DUBAI // Britain's Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has launched a charity in Dubai to support disadvantaged children and auctioned a suite on an island on The World to raise money for it. The duchess visited Dubai on Sunday for the unveiling of Aquitainia - a private island development on The World - and that evening raised cash for her Sarah Selects foundation by auctioning a one-bedroom suite at the development for Dh3.5 million (US$954,000).
"The plight of children is an issue close to my heart and I intend to devote time to choosing the right causes within the UAE in which to donate the money," the duchess said. "The Aquitainia launch party was the perfect opportunity to coincide the launch of Sarah Selects, as the event was attended by some of the most influential people in the UAE." Among those attending the auction at Buddha Bar in the Grosvenor House Hotel were double Grammy award winner and former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland and Hamza Mustafa, managing director of The World.
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