Magic of Persia Magical Nights in Dubai is a weekend of events, highlighted by a gala dinner and contemporary art auction of works donated by leading Middle Eastern artists. The first MOP auction in 2007 was an outstanding success, raising over $1Million US to support both the MOP cultural programme and local UAE charities. The 2009 event will raise money for projects supported by the charity Magic of Persia, a non-profit, non-political charity registered in the UK and USA, which educated young people on the value and unique contribution of Persia culture to society. The Magic of Persia gala and auction will take place in Dubai at the Emirates Towers on 11th April. A preview of the Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize (MOPCAP) Finalists will take place on 12th April at Basement Gallery & Total Arts Gallery, Dubai.  51 art works have been donated for the auction by leading contemporary artists, including Shirin Neshat, YZ Kami, Parviz Tanavoli and Abbas Kiarostami. Money raised will benefit Magic of Persia education programme, the Future Centre for special needs, and Omid-e-Mehr charitable foundation. In addition to the auction, this is the first year of MOPCAP, a contemporary art prize aimed at bringing international attention to the talents of emerging Iranian artists. At the gala, Sheena Wagstaff (Chief Curator, Tate Modern, London) will announce the Finalists of the prize, who will be exhibited at the Royal College of Art, London, 15-17 the October 2009, where the final winner will be announced. The MOPCAP Finalists are the result of a tough judging process, which saw our 12 distinguished judges review the submissions of over 130 artists. There will be a brief opportunity to preview the finalists on 12th April before the main show in October in London. Magical Nights in Dubai is set to be a spectacular occasion, not only for charity but also showcasing some of the major players in cotemporary Middle Eastern art.