Last evening, in support of the UAE Water AID initiative - which was recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim to help provide five million people in developing countries with improved access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation - Dubai Ladies Club organised 'Designs of Hope', a special 3-day Charity Fashion Exhibition. The event, which reflects the Club's commitment to community work and social development, was attended by a large audience of VIP ladies from the UAE community, who were keen to avail the many designer items on sale.

Designs of Hope is a charity exhibition, held annually in conjunction with the Holy Month of Ramadan to support noble humanitarian causes. The exhibition will continue until Thursday, 17th July 2014, 9:30PM till 12:00AM in Al Mahara Ballroom, Dubai Ladies Club. Moreover, guests can expect additional and new stock from select designers each night.

On the occasion, Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Women Establishment and Vice-President of Dubai Ladies Club said, "Designs of Hope is a testament to the to the generosity and social-minded spirit of our UAE community - made possible through the noble example set by our kind rulers, whose tireless and determined efforts have gained the UAE global recognition as one of the leading nations in foreign aid contributions and humanitarianism."

She continued by pointing out, "The timing of the launch of this campaign has come at a crucial moment in timeline of this cause, as presently millions of people around the world are suffering affected from preventable misfortunes such as famine and drought, in third world nations. The impact from the UAE Water Aid initiative will not only deliver safe water and sanitation to over 5 million people, but in the process also transform their lives through better health, hygiene as well as boost efforts to eradicate poverty."

Commenting on the success of the event, Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, Director of Dubai Ladies Club said, "We are delighted to be able to host another successful Designs of Hope charity event. It has been immensely heart warming to welcome so many members from our community to this event, united by their enthusiasm to support a noble cause. The success of this event is a , reflects the extent of their awareness of the importance of humanitarian action; and has shown how simple choices can help make a big difference in the lives of others, and how working together for a special cause brings us closer together. It has been a very rewarding activity for all of us."

She continued, "As an annual campaign that supports our community and their causes, the Designs of Hope charity exhibition has quickly become a hallmark event on Dubai's Ramadan calendar. We look forward to continuing to work to make a difference next year as well."

Designs of Hope features collections from 16 home-grown UAE fashion labels which include Queen Of Spades, Slouchy'z, R Design, R Style, House of Kaftan, 1001 Abayas, Moonoir, Lamsty, Yazy, The Black Thread, Abeer Al Suwaidi, HF Boutique, Chateau, Maryam Al Hammadi, Mouzan, and Designers Empire. Each designer generously donated several pieces from their collections for the exhibition, which made it possible to donate the full value of the sale towards the UAE Water Aid initiative, to provide clean water in needy countries. Moreover, guests were able to enjoy big discounts as all donated pieces have been priced at AED 1,000 only, regardless of their original value.

The event is supported by Tejar Dubai, an initiative powered by the Dubai Chamber as the Platinum sponsor and Bloomingdales-Dubai as the Gold sponsor. Moreover, catering was kindly sponsored by Mama Tani Cafe, who provided an authentic Emirati selection of snacks and drinks to all guests.

UAE Water Aid campaign comes in the light of the aggravation of water scarcity issue in many parts of the world over the past decades. This scarcity has resulted in threatening the life of millions of people, heralding grave dangers if world countries and international bodies do not initiate prompt plans and strategies so as to bring forward radical solutions for this issue in afflicted areas. World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show that more than 3.4 million die every year due to thirst and diseases caused by unclean water.

It is worth mentioning, Dubai Ladies Club first launched Designs of Hope in 2013, which raised around AED 300,000 from the sale of over 300 Abayas, Jalabiyas and Kaftans, in support of Noor Al Hayat, the first activity of Al Manal Humanitarian Initiative, to help prevent and cure blindness and restore the gift of sight to the poor around the world, through Noor Dubai Foundation.

Since its inception in 2003, Dubai Ladies Club has consistently worked towards adding value to the lives of Emirati and expatriate women living in the UAE through in-house events, facilities and pilot projects. In line with the Clubs ongoing commitment to community work and social development. In the past, DLC has worked with a number of non-profit and goodwill organizations, helping educate the public about their missions including various fundraiser events to support the FOCP Charity Bazaar, Gaza Crisis, Dubai Cares Water Bucket Campaign, Fundraising bazaar for Dubai Centre for Special Needs and many more. Moreover, the events department at Dubai Ladies Club also offers charitable organizations the opportunity to host charity events and fundraisers at the Club free of charge.