Dubai Government departments stand firmly behind Dubai Summer Surprises 2009

The meeting was presided over by Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of DSF Office, in addition to a host of government dignitaries and officials who make up the Committee. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority is the latest inclusion in the Committee.

The gathering was briefed on the final preparations of this year's summer extravaganza in addition to a review of plans to ensure the smooth functioning of the event. Ibrahim Saleh began by thanking the government representatives on their unhindered support for DSS and their continued contribution to promote Dubai as a leading global city and an unparalleled summer destination.

Ibrahim Saleh said:

"The cooperation between the various government departments is an essential element of every successful DSS edition and the Organising Committee plays an integral role in ensuring efficient operational levels in all aspects of the festival. This coordination is even more significant this year given the economic challenges we face and our efforts to promote Dubai as a leading global summer destination will be doubled."

He also elaborated on some of the key attractions that will be organised during DSS 2009.

Knowledge and Human Development Authority:

Taha Al Hamri, from KHDA, said, "We are pleased to be part of DSS 2009 and as a new entrant to the DSS Organising Committee, the KHDA has planned a series of activities aimed at developing the educational abilities of children. Additionally, on a cultural level, children from various schools will participate in shows that will be held in shopping malls throughout this DSS."

Dubai Police:

Hareb Mohammed Saeed Al Shamsi, from Dubai Police said, "The Dubai Police is committed in maintaining the highest levels of security for the general public and visitors to Dubai and accordingly we will have increased patrols during DSS and police posts at Modhesh World. We are also conducting workshops for tourists to learn more about the services Dubai Police offers."

Dubai e-government:

Khalil Sagar, from Dubai eGovernment said that the department's participation in DSS would be directly aligned to the strategy adopted by Dubai eGovernment to spread public awareness on the importance of IT literacy and to enable highly IT educated end users such as the youth to benefit from such initiatives.

"Besides our participation in the Modhesh Friends Forum that attracted more than 50,000 participants last year, Dubai eGovernment will provide specific data on DSS events on a daily basis through an SMS service. All that DSS visitors need to do is send the text DSSE to the number 4488 to receive event information in English. For daily events schedule, users can send DSSE followed by the date and month to 4488," said Khalil.

Representatives of the following government departments were present in the meeting: Dubai Municipality and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Police General Headquarters, Department of Civil Defence, Dubai eGovernment, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Unified Ambulance Centre, Department of Health & Medical Services, Dubai Educational Zone, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai Cultural Council, Dubai Ports and Customs, Dubai Media City, Watani National Program, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the Department of Economic Development.