15 renowned business entities in UAE to sponsor DSS 2007

The list comprises 15 of the most reputed business establishments in the country, three of which will be sponsoring DSS for the first time.

The list of sponsors included Al Futtaim Group - Dubai Festival City, BurJuman, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Refreshments (P.S.C.) - Mirinda, Dubai Shopping Malls Group, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emarat, Emirates Airline, Etisalat, Ibn Battuta Mall, MAF Shopping Malls, and MasterCard Worldwide. Al Ghurair City, Alpha Tours and Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) are the three new sponsors for this year.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation; Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Chairman of DSF & DSS Supreme Committee, praised the response of the private sector in general and the DSS 2007 sponsors in particular towards the summer event since its inception. "The continuous support of the private sector has been pivotal in making Dubai summer surprises the most anticipated summer event in the region, and it clearly affirms the commitment of the private sector in realising the objectives of DSS that are congruent with the long term economic and social plans for Dubai as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai" HH said.

HH welcomed the joining of three new sponsors and said "The DSS sponsors include some of the biggest and most successful business organisations in the country and the region today. Their sponsorship of DSS denotes a level of unprecedented cooperation between the private and public sectors that has substantially contributed to the transformation of this summer celebration from a regional event into a global spectacle. Such cooperation is fundamental as we are in the process of implementing significant changes in the coming editions to elevate the summer event."

As the summer fiesta marks its 10th year, HH commented "When DSS was launched in 1998 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid; the ambition was to give life to an event similar to Dubai Shopping Festival that would facilitate growth in different economic sectors in Dubai, especially the tourism sector, during the summer. The tenth anniversary celebration of DSS is a momentous occasion as we look back at a full decade of stupendous achievements. DSF and DSS has turned Dubai into an all year city of celebrations "

"The tenth edition of DSS ushers in a new era where the new strategy will be pursued earnestly, and we firmly believe that this initiative will renovate the event to go parallel with the massive developments being witnessed in Dubai. We are committed in developing DSS, and this development is initially reflected - the ten surprises will be launched simultaneously and last for ten weeks; events will be planned to cater to children, teenagers, and adults; and the DSS Office will be fully responsible for the planning, organizing, and implementation of all DSS events."

"Even though we have completed a successful decade, our aspirations are high and hence we are devoted to achieving the goals outlined in the new strategy that will go parallel with the dynamic plan envisioned for Dubai and the widespread developments in the country under the vision of UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; and their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council, Rulers of the Emirates." HH concluded

DSS 2007 Sponsors

The increase in the number of DSS sponsors reflects the growing popularity of the event and its ability to obtain high revenues for the sponsors.

The results for DSS 2006 that were recently announced showed a positive visitor numbers that reached 1,875,000 and visitor spending touched AED 2.57 billion. DSS 2007 is anticipated to attract 2.16 million visitors, an increase of 15 per cent from last year, and visitor expenditure to touch an all time high of AED 3 billion, a 20 per cent increase compared to DSS 2006.

DCCI
H.E. Hamad Mubarak Buamim, Director General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, "Dubai Chamber participates in the DSS this year as one of the Sponsors amongst other establishments sponsoring the activities of the DSS which celebrates its 10th anniversary. Dubai Chamber's sponsorship for the DSS 2007 reflects its supporting role of the local business community, mainly trade sector which represents 24 per cent of Dubai's GDP."

Al Guraiar City
Salem Al Ghurair, CEO of Al Ghurair City said, "We are happy to support the 10th anniversary celebrations of Dubai Summer Surprises this year. DSS has now become the most awaited event during the summer for families, especially children. Al Ghurair City will host a superb variety of activities and entertainment to provide families - our key target audience - with a complete and exciting shopping experience during this Summer Surprises. The activities will provide children visiting Al Ghurair City a fun way to learn, in line with the DSS theme "Big Fun For Little Ones". We are confident that the range of fun-filled attractions that will take place in a festival ambience at Al Ghurair City will increase mall traffic and footfall during the DSS months."

Alpha Tours
CEO of Alpha Tours, Ghassan Aridi said, "Our decision to sponsor this event is part of our commitment to develop the tourism sector in Dubai and to make Dubai a pioneer destination that has its own unique strategy to attract the tourists. In addition, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the DSS which takes a new look and a different style than the previous years."

Al Futtaim Group
Geoffrey Watson, Head of Corporate Communications, Al-Futtaim Group said, "Dubai Summer Surprises 2007 is shaping up to become one of the most spectacular to date while continuing to offer an outstanding showcase for all that is best about the emirate. Al-Futtaim Group, through its flagship development Dubai Festival City, is proud to support this Government-led initiative which has been one of the key drivers in establishing Dubai as the leading retail resort in the region."

Etisalat
Aöbdullah Salem Al Mana, General Manager of Etisalat Dubai Region said, "At Etisalat, we are committed to reaching out to the communities and societies within which we operate, and over the years we have found the Dubai Summer Surprises to be a platform that closely mirrors our values of energy and enablement. Etisalat is proud to enable visitors and residents alike with a range of telecoms services and facilities to enable simple and effective communication at all times. We look forward to another exciting DSS, and are confident that 2007 will be the biggest and best yet."

