society, or in a nation. Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is not measured in the generous donations he made to the less fortunate only, but in the impact he has had on the lives and in the country forever. This is the goal for the Year of Giving – to make a difference in the lives of those we care for, and in ourselves.

All of us have the capability and capacity to make a real difference in the lives of those around us. There are so many ways to give. This is how The UAE Embassy in New Delhi, under the direction of H.E. Dr Ahmed Al-Banna  along with Ficci, Rashid Centre and Sun Foundation got together and took an active part in spreading the value of tender and love to achieve the vision of UAE for the year of good by organizing a charity event ‘Gala Night of hope”. The Gala Night saw the performances by the famous celebrity artist from both the countries, Performances by the children from both the centers, Auction items featuring students products and exhibition from both the sides. This contributed to the deepening Relations between the two countries.

In Conjunction with the announcement of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai on April 29, 2017, formed the “Soft Power Council of UAE”, Which aims to enhance the country’s Regional and Global Reputation and Consolidate its respect and love among the peoples of the world. And is responsible for drawing the general policy and strategy of the soft power of the state, which will transfer the story of UAE to the world. The Embassy of UAE in New Delhi was inaugurated as the first Embassy of the UAE to reflect the meaning of soft diplomacy in this charitable activity in a way that supports the cultural, spiritual and moral strength of the nation

During his speech in the event, H.E. Dr Ahmed Albanna mentioned “The evening was equal parts inspiring and fun. It felt great to be a part of such a meaningful cause, and to see tremendous opportunity to celebrate the work done by the needy children. He thanked the generosity and support of everyone participated”.