Launch of e-WAP services to mobile users

This is through the mobile-phone equivalent of accessing www.mydsf.com. The services are available to all Etisalat subscribers who opt for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) connectivity, and also to roaming customers who wish to get instant details of DSS activities and events. For entertainment, there are ring-tones that one can download to their handsets, and one can even save the lovable DSS mascot, Modhesh, on screen as a screen-saver.

With so much information available at their fingertips, even visitors to Dubai find that around five minutes spent on the site through their mobile can provide a world of information about DSS and all its activities. People, especially those tech-savvy and without instant access to a computer, find this a great tool to gain information on DSS and Modhesh.

Rabia Mohammed Arhama, Administration Coordinator, Dubai Summer Surprises, said, "This is a milestone in the technology aspect of the Dubai Summer Surprises. Now with the support of Etisalat, our communications strategy has been fine-tuned to reach people on a very personal level. Accessing information about this festival has never been easier, and it is also a boost to our website to be one of the chosen ones for Etisalat's e-WAP service."

People who use this service will be able to access the Events Calendar, sponsors list, details of the Modhesh Fun City and information on the ten Surprises. There will also be an overview and introduction to the Dubai Summer Surprises. Further details on how to register for this service and compatible handsets can be found on www.etisalat.com

Another service that has been launched is the Ringtone request service. This uses the Short Messaging Service (SMS) platform, and most handsets can benefit from this. To receive the special DSS signature tune, the user has to send an SMS with a code number to a specific number. For newer handsets supporting polyphonic ringtones, the code is 50, and for older handsets and those that use 'monotones', the codes are 51 or 52. Type this number in a new message and send to 2003. You will then receive a message that contains the ringtone. When it is saved as your preferred ringtone, you will be alerted of any incoming call with that particular tone.

With all these features now available in the UAE, which has recently been hailed as one of the rare markets in the world with the highest mobile usage penetration, it is sure to keep Modhesh and DSS high on the minds of all users. With the ringtones hailing DSS, and the screen displaying Modhesh's sunny face, the cheer of summer is sure to spread through it's new high-tech platform.

DSS 2003 now progresses with Cartoon Surprises, to be followed by Colours Surprises, Sweet Surprises, Knowledge Surprises, Ice Surprises, Arts Surprises, Heritage Surprises, Adventure Surprises, and will end with Back-to-School Surprises on August 29th, 2003.