DSS office outlines the new mold of DSS 2007 at the inaugural meeting of the organizing committee

The DSS office presented the members of the committee with an overview of the initial preparations for the 10th year celebrations of the event. The ten-week festivities for DSS 2007 will commence on June 21 and end on August 31.

During the meeting, DSS office executed a full and comprehensive presentation for the organizing committee members explaining the new role of the government departments in supporting the event in accordance with the new strategy that was announced by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of DSF & DSS Supreme Committee.

The presentation also highlighted the DSS achievements that was accomplished in the past nine years, emphasizing on its ongoing positive impact mainly on the economic and tourist sectors

The meeting that was held at the Four Seasons Golf Club in Dubai Festival City was presided over by Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda, Chief Executive Officer of DSS, and was attended by representatives of various Government departments including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Department of Naturalisation and Administration (DNRA), Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Department of Health and Medical Services, Dubai Police, Lands Department, Dubai Municipality, Department of Ports and Customs, Department of Economic Development, Dubai eGovernment, Dubai Media Incorporated, Department of Civil Aviation, Real Estate Department, Dubai Civil Defence, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Roads and Transport Authority, WATANI, in addition to DSS office.

Saeed Al Naboudah, CEO, DSS said: "DSS office has initiated the preparations for the summer 2007 event few months back, and we are here today to present the esteemed members of the organising committee with our understanding and vision of the new strategy of DSS. This inaugural meeting is a chance to exchange ideas on how best to ensure the success of DSS 2007".

Al Nabouda also lauded the Government departments' support to the summer event's past editions saying, "Today, we are entering a new era of DSS and once again we turn to our associates from the various Government departments that shared our successes since the inception of the event and we look forward to continue with our successful endeavours that took roots some 10 years ago," he said adding, "We also strive to enhance the extraordinary partnership of the Government and private sectors that became a role model for others to follow in the region. It's thanks to this cooperation we were able to turn this local and regional event into a global one."

Al Nabouda added that the achievements of the past years are something to be proud of and the recently announced DSS 2006 results boasted of welcoming 1.875 million visitors, registering an increase of 25 per cent compared to the year 2005, while the total expenditure figure for local and global visitors marked Dh 2.57 billion, including spending on shopping, food, accommodation and transportation which registered a sharp increase of 50 per cent compared to DSS 2005. "These results are a clear indication that we are achieving and even surpassing our objectives and goals through the Dubai Summer Surprises" he said.

According to the new DSS strategy, each Surprise will now last the whole 10 weeks unlike the previous editions where one week was allotted for a themed surprise. The plan also states that the DSS Office will be responsible for the successful planning, organising, and implementing of all DSS events and activities during the 10 weeks, actively supported by the various Government departments in this endeavour.

"This time, the Government of Dubai promises all the visitors and residents of Dubai a unique experience during the 10th edition of DSS that offers an exciting line-up of great events and a world-class phenomenon that comes in line with the new strategy of DSS 2007 that was announced by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and goes parallel with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the "Future Dubai" " he concluded.