Heritage Surprises to present 60 different activities spread across 10 shopping malls

He said that the Heritage Surprises Week will present 60 different activities, encompassing workshops, competitions, folk performances and other related events. While some activities will highlight UAE's rich and diverse heritage, others will focus on showcasing the Gulf, Arab and international heritage.

He said that all the events organised during the theme week will be targeted at different nationalities and age-groups, adding that the events have been finalised in a format which the entire family can enjoy, showcasing the rich Arab heritage. "The visitors to DSS are interested in knowing more about the Arab heritage, since it reflects more about the country in particular and the region in general," he added.

Mr. Essa said that in view of the cosmopolitan nature of Dubai's population, the department decided to showcase a wide range of activities as part of the theme week. He added that all the events during the Heritage Surprises will reflect the customs and tradition of the region, handed down from many a generations.

He also pointed out that the Dubai Customs had successfully organised the heritage theme week for four consecutive years - from 1999 to 2002. "Last year, the department organised the Ice Surprises for the first time and it was a unique experience for us. Overall, we are thrilled to be part of the educational, entertaining and fun activities that is organised through the 10 weeks of DSS," Mr. Essa said.

He added that the Heritage Surprises week will present a range of shows, folk presentations, handicraft, Arab tradition, customs and practices, traditional clothes, besides a host of competitions and exhibitions.

Some of the events, which will be spread across 10 different shopping malls in the Emirate, will be organised at the Deira City Centre, BurJuman, Al Ghurair City, Lamcy Plaza, Bin Sougat Centre and others.

Dubai Summer Surprises 2004 will begin with Arts Surprises presented by Department of Naturalisation and Residency in Dubai from June 17-23, followed by Ice Surprises by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority from June 24-30, Sweets Surprises by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing from July 1-7, Cartoon Surprises by Dubai Ports Authority from July 8-14, Flower Surprises by Dubai Municipality from July 15-21, Heritage Surprises by Dubai Customs from July 22-28, Adventure Surprises by Dubai Police from July 29-August 4, Knowledge Surprises by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry from August 5-11, Back-2-School Surprises by the Department of Economic Development from August 12-18 and ends with the Colour Surprises by the Department of Health and Medical Sciences from August 19- 27, 2004.