Government departments pledge continued support for DIFF 2007

At a networking event held at the Park Hyatt, discussions between DIFF management and government officials focused on finalizing logistical arrangements including hospitality, air and sea customs, traffic control and other functional areas critical to the success of the event that attracts widespread media attention and thousands of international guests.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, DIFF said: "We are deeply appreciative of the collaborative efforts of our colleagues in the Federal and local government departments.

"It is the strength of our relationships with our valued public sector partners that provide the foundation for hosting a world-class event, particularly one that grows in leaps and bounds like DIFF. We wish to provide our audience with an incomparable film festival experience, and so we are reliant on the excellent inter-departmental communication and logistical support that we have enjoyed since the festival's inception."

Among those who participated in the festival working group logistical meeting were the Dubai Cultural Council, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Media Incorporated, Dubai Customs, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defense, Department of Naturalization and Residency Administration, Unified Ambulance Centre, Department of Health and Medical Services, Emirates Post, Dubai and Water Authority, and the National Media Council.

In the run-up to DIFF 2007, these departments are working in tandem with each other and with the festival management and security team to streamline processes such as customs clearance for incoming specialized festival equipment, visas for industry guests, and traffic control.