Dubai Summer Surprises 2009 presents: "Surprising Dubai"

Attended by journalists from across the region and the world, Yousif Mubarak, COO of DSF Office, and Rania Al Mughrabi, Director of Events Strategy at DSF Office, announced the DSS 2009 highlights of the event through a presentation detailing the main elements of the summer extravaganza under the theme of "Surprising Dubai".

"We were inspired by the unparallel attractions offered by our city and its state-of-the-art infrastructure, in addition to its ever expanding entertainment and shopping destinations,"

said Yousif on the theme for DSS 2009.

"The twelfth edition of DSS is a challenge for not only the DSF Office but for all those behind promoting Dubai as a destination; but let me assure you that we have planned and planned well to ensure that DSS 2009 will maintain the successful streak of previous editions. Our cooperation with the private sector is at its strongest this year and by including new elements that will appeal to a wider visitor segment, we are certain that DSS 2009 will attract a larger audience during 65 days of summer festivities," he added.

Rania Al Mughrabi explained that DSS 2009 would be promoted with the theme of 'Surprising Dubai', incorporating all attractions of a vibrant city and those that the summer event will offer including some of the best shopping deals, world-class entertainment shows, prizes worth millions, and over 30 spas providing a rejuvenating experience.

While describing the main activities and attractions for the summer, she also mentioned that the DSS 2009 opening ceremony would be a new experience for residents and visitors with an exclusive event organized over a full day complete with surprises. The venue and details about the ceremony would be revealed closer to the event, added Rania.

Apart form numerous new inclusions, one particular attraction that aims to stand out this year is titled 'Cool activities at the beach'. Activities include rain parties, barbecue nights, covered sun beds, beach spa treatments, and sea food restaurants to name a few.

Signature Events, a series of theme-based activities and a major attraction during the summer, will have nine events this year including the Sheila and Abaya Fashion, World of Stories, Junior Chef of the Year Awards, Min Bladi Al Emarat, Arts Oasis, Kids Fashion Week, Kids Olympic Games, The Collectors, and the Photography Exhibition.

World of Stories: (12 June - 23 June)

Organized to recreate the fantasy world of fairytales and fables, World of Stories brings actors to stage to enact celebrated tales like 'Cindrella' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. The shows will be held in English and Arabic. A new addition this year would be presenting stories from the Holy Qur'an.

Kids Fashion Week: (16 Jul - 22 Jul)

A glitzy fashion show by all means, the DSS Kids Fashion show sees some of the latest trends in kids fashion from across the region and the world and some budding fashion models on the ramp. Brands at the 2009 Kids Fashion Week include internationally renowned labels.

Kids Olympics Games: (23 July - 29 July)

A competitive but fun-filled series of sport activities for children, Kids Olympics brings out the competition in children and their parents. A must-watch event for all families, the 2009 edition of Kids Olympics features two arenas to accommodate competitions for children of all ages.

The Collectors: (27 July - 7 August)

An exhibition of various artifacts and collectibles, visitors can find seasoned regional and local collectors and prodigies with their valuable treasures. The collectibles displayed include cars, stamps, coins, photographs, car licence plates etc.

Min Bladi Al Emarat: (1 July - 10 July)

A traditional event that focuses on Emirati heritage activities, Min Bladi has been a major crowd puller since it featured in In-Mall Events. The main attraction of Min Bladi is the competitions that are held to pick the best displays of local food and culture. The event is an authentic presentation of culture in the UAE.

Arts Oasis: (9 July - 15 July)

A gathering of artists from around the world, Arts Oasis is an opportunity for all to meet some highly regarded and well-known resident artists and their works. Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Cultural Council, Arts Oasis 2008 will feature works themed on various cultures. The 2009 Arts Oasis will lay emphasis on the 'Go-Green' theme to highlight effects of global warming.

Sheila and Abaya Fashion: (27 June - 30 June)

A gathering of talented local Sheila and Abaya designers, the Sheila and Abaya Fashion is among the most glamorous shows in Dubai for local attire. Featuring the hottest designs and the coolest trends in the world of abaya fashion, the event also hands out the best designer award.

Photography Exhibition: (6 August - 13 August)

An opportunity for talented photographers to display their creativity, the exhibition attracts some of the best talents in the country. In 2009, the Photography Exhibition will be open to all talented photographers whose entries will be judged by an eminent jury for the DSS 2009 Photography Award. Another highlight of this event is the participation by renowned National Geographic.

Junior Chef of the Year Awards: (8 July - 14 July)

Among the most prestigious awards in the Middle East in the hotel industry, the Junior Chef Awards are recognition of culinary talent across the region. The jury for the Awards include Master Chefs from around the world. During the event, multi-national chefs battle it out to showcase their finest preparations in numerous categories. A spectacular culinary display lasting seven days, the Awards attract around 600 chefs from all over the GCC every year.

Shopping in Dubai - win with every purchase
Dubai's shopping malls, known for their expansive size and architectural detail, will be one among the main venues during DSS 2009, hosting several DSS activities and offering unbelievable promotions and discounts on a wide range of international brands. Shoppers in Dubai have a multitude of shopping options on a wide range of tax-free goods including electronics, garments, and some of the finest jewellery collections in the region.

Apart from the malls, the souks in Dubai also provide for an authentic Middle Eastern shopping experience. Around 4000 retail outlets are expected to participate in DSS this year offering discounts of up to 80 per cent on a variety of consumer goods and leading brands. Renowned international stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Harvey Nichols, and Galeries Lafayette will be part of this year's exciting summer shopping.

The DSS 2009 Spa Packages - a rejuvenating summer
Visitors longing for some of Dubai's summer retreats can head to the finest spas in the region. Over 30 spas in Dubai will collaborate with the DSF Office to offer refreshing and relaxing spa treatments to visitors. Visitors can choose from specialized treatments to discount packages. After an overwhelming response last year, the DSS Spa Packages return in 2009 with refreshing options to stay cool this summer. Some of the best spa specialists in the industry and a truly surreal ambience make Dubai's spas every visitor's ultimate relaxation experience.

Modhesh

DSS 2009 will also see its ever-smiling mascot, Modhesh, in renewed vivacity throughout the event. As the iconic figure of Dubai Summer Surprises, Modhesh has now evolved to become a symbol of timeless excitement and exhilaration enthralling visitors all through the year, throughout the world. Known as the 'Ambassador of Smiles', Modhesh will undertake numerous goodwill tours around the region this DSS, visiting schools and hospitals to meet children.

Apprenticeship Programme and Visiting Journalists Programme

During the conference, other DSS initiatives such as the Apprenticeship Programme and the Visiting Journalists Programme were also presented. During the Apprenticeship Programme, the DSF Office will host students from different countries around the world for an internship during Dubai Summer Surprises.

The Visiting Journalists Programme has been revamped for 2009 to include journalists and their families for a stay in Dubai to experience the festivities of DSS.