Government Departments all set to play their lead role at DSF2006

Now with just two more weeks to go for the grandest edition of the super shopping fiesta, the DSF Organising Committee had their final meeting to discuss the rendition of an unforgettable experience to visitors come January 4.

The meeting that was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, a patron of DSF, and exhibition hall, was attended by DSF CEO, Saeed Al Nabouda and the heads of the various committees including the Sports Committee, Cultural Committee, Entertainment and City Decoration Committees, Health and Medical Services Committee, the Dubai educational Zone, Carpet Oasis Committee, Welcoming Committee and Dubai Media Incorporation that fall under the DSF Organising Committee and who would be the chief players in handling the various intricacies of a festival of such large magnitude and bringing together the various elements to make it a successful one.

With millions of visitors walking the ramps of the famous DSF locations every year including the Global Village, Al Seef Street, Al Riqqa Road and a host of shopping malls, the security of the people becomes a chief concern. That's where the Dubai Police Headquarters steps in. With their own Security Committee committed to provide a safe environment to the visitors and guide them to the different festival areas with minimum hassle, the Dubai Police will man the event on and off the streets throughout the month.

The Dubai Police will also be organising a number of exciting sporting events again this year, the Women's Football Championship and the Road Race Competition for Schools among them. The sporting events are handled by the Sports Committee of this department.

The Dubai Media City takes on the role of heading the Cultural Committee this year. All media events at the Internet and Media City including the famous Cyber Food Festival and the Media Bazaar, will once again be under the supervision of DMC.

With a festival of such large a scale, it is always better for the city to be equipped with excellent safety measures against fire. The Safety Committee headed by the Civil Defence department will once again offer their fireproof services to make this DSF a safe one for all.

The festive streetlights and the glamorous decorations that adorn the city each year have become synonymous with the Dubai Shopping Festival. The Dubai Municipality, which is in charge of bringing the city to life with the multitude of lights and unique decorations, will once again dazzle its visitors as the civic body has dual roles to play this year in liaison with DSF. Besides decorating Dubai through the City Decorations Committee, the Entertainment Committee set up by the Municipality is responsible for all events held at public parks.

The Dubai Water and Electricity Board (DEWA) through its Operations Committee supplies water and electricity to all DSF destinations and street venues including one of DSF favourites, the Desert Camp in Al Khawaneej area.

Health care and medical services are quite essential for any city being inundated with millions of visitors. The Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS) is in top form this year, ready to handle any health related matters through its own Health and Medical Service Committee. This department will supply its own team of ambulances besides organising their own events.

The Department of Tourism Commerce Marketing (DTCM), which is DSF's international media partner, will sponsor its own events through the Heritage and Diving Village Committee, while the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is sponsoring the House of Talents at the Al Boom Village. The Dubai Educational Zone committee is in-charge of some exciting, interactive events in collaboration with schools.

The Carpet Oasis is one of DSF's most sought after destinations, and this year the Dubai Ports, Customs and Freezone Authority will make it a bigger success than ever through its Carpet Oasis Committee.

As with every other aspect of DSF, visitors to the city are treated with a warm welcome, flowers and gifts at the airport every year, marking the beginning of a very special stay during the festival month. The Welcoming Committee under the mandate of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) is responsible for the traditional warm welcome of the city's visitors and will take all measures to provide a memorable time to them while arriving and departing from the Dubai International Airport while the department also plays a pivotal role in the Classic Cars rally event.

With the same thought in mind, the Department of Civil Aviation will create a festive atmosphere with various decorations and take every possible measure to make the transition for visitors a comfortable one through the Airport Committee.

The host of events and happenings every evening including the famous raffle draws have to be brought home to the audience. The Dubai Media Incorporation will be airing the events live through their Sama TV including the various DSF draws from the Lexus Mega Raffle draw stage at Global Village and other exciting events from various DSF venues.

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2006 runs between January 4 and February 4, 2006.