Burjuman
"Having supported the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) since its inception, the Saif Al Ghurair Group is committed to its continued success in 2007. With its new and innovative schedule of events, DSS 2007 is designed to prolong the fun and festivity this summer for visitors from all over the world. In addition to a world-class shopping offering, malls under our portfolio, like BurJuman and Reef Mall, we have a host of exciting activities lined up throughout the summer to entertain and showcase Dubai as a dynamic and attractive tourist destination," said Majid Al Ghurair, CEO, Saif Al Ghurair Group.

Dubai Duty Free
Commenting on this year's event, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said, "This is the fourth year Dubai Duty Free is sponsoring the Dubai Summer Surprises. Once again, we expect it to attract tourists from around the region and the 10-week festival promises to be the best to date. We look forward to working with the event organizers to maximise our sponsorship opportunities."

MasterCard
"MasterCard Worldwide is delighted to be a key sponsor of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) for the eighth year running. Our support of this event gives MasterCard the opportunity to offer our cardholders even more benefits while they enjoy everything this summer festival has to offer. We are working with other DSS sponsors to offer exciting benefits to visitors and shoppers during this key travel season and build on the success of DSS 2006. MasterCard is advancing commerce globally, making it more valuable to, our cardholders, associates and customer banks,'' said Denzil Lawson, General Manager, Middle East & Levant (ME&L), MasterCard Worldwide."

Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG)
Eisa Adam Ibrahim, President of Dubai Shopping Malls Group said, "The Dubai Shopping Malls Group is very delighted to be joining hands this year with the government's initiative for the summer event. Our main aim is to create more excitement this DSS and to enrich the shopping experience that Dubai offers residents and visitors during the summer months. With the excellent partnership that has been existing between the malls and the DSS, the DSMG has been able to project Dubai as the year round shopping destination of the Middle East and this is yet another opportunity to confirm it.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
"Dubai World Trade Centre is proud of its historic association with Dubai Summer Surprises, and we are delighted to announce our support for the 10th edition. Dubai Summer Surprises has played an important role in both attracting international visitors and delighting the local community. Dubai World Trade Centre looks forward to continuing its role as both a partner and a venue for the fun and enjoyment that Dubai Summer Surprises provides," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.

EMARAT
Hussain Kazim, Corporate Communications Manager of Emirates General Petroleum (Emarat) said, "This festival represents a corner-stone in the country's history especially with the high level of exposure it has received from the local, regional and international media, in addition to the tremendous interest it has generated from people in the neighboring states. This has enhanced Emarat's role as a partner in success and not simply sponsors of the event. We are in the process of strengthening our participation year after year through our continuous support and enrichment of the event with several innovative and creative initiatives organized every year".

"It comes as no surprise that Emarat has improved its levels of communication with all those who are in charge of organizing the event and all its related activities and festivities. Through our contribution, we aim to support the local society and to assert the core values on which Emarat has been built," he added.

Dubai Refreshments Company
Alan Salem, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Refreshments Company said, "We have been closely associated with the Dubai Shopping Festival since its inception 11 years ago. We are delighted to have been equally involved with DSS over the last four years and are very proud of our continuous commitment to events of such a distinguished global status."

"We see ourselves as part of the fabric of the Dubai community. We have benefited from the phenomenal success and economic growth of Dubai and therefore want to give something back. Our participation in the 2007 edition of Dubai Summer Surprises adds another illustrious chapter to our history, and we look forward to strengthening our involvement in the years to come."

Ibn Battuta
Colin Fenton, Mall Manager of Ibn Battuta Mall said, "We congratulate the Dubai Summer Surprises on their 10th anniversary celebrations and are proud to be named as a key sponsor for the third consecutive year. We are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to our fantastic world-class shopping destination and revealing an exciting calendar of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Ibn Battuta Mall's uniquely themed environment truly reflects the distinctive combination of heritage and cosmopolitan lifestyle that is the very essence of Dubai."

Emirates
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates' Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide said, "DSS is a rich mix of entertainment, learning for the children and great shopping for their parents. It is not surprising that visitor numbers are growing as word about the festival spreads far and wide."

"Emirates has put together some irresistible packages as part of our worldwide drive to promote Dubai and the DSS. We invite our customers to be part of the fun and entertainment by availing these great deals. We have been sponsoring the event since its inception in 1998, re-enforcing our commitment to Dubai's trade and tourism initiatives."

MAF Shopping Malls
Fareed AbdelRahman, Vice President of Deira City Centre said, "MAF Shopping Malls, the region's leading property developer with an established network of shopping centres, is looking forward to being a key sponsor of Dubai Summer Surprise's 10th anniversary event. Our team plans to work in partnership with the DSS Office on their exciting event and media programmes."

"Last DSS, over 9.5 million customers visited our two centres from across the UAE and abroad. This year, we anticipate the number of visitors to increase. Keeping family as our central theme, MAF Shopping Mall's flagship centres - Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre have planned a series of exciting events and activities that will attract and entertain families, especially the children over the 10 weeks of summer surprises."