Through a vibrant, virtually-held artistic fundraiser for the Beirut explosion victims, young members of the Sharjah-based Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah (SYL), have put up a spectacular show of their skills in painting and music to generate awareness and offer much-needed humanitarian support.

Titled ‘Salam Cultural Event’, the artistic gathering hosted on Zoom by the subsidiary of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators (Rubu’ Qarn), was a bid to further ‘Salam Beirut’ campaign, which was announced by HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation and Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children at UNHCR, to bring emergency aid and rehabilitation support to the people of the devastated Lebanese capital.

The event raised approximately AED 14,000, which has been donated to The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), the Sharjah-based global humanitarian organisation which is mobilising relief efforts that fall under the ‘Salam Beirut’ campaign.

A host of young members of SYL came together to share their art and creativity for this great cause. While Batul Al Tamimi displayed one of her paintings; Fatima Al Marashdehmesmerised the audience with her poetry recitation; Mariam Al Shaloubiwas masterful in her solos on the Qanun – a cherished Middle Eastern string instrument;and Hind bin Nassar lent her beautiful vocals to the event.

Guest of honor Lebanese artist Diana Haddad graced the event, which was moderated by Mayassa Al Ali. Haddad bought young Batul’s painting for AED 10,000, which was supposed to be auctioned online on Sajaya’s Instagram account next week.

An additional AED 4,000 was raised from event attending fees. Those interested to contribute to this drive can purchase the ‘Salam Jars’ crafted by the Sajaya young ladies. All sales proceeds will be forwarded to TBHF.

Haddad extended heartfelt gratitude to HHSheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi for leading a vital humanitarian initiative for Lebanon from Sharjah, and called on everyone to join the campaign alleviate the sufferings of those who were affected by the tragic blast. She went on to congratulate the young ladies of SYL for their efforts in organising their cultural fundraiser, praising them for the social awareness, sense of human responsibility and moral values they carry at such a young age.

She made a strong call to the youth in the UAE and the Arab world to support such humanitarian efforts.

Sheikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of SYL stressed that the organisation is committed to developing  the talents and skills of its young members through various and purposeful artistic activities in the UAE and abroad. “This event reflects our keenness to invest in youth and maximise their potential”, she said, adding: “through this cultural event, the young ladies of Sajaya have honoured the rich cultural and artistic soul of Lebanon, while raising funds to support the ‘Salam Beirut’ campaign. They have displayed the power of the youth to be change makers and upheld the human and societal values that form the core of Emirati society”.

Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah announced that ‘Salam jars’ can be bought for Dhs 50 and proceeds will be donated to ‘Salam Beirut’ campaign. Items can be ordered on WhatsApp (050 7669360) and will be available at SajayaCafé, Hoof Café, Melt Café and Cofina Café, for one month.