The eleven Government Departments that are organising the 10 weeks of Dubai Summer Surprises 2002 have announced the various activities that will constitute the events calendar of DSS 2002, which will begin on the 20th of June.
Addressing a press conference held at the Children's City, Mr. Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda, CEO of DSS, said: "This year, during DSS 2002, more than 250 outstanding activities are being organised by the Government Departments for families with children, and each activity will match the theme's requirement of 'Big Fun for Little Ones'.
"Despite the fact that our decade long experience in the tourism sector is not amongst the oldest in the world, we have still managed to create one of the most successful case studies in world tourism. The unique positioning that UAE enjoys today is now considered a perfect example of the triumph of government sector initiative.
"UAE has established itself as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, not only because of the percentage of tourists we receive, but also due to the sheer diversity and the superior quality of the tourist products that we have created.
"As each country witnesses in its history an important period of transition, so does its economic sectors. The success of Dubai Summer Surprises has resulted in a unique transition that has opened a new chapter of excellence in the tourism sector.
"It is a well established fact that with Dubai Summer Surprises, the bet on tourism in summer was much more than a wish. When the event was conceptualised, with the directions of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister's futuristic vision, the economic, social and cultural impact of tourism was
recognised.
"This vision has unified the efforts of the government departments and encouraged them to identify, create and execute innovative events that distinguish the Emirates as an attractive focal point throughout the year.
There is no doubt that the high quality and the brilliant execution of the events this year will become a part of the overall surprise that DSS promises." said Saeed.
Saeed also thanked the Government departments for their sustained and concerted efforts in making Dubai Summer Surprises a success in the past.
The Government Department's representatives revealed the details of some of the important events that will be organised during the Surprises.
Food Surprises: The opening week of DSS 2002 will be dedicated to Food Surprises organised by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing from June 20 to 26.
Mr. Marwan bin Beyat, Deputy Manager Events, DTCM said, "This year Food Surprises will have over 60 activities and events, which will mainly target children and families. Twenty-four hotels and ten shopping malls are participating in the Food Surprises theme. Some of last year's activities will be repeated again because of their popularity."
"During the opening ceremony, a famous cartoon character will be announcing the events, which will be staged during the week-long Food Surprises. Ice, fruit, vegetable and chocolate carvings will be also on display. The participating hotels will be presenting cuisines from all over the world for sampling at the Emirates Boulevard."
Water Surprises: The second week of the themed Surprises organised from June 27 to July 3 by DEWA will have several entertainment events spread out at different malls.
Mr. Jasim Rajab, Deputy Manager of the Water Surprises Committee said, "All the activities are related to water and sea life. We have developed several special shows like the Water Bubbles show and the Artificial Rains for this year. Numerous new water games have been added, keeping in mind the excitement they generated last year. Exciting characters like Splashy, Dolphins, Frogs and Octopuses will move around the malls during the Water Surprises theme week."
Global Surprises:
Being organised by the Dubai Ports and Customs Authority from July 4th to the 10th will highlight the festival traditions of the world.
Mr. Abdul Rehman Al Eissa, Member of the Organising Committee of Global Surprises said, "We have chosen some of the most important festival traditions of the world including those from Brazil, Spain, USA, China, UK, India, Russia and a few Arab nations. These will be presented as carnival enactments within pre-decided mall locations. We will also have competitions and exhibitions which will include People from the World, Faces from the World, and the Fashions from the Festivals of the World competitions."
Ice Surprises (July 11 to July 17), organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will utilise the fascination of children for all things that make up the world of ice and snow.
Mr. Thani bin Juma Belregad, Head of the Ice Surprises Committee said, "Dubai will enjoy the freezing cold wave of the Ice Surprises theme week through the various activities organised during the week. It will include a theatrical performance on ice 'Sindbad's Adventure in Gulf countries', Journey to the Eskimo Land - a fascinating journey into the Ice World and several interactive events which will be taking place at various locations in Dubai. Ice Cream eating contests, ice cream decorations contests, Ice Characters Meeting and Greeting will be some of the highlights of this week."
Flower Surprises, organised by Dubai Municipality from July 18 to 24, will bring the fragrance of flowers at different venues across Dubai.
Mr. Ahmed Abdul Karim, Director, Public Parks and Agriculture, Dubai Municipality said, "We have organised several new activities like the Summer Camp which will take place at the Modhesh Fun City. The camp will bring alive art, entertainment and sports activities for children."
Several flowers-inspired events will include contests for best flower wedding sets, mall decorations with flowers, fashion shows for kids, and many workshops at different malls.
Sports Surprises, organised by the Department of Health & Medical Services from the 25th of July to the 31st of July will include several sporting activities held at malls, sports clubs and Dubai's beautiful beaches.
Dr. Salah Abdul Aziz, Head of the Sports Surprises Committee said, " Beach Volleyball, Telematches, Marathons, Waiters Races, Mothers Races, Skating Competitions, Treasure Hunts and beach games will bond the elements of fun and fitness in a delightful manner during this week."
Heritage Surprises, to be organised by Dubai Ports & Customs from August 1to 7, will highlight the UAE culture through musical performances and several cultural activities.
Mr. Salah Al Naqi, Head of the Heritage Surprises Committee said, "The activities of the Heritage Surprises theme will be present the everlasting charm of the sailors and Bedouins. Local folk bands will perform at malls as children enact the lifestyle of the UAE locals. There will be heritage fashion shows, folklore shows at different malls and incense making demonstrations."
Other highlights will include an Arabian hospitality tents, handicraft exhibitions, exhibition on musical instruments and another on rowing boats. In addition, there will be traditional plays, cuisine demonstrations, folk dress contests, henna painting, heritage painting exhibition and performances by folk bands.
Art Surprises, one of the themes organised by the Department of Naturalisation and Residency from August 8 to 14, will feature hobby crafts and activities for different age groups.
Major Jassem Abdul Gaffur, Member of the Art Surprises Committee said, "Besides several art oriented activities in different malls, there will be specific events like the Magic Forest that will take place at the Modhesh Fun City."
Techno Surprises (August 15 to 21), organised by Dubai Police, will combine aspects of high technology with elements of fun, so that visitors and residents can explore the world of high technology and science in shopping malls and other indoor venues.
Major Mohammed bin Deelan, Head of the Techno Surprises Committee said, "The activities during the Techno Surprises theme will light up the imagination of any child. The highlights of the week will be workshops on Digital Photography, TV Broadcasting, Bubble Science etc and competitions like the Best design for aeroplanes, cars and electrical gadgets."
Back-to-School Surprises organised by the Department of Economic Development (DED) from August 22 to 30 will offer several special events dedicated to education through fun. There will be special honouring ceremony for Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Nahyan, wife of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Her Highness Sheikha Rawdha, wife of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry.
In this ceremony, a group of children will participate in a special marathon organised from the Department of Economic Development in Dubai to the capital, Abu Dhabi to present them a Quran made of crystal.
Yusuf Ozair, Head of DSS Organising Committee said, "We will arrange several events focussed on learning with fun. There will be special shows of a play called 'Princess Verda and Lazy Aboud' at the Modhesh Fun City which carries the message that children must pay attention to their lessons in school. Cartoon characters will meet and greet children at different mall locations."
Mohammed Al Sultan, organisers of Conferences and Workshops from the Land Department said, "We are organising several seminars and workshops throughout the 10-week period, which are meant specially for families. These seminars will contribute to making us a part of a better society."
|
