Warm welcome for a cool surprise

Once again the Dubai International Airport geared up to receive families from various GCC countries flying down to the emirate for the opening of the themed DSS Ice Surprises Week organized by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

The visitors were given a warm welcome by a team headed by Jassim Rajab, Deputy Head and members of the Ice Surprises Committee and officials of the Department of Civil Aviation who also distributed gifts to families arriving to enjoy the various activities of the themed week lined up for them during the course of the event running until July 27.

Mohamed Adel, an employee of the Saudi Ministry of Internal Affairs in Riyadh who arrived with three of his family members for a week's stay here. Having heard about DSS from the media in his country, the Saudi national came with optimism that Dubai is an ideal place for a nice entertaining summer vacation.

"This is my first visit to Dubai. All my friends who visited Dubai earlier have encouraged me to try it out. They told me about the beauty of Dubai and its various attractions. Since my planned vacation is of a week I chose the Ice Surpirses as it is an exciting idea to see snow falling in Dubai during the summer," he said while thanking people behind the welcoming ceremony that reflects the hospitality and culture of the city.

Sedeqah Abdul Razaq a secretary from Bahrain is in Dubai with her family of five members. "I got to know about DSS from Bahraini newspapers, TV channels and the Internet. This is my first visit to Dubai. My friends visited Dubai during DSS and told me a lot about it so I came here to see it myself. I wish I get to spend more time here during DSS. The welcoming was quiet warm as the photo sessions, TV shoots, and gifts reflect the generosity of Dubai. I would like to thank Dubai and the organisers for this beautiful moment."

Mohammed Khalefa, an employee of Bahrain Airport came with four of his family members. For the last 20 years Dubai has been our vacation destination. Since the start of DSS some seven years ago visiting Dubai is an exciting option. You don't feel the heat of the summer as the activities are held indoors.

I expect to see a variety of exciting events and spend a good time in Dubai. This welcoming ceremony will never be forgotten throughout my life. This auspicious moment at the airport proves that we are going to spend a good time ahead. Thanks to everyone for the gifts that brought happiness to us and our kids," he said.

Seven members of the reception committee from DEWA, including Modhesh, Sparky, and Splashy welcomed families and their kids and distributed more than 400 gifts items to the visitors including the entrance ticket to the Arabian Ice City which is hosting more than 10 events/activities at Hall 6 of the Dubai World Trade.

The ten-week DSS 2005 began with the Flower Surprises on June 22 and continues with the Sweets Surprises, Arts Surprises, Colour Surprises, Ice Surprises, Adventure Surprises, Cartoon Surprises, Heritage Surprises, Knowledge Surprises and concludes with the Back-2-School Surprises on September 2.