Dubai eGovernment organises Modhesh Friends Forum 2009

The initiative will enable the public to get information about daily activities related to DSS through the "mDubai" SMS service and through Dubai eGovernment's call centre "AskDubai" on 700040000. Dubai eGovernment is also distributing eServices brochures at major facilities.

Ahmed Mohammed bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment, said:

"We are keen to provide eServices that support this important summer event and help users get all the information related to the diverse DSS activities. We have launched this initiative as part of our commitment to develop a culture of communication, support creativity and enhance children's leadership abilities. Moreover, the Modhesh Friends Forum is in line with our initiatives to strengthen the IT culture of the next generation. Year after year, the Forum has witnessed significant improvements as we work on adding new activities and competitions that are in line with evolving interests of children, particularly in the field of technology. Furthermore, these activities are designed to enhance their interest in IT and develop their abilities in dealing with different digital applications."

The DSS also offers prizes to children taking part in competitions, including the Modhesh logo painting contest. Dubai eGovernment has also announced that the Modhesh Friends Forum will once again host various exciting topics in Arabic and English as well as competitions for children aged 9 to 18 during DSS 2009. Through the Forum, children will also have the chance to talk to Modhesh, the friendly mascot of DSS.

The Forum, which will run during the whole length of the DSS festival from June 11 to August 14, has been one of the most popular activities for children during the DSS, as last year's edition of the Forum received more than 51,000 posts and messages from about 1,300 registered users. This year's edition again expects a huge response with the addition of several new and innovative activities and competitions such as "Mahla Bladi", "The Best Colored Photo For Modhesh" and "The Best Topic" on the Modhesh website.

The Modhesh Friends Forum also discusses many important topics about Arabic culture, crafts, innovations and different hobbies such as painting and cooking, in addition to aspects related to the wise vision of the country's leaders and religious matters. The Forum rewards the members who demonstrate their knowledge in certain topics by appointing them as moderators of some discussions. Valuable gifts will also be handed out to winners throughout the nine-week long DSS season.

Dubai eGovernment will create awareness about the Forum through a special platform at Modhesh Fun City, which will provide services that support DSS. An SMS service in both Arabic and English has also been launched wherein the public may inquire about the DSS season's most important activities. Modhesh Friends Forum will be linked to the official website of Dubai Summer Surprises and will be listed in its official schedule of events.