DSS web site receives more than 4 million hits

The Modhesh web site has also generated a great deal of interest, with more than 419,000 hits in the same time period.

Both numbers reflect an uptick in online traffic over previous years - the MyDSF site, for example, received 4,302,615 hits this DSS compared to 3,675,145 hits last year, a jump of more than 620,000 visitors or 17 percent. The MyModhesh site also witnessed a boost in popularity - 419,388 online visitors this year compared to 396,030 during the same period last year, a jump of six percent.

Both sites have quickly become centres of attraction, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm among visiting and resident adults and kids for online information about the 10-week retail and tourism extravaganza. For the Modhesh Web site, for example, hundreds of children have registered online for various competitions hosted by the bilingual website. In past weeks, young winners have won Dh. 250 gift vouchers from Toys R Us. The MyDSF Web site also quiz participants the opportunity to win gifts from the Cosmos Group.

The dss website also includes information about the various events and activities of DSS 2004, their venues, timings and other promotions showcased during the 10 weeks of entertainment and fun.

Rabia Arhama, IT Coordinator of Dubai Summer Surprises, said: "The Modhesh website has been a runaway success this year. It has undergone a huge transformation, and is now a completely interactive go-to site for information and entertainment."

The website contains sections on the latest children publications and a 'Story of the Week' competition with interesting prizes up for grabs. It also has a section where the children can send jokes and quotes to Modhesh online, with prizes offered for the best ones. The winners of the various website competitions are chosen via a voting system.

The site also has a valuable prize for the 'Member of the Week', who has been an active participant on the website. And for those lucky children, whose birthdays fall during the 10 weeks of the Dubai Summer Surprises, Modhesh has a special way to extend his wishes. Special giveaways are also handed over every week.