How much would you pay for a racing helmet formerly worn by Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai?
Well, someone just paid 24 million dirhams ($6.5 million) at the Al Jalila Foundation fundraising gala dinner.
Fetching the second highest price at the auction was a Dubai license plate (code O number 9) for 23.9 million dirhams.
The sale of the license plate, which belonged to a member of the ruling family, marks the first time a single digit license plate has been auctioned in the emirate.
Also sold was an Al Yamamah saddle formerly belonging to Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai.
The saddle, which he rode to victory on during the 2014 Altech FEI World Equestrian Games in France, sold for 2.4 million dirhams. An Arabian horse, a luxury holiday experience, a 300-year-old Quran, a sculpture by a famous Emirati artist, an antique pistol statue, limited edition timepieces and etisalat distinguished telephone numbers were also sold during the auction.
In total, 89.8 million dirhams was raised for charity.
"Our success tonight is testament to the generosity of the people of the UAE. We are very grateful for the support of our sponsors, auction donors and everyone for a wonderful evening. It’s truly inspiring to see the community come together to support local medical research," said Dr. Raja Al Gurg, member of the board for trustees and chairperson of the board of directors at Al Jalila Foundation, according to a press release.
Al Jalila Foundation and Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre support medical research and education while addressing the region's most pressing health challenges.