The Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery will host a benefit dinner, Hafla Yemeniya (Yemen Party), in Washington, D.C. on June 22 to celebrate the opening of "Caravan Kingdoms: Yemen and the Ancient Incense Trade," which opens at the Sackler on June 25. This event will launch the first exhibition in North America to explore the impact of trade in frankincense and myrrh on the art of ancient southern Arabian civilizations. The honorary patron of the event is Abdulkarim Al-Iryani, special assistant to the president of Yemen.

An official delegation from the Republic of Yemen, including Ambassador H.E. Khaled Abdulla al-Rowaishan, minister of culture and tourism for the Republic of Yemen, and the honorable Abdulwahab Abdulla Al-Hajjri, Yemen's ambassador to the United States, will be the honored guests. The honorable Thomas Krajeski, U.S. ambassador to Yemen, also will attend.

Hafla Yeminiya will begin with a reception and private tour of the exhibition at 7 p.m. followed by dinner in the Freer courtyard with entertainment provided by Yemeni musicians. The evening will conclude with a silent auction of Yemeni-related items and experiences, including a trip for four to this vibrant country.

Individual tickets are $350 and can be purchased online. $200 of the contribution is tax-deductible. To request an invitation, or to purchase a table, contact the galleries' Office of Special Events at (202) 633-0417 or hammondj@asia.si.edu.