Dubai eGovernment's annual Modhesh Friends Forum to launch new competitions at DSS 2008

The special annual Forum, open to children between the ages of 9 and 18, welcomed thousands of registrants to its Arabic and English forums in 2007, with children logging in from all over the world including countries such as the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, UAE and other Gulf countries.

Even more participants are expected in the 2008 edition, especially as it rewards participants with exceptional knowledge in a particular subject by recruiting them as heads of activities held during Forum meetings.

'This Forum provides a unique platform for discussions on both socially-relevant issues and topics that are of special interest to today's youth. It reveals the richness of Arab culture throughout the world while training youth to be IT literate. It also offers activities that promote the intellectual and social development of children, thus making it a well-rounded and productive summer affair,'

said Moza Al Akraf, Information Technology Manager, Dubai eGovernment.

The Modhesh Friends Forum is a highly anticipated event in the DSS calendar, which also gives children an opportunity to chat with Modhesh, the friendly DSS mascot.

The Modhesh Friends Forum moderates discussions on a broad range of topics such as Islamic stories; Arab culture; skills and inventions; video games; painting; fashion; cooking; UAE's visionary leaders; sports; hobbies; and entertainment.

Winners of the Forum are entitled to attractive prizes during the 10-week long DSS.