DTCM continues its strong support to DSF

In his remarks on the eve of the start of DSF-2005 tomorrow, the DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, said the DSF had been promoted aggressively in overseas markets by the department which resulted in a year-on-year increase in visitors to Dubai during the trend-setting annual event.

In order to make the 10th anniversary edition of DSF memorable and refreshingly different, the department has spruced up the Dubai's must-see heritage sites - Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House, Dubai Museum, Al Ahmadia School, Heritage and Diving Village - and Hatta Heritage Village to attract more visitors this year.

The department has allocated an all-time record AED4.2 million budget for its DSF-2005 programmes, including AED 800,000 in prizes for the competitions to be conducted between January 12th and February 12th.

The DSF-2004 attracted 3.1 million visitors, up by six per cent over the previous year.

Mr. bin Sulayem said: "The programmes we are organizing will help create better awareness about the emirate's rich culture, heritage and traditions. One of the new programmes introduced this year is the Traditional Games of Arab Countries with the participation of six countries including the UAE. Our initiatives are to offer the best to visitors and residents and every nationality in this landmark edition of the festival."

He has visited hotels in Dubai days ahead of the start of DSF in order to ensure that the emirate's booming tourism industry maintains the quality standards and services offered to the visitors and keep up the global confidence in Dubai.

Dubai hotels and hotel apartments, numbering about 371, have been reporting impressive bookings for the DSF-2005 duration.

Mr. bin Sulayem said entry to the heritage sites is free to the general public and there are exclusive days reserved for the ladies.