Huda Kattan, Mona Kattan, Eva Longoria, and Jacqueline Fernandez at the Global Gift Gala Dubai 2019. Courtesy of the Global Gift Gala
In the midst of so many important issues being tackled around the world, last night, actor and activist Eva Longoria, the founder of Global Gift Foundation Maria Bravo, and former Vogue Arabia cover star and beauty mogul Huda Kattan added some more good into this world by hosting and presenting the Global Gift Gala. The charitable event saw a host of artists and influencers gather to make a difference, including Egyptian singer and Arab Idol winner Carmen Soliman, who sang her track “Lama Teshofak Einy,” Indian actor Jacqueline Fernandez, and flamenco singer Sabrina Romero.
Carmen Soliman. Courtesy of the Global Gift Gala
The Global Gift Gala unites the worlds of business, celebrity, and philanthropy to raise funds and awareness for vulnerable children and women worldwide. The Global Gift Foundation bolsters women’s empowerment and advocates for gender equality, education, and professional development. It additionally carries out its own projects such as Casa Global Gift, a multifunctional place for more than 300 kids with exceptional needs and their families, with social incorporation one of its principal objectives.
“For me, it is a way of giving back to my community, my country, and the world,” said Bravo. “We are spread around nine countries across the world and here in Dubai, we do Dubai Cares – an initiative we’ve been focusing on for seven years now. Other than that, we also have Harmony House in India, the Eva Longoria Foundation in the US, and Casa Global in Spain. We focus on uniting the continents into one denomination.”
Maria Bravo. Courtesy of the Global Gift Gala
During a conversation about the future generations, their mindset, and how they can make a difference in this world, Eva Longoria told Vogue Arabia, “I think the myth is that you have to be rich and famous to be philanthropic or to make a difference and it’s just not true.” She adds, “You can be anyone who sees injustice happening, or sees the changes that need to be made in their community, or sees people who are in need. You can look at your neighbor or you can look across the street and you will find someone who is in need. You don’t have to look far, you can donate time, you can donate resources, you can donate a network of friends, you can donate your platform and your followers. There are a lot of things people can do that don’t involve a lot of money or a lot of influence.”
The philanthropists from different parts of the world started off their night walking down the red carpet, followed by dinner and the auction. British artist Sacha Jafri donated four of his pieces for the cause. “Although it took me three months to paint it, I needed 42 years to create them,” he explained about his process.
Sacha Jafri and Jacqueline Fernandez. Courtesy of the Global Gift Gala
Mona Kattan, sister of makeup artist Huda Kattan, received the Global Gift Women Empowerment Award. After accepting the honor, Mona said, “Thank you, Eva and Maria, because you are such an inspiration. Huda for being such a role model, and to my dad for being the most generous man I know.” Entrepreneur and TV presenter Rosemin Madhavji received the Global Gift We Believe in People Award, for her social promise to Global Gift Foundation, and Patrick Chalhoub was the beneficiary of the Global Gift Humanitarian Award. Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group Khalaf Ahmad Al-Habtoor was also present and received the Global Gift Humanitarian Award for his commitment towards improving the lives of the people of UAE.
Huda Kattan took to the stage to commend and support the initiative, saying, “I’m so thrilled and honored that Huda Beauty is partnering with Global Gift this year. Maria and Eva, you are truly amazing!” It wasn’t the first time the beauty legend collaborated or partnered with a cause. Earlier this year, Kattan launched Huda Beauty’s Self-Love campaign, which prompted the world to look into what makes us beautiful.
Huda Kattan wearing Hamda Alfahim at Global Gift Gala 2019. Courtesy of the Global Gift Gala
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