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Inside the Middle East
August 12, 2012
Posted: 854 GMT

Remember the story about the world's most expensive cupcake in Dubai?

Bloomsbury’s, a boutique cafe in Dubai, made headlines earlier this year for selling a chocolate cupcake – the 'Golden Phoenix' – for around $27,000.

Since the cupcake first made its debut, the store has reportedly only sold two.  And now, the shop's owner has said that part of the proceeds on sales will be donated to the United Nations World Food Programme, according to local newspapers in the United Arab Emirates.

Here's the Abu Dhabi-based National newspaper on the cupcake:

The creators of the world's most expensive cupcake now say they will donate 50 per cent of the profit from it to the World Food Programme.

Ashraf Hamouda, of the World Food Programme, pointed out that the income from a single cupcake could feed at least 1,850 children.

He described Bloomsbury's charitable gesture as "formidable generosity".

"This unique partnership is evidence that behind the biggest talents and business ideas, you often find the bigger hearts," Hamouda told the National. "As I would put it, a golden heart behind every Golden Phoenix."

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Filed under: Abu Dhabi •Culture •Dubai •Economic crisis •General •Health •Inside The Middle East •UAE •United Nations


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Merlin   August 12th, 2012 10:18 am ET

Each cupcake costs AED3,700 (approx $1000) not the whopping $27,000 mentioned here... as mentioned in the source quoted in the same article- The National: "The Golden Phoenix, which is made using 23-carat edible gold sheets, sells for Dh3,700 at the Bloomsbury store in Dubai Mall"

emad Alharoon   August 14th, 2012 10:30 am ET

At least people behind this ridiculous cup cake, came to their senses....The very first time I read this article I was really shocked I even thought I miss read the figure but a big NO- its true 27,000 dollars, enough to pay the whole army of starving children. I salute the idea of donation but if they can give all the proceeds not just half of it much better. Lets spread the spirit of giving and sharing not just because its Ramadan but we should do that everyday in our own little way............

Stephen   September 20th, 2012 12:38 am ET

Not really impressed with the product, I use 24 k gold all the time in my pastrys& cakes. I can promise you I dont make a $13,500 profit on anything . They would impress me more if the full $27,000 went to the UN food program. I like the Idea of feeding children and charity, but sounds to me like someone is selling this cup cake to make vast profit for themselves in the guise of a giving heart.

icon library   October 10th, 2012 7:57 am ET

Certainly. And I have faced it. We can communicate on this theme.


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