DSS Apprenticeship Programme 2008 a resounding success

The travel and tourism award-winning two-week programme provided students from prominent marketing faculties from the MENA region and the United Kingdom, excellent opportunities for training and ample exposure in marketing and event management by working closely with professionals who have helped make DSS one of the most successful and high-profile events in the region.

The students took part in different DSS activities, especially those focused on marketing and event management. At the end of the course, the students submitted their final presentations, including creative ideas that would further enrich the DSS coming editions.

In this respect, Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, expressed delight over the high-profile presentations written by this year's DSS Apprenticeship Programme students.

Sha said:

"Their involvement in exploring the minor details of various aspects of the event was very exciting for us at the DSF office. Some of the Ideas that we heard from those young talents will be taken in consideration in the coming editions of the summer event. DSS 2008 Apprenticeship Programme has yet again achieved its objectives and we look forward to take it to the next level in the coming DSS."

The students were divided into three groups; each of which provided a report on the visions and concepts applied in the DSS - the region's most respected event management success stories.

The first group suggested the idea of adopting a programme aimed to discover talents in the music field from UAE residents and visitors. They also suggested the establishment of what they called "mini-Modhesh villages" in Dubai shopping malls. The team also highlighted the importance of educating DSS visitors on the teachings of Islam, especially the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramadan.

The second group suggested the introduction of more family-oriented activities into the Modhesh Fun City to ensure more family inflows during the DSS months in addition to expanding social activities, primarily launching Modhesh-led campaigns aimed to raise people's awareness of major local and global issues.

The third group proposed the introduction of more edutainment activities to the DSS, including acting and animated educational lessons. They also stressed the importance of establishing more activities appealing to children with special difficulties.