A charity art auction in Dubai has helped raise Dh1.2m to prevent and treat blindness across the globe.
Forty Arab and international artists donated work to the Art4Sight exhibition, held to support the Noor Dubai Foundation.
Now in its third year, the programme was inspired by the story of a 12-year-old girl from Mali called Fatoumata, who had her sight restored thanks to surgery from the Noor Dubai team.
As well as offering practical support to those suffering from blindness, Art4Sight aims to raise general awareness of preventable sight conditions worldwide.
Dr Manal Taryam, chief executive of the Noor Dubai Foundation, told the state news agency, Wam, that "people across the world are in much need of our assistance and through this programme we hope to make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of their family members. Providing the gift of sight aids both economic and social development in countries of need."
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Name: Almnssa
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Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
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'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”