A beehive of DSF activities by DNRD

The astounding success of the Dubai Shopping Festival as a shopping and entertainment extravaganza, one that exceeds expectations, has been one that can be attributed greatly to the positive collaborations between the Government and private sector, as they seek to bring Dubai to the forefront of destinations worldwide.

The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) has been an active partner in DSF since its inceptions and has continued to play an active role in propagating the image and the cultural ethos of the festival. And for DSF 2006, the DNRD, under the guidance of Saeed Mattar bin Belialah, has announced several creative and innovative events and activities for the shopping and entertainment festival starting on January 2, 2006.

The DNRD had won an 'Innovation Award' for best team work in DSF 2001, which was followed by another award the very next year with an award for the best activity depending on the festival's logo in DSF 2002.

Speaking on the activities of the DNRD during DSF 2006, Major Omar Al Shamshi, Chief of Public Relations and Protocol said, "As HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence has said, "There is no end to the path to success," we at the DNRD take inspiration from this and introduce new and innovative ideas for all our activities especially the one for the DSF."

He continued "This year, conforming to the festival's theme of 'One World. One Family. One Festival.' we have expanded the reception team's strength to 100, both male and female students drawn from different universities and colleges of the UAE, and representing 30 nationalities who speak between themselves 40 languages including 'sign' language. These students will join their team as 'One Family, One World' for the 6th time and receive visitors to the DSF from various countries, wearing their ethnic clothes and speaking their language, with gifts and flowers, which are imported from abroad something which is bound to please the visitors."

"We will distribute 110,000 bouquets to mothers who arrive at the Dubai International Airport for DSF 2006, as we expect a 20 per cent increase in their number."

He also announced that a dedicated team of DNRD staff will be available on hand for people with special needs, to take care of their every requirement and to make sure that their stay in Dubai is a truly pleasant one, making them feel welcome in the land of peace, the UAE.

Among the prime activities lined up for the Dubai Shopping Festival 2006 by the DNRD is the UAE Global Youth Environmental Gathering from January 20-27 at The Knowledge Village where the youngsters will get a chance to participate in the Civilisation Communication for World Cultures. Lecturers from several countries will be participating in this meeting besides representatives of organisations subsidiary to the United Nations.

This year there is also the Snake Forest, an adventure activity being held for the 6th time, with real trees and rocks making up the woods, as also 17 live snakes not poisonous type. Visitors can see them clearly at Mall of the Emirates from January 4 February 4, and get themselