Thirteen sponsors for Dubai Summer Surprises 2009

The sponsors consist of leading local and regional business houses some of whom have partnered with the summer event since its inception in 1998. With a budget of Dhs70m, DSS 2009 will go on for 65 days, from June 11 till August 14 under the slogan 'Surprising Dubai'.

This year's patrons for the summer event include Coca Cola ME, Al Futtaim Group - Dubai Festival City, Al Ghurair City, BurJuman, Emaar Malls Group LLC, Dubai Duty Free, WAFI, Dubai Shopping Malls Group, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emarat, Emirates Airline, MAF Shopping Malls, and MasterCard Worldwide.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of DSF Office Supreme Committee, hailed the DSS twelfth edition patrons, stating that sponsoring an event in the magnitude of DSS in a volatile global economic climate is an indication of the healthy and robust stance that the private sector enjoys in Dubai.

HH said:

"Many of these leading companies have been supporting DSS since its inception and it just goes to show the relentless commitment of the private sector towards supporting Dubai's Government initiatives, thus enhancing a unique alliance that has been a key factor of the DSS success story."

He added, "To support DSS is to support Dubai's endeavor to maintain its regional leadership and position as a premier hub for business and leisure, and with the support of the private sector we will achieve our aim despite any challenges that we might face. Having 13 sponsors is a loud vote of confidence for Dubai Summer Surprises and its pivotal role in accelerating Dubai's economy during the summer."

"It's a known fact that DSS has managed to become the most awaited summer event in the region. Tourists from around the region consider it as a great holiday destination that offers them all the attractions that they look for; retailers consider it a high season for their sales and shoppers look forward to its promotions and winning schemes. Clearly, it's an event that caters for everyone," HH stated.

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of DSF Office, said:

"We would like to thank our sponsors for their commitment and unwavering support during these challenging times. We see their support as not just for DSS but for the whole of Dubai as a destination and an affirmation that development is an ongoing process in this vibrant city. It also reflects the cooperation and trust that the Government of Dubai and private sector entities share."

"The twelfth edition of DSS is a continuation of the past successes of the event and our strategy at the DSF Office will focus on aiding tourism and entertainment projects in achieving a high level of sustainable development as envisaged in the 'Dubai 2015' plan. DSS 2009 will witness new inclusions focused on providing the ideal summer vacation for families," said Laila.

She also pointed out the new retail initiative being organized by the DSF Office that will run across four specific periods including Dubai Summer Surprises, Back-to-School season, Ramadan, and Eid Al Fitr. The four-month long promotion has been designed to benefit both retailers and consumers by organizing value added promotions and offers added Laila.

DSS 2009 Sponsors:

1. Coca Cola ME

Antoine Tayyar, Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola Middle East, said: "After a lapse of four years, Coca-Cola is a key sponsor of this prestigious event. Coca-Cola is delighted to work with Dubai Summer Surprises, a highly anticipated annual event that is poised to refresh the spirit of Dubai during the hot months of the year. We look forward to adding an extra flavor to the event and to reaching out to the UAE community with new activities, opportunities and competitions to refresh their summer experience."

2. Al Futtaim Group - Dubai Festival City

"Dubai Summer Surprises' has impacted positively on Dubai's image as the region's favourite shopping and tourist destination," said Charles Awad, Head of Corporate Communications, Al-Futtaim.

"Al-Futtaim, through its flagship development Dubai Festival City, is proud to sponsor this excellent Government-led initiative which has become one of the key drivers in establishing Dubai as the region's destination of choice while providing visitors and residents an exciting, viable programme of events," Mr. Awad said. "As one of the leading UAE businesses Al-Futtaim recognises the viability of DSS 2009 to promote a positive image of the emirate."

3. Emaar Malls Group

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: "A strong driver for Dubai's tourism and retail sector, Dubai Summer Surprises is an outstanding shopping and entertainment event. It assures a unique experience for customers while boosting the city's retail sector even during the summer months. The goal of DSS to offer both retailing and entertainment, particularly, in mall environments complements the operational strategy of Emaar Malls Group. We are currently running our own month-long retail extravaganza called 'Festival@The Dubai Mall' which is proving to be a huge success. This will quickly be followed by Dubai Summer Surprises, providing an active and entertaining retail calendar for Dubai."

4. Al Ghurair City

Mr. Salem Al Ghurair, CEO of Al Ghurair City said: "We are happy to be associated with Dubai Summer Surprises this year as a key sponsor. DSS has become the most awaited summer event for families, especially children. During the course of this season, Al Ghurair City will host a wide variety of activities and entertainment to provide guests with a complete and exciting shopping experience. The entertainment activities lined up for children and the exciting retail discounts will be appreciated by all. We are confident that the range of fun-filled attractions that will take place in a festive ambience, like usual, will attract people of diverse nationalities and from all destinations during the DSS months."

5. Dubai World Trade Centre

Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, DWTC said: "DSS has played an important role in enabling the development of the tourism sector by providing a compelling attraction during the summer months and thus establishing Dubai as a summer destination and tourist attraction. Supporting events like DSS align with our vision to make Dubai the leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events."

6. Emirates Airline

"Dubai Summer Surprises is an important event in Dubai's calendar and Emirates is delighted to once again be a major sponsor. DSS is a fantastic way to showcase Dubai to the rest of the world and as the major airline carrier in Dubai Emirates plays an integral role in bringing travellers the world over to the emirate," said Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Revenue Optimisation and Distribution, Emirates.

Sultan continued: "This year, in line with DSS, Emirates has developed some incredible offers that we expect will further entice families to travel to Dubai. We recognise that the current global financial crisis has put a strain on many holiday budgets and are hoping that through our family focussed offers we will open up the city to thousands of families who may otherwise have travelled closer to home.

7. BurJuman

BurJuman remains committed to supporting key government initiatives such as Dubai Summer Surprises, an event that not only showcases Dubai as an attractive tourist destination but also helps to keep the retail sector energized," said Eisa Adam Ibrahim, general manager, BurJuman, announcing the mall's key sponsorship of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2009.

"We count on such key collaborations and believe that especially at the current time, it will enable us to significantly raise footfall and retail revenue during the summer months. With the numerous children-focused activities and entertainment we have planned, along with innovative promotions and fabulous deals from top brands, shopping at BurJuman will definitely be a fantastic experience for everyone," he added.

8. Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG)

Majid Al Ghurair, DSMG Chairman said, "This is the 12th consecutive year that the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) is joining hands with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) to roll out its collective mall promotion. The DSMG annual promotion has become an integral part of the DSS that entices customers to shop more each year. DSMG will make this year's edition as one of the biggest ever in terms of winning opportunities and marketing programmes, appealing to regional holiday makers and residents alike."

9. MAF Shopping Malls

Fareed AbdelRahman, Vice-President - Divisional Asset Management for Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said, "Ever since DSS was introduced to the region 12 years ago, summers here have an all new meaning. There is just so much happening in the city, and we are very proud that our retail and leisure destinations play such an important part in the festival. We are looking forward to this year's edition and will shortly announce our promotions both at Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre."

10. Dubai Duty Free

Commenting on the sponsorship, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: "We are pleased to support the Dubai Summer Surprises for the sixth year. This summertime event has been a driving force in attracting tourists and this year more than ever, the 9-week festival promises to be the best yet. We look forward to working with the organizers in enhancing our sponsorship and we are confident that during what is a very busy travel period at Dubai International Airport."

11. Wafi

"Dubai Summer Surprises continues to provide unlimited opportunities and exciting activities that include entertainment, shopping and raffle draws, as thousands of visitors and residents have the chance to enjoy the warm ambience, genuine Arabian hospitality and exceptional offers in this amazing city", explained Shajahan Unneen, General Manager for Wafi Property.

"Wafi is proud to continue to be a major sponsor of this year's prestigious Dubai Summer Surprises as Dubai continues to be the focus of attention for the world throughout this high-profile event, with the support of Emirates Airlines, as it provides the ideal getaway for families during the summer months; and Wafi is prepared to continue to reinforce its commitment to firmly establishing Dubai on the world's summer tourist destination map, as one of the leading and prominent shopping destinations in the Middle East," he added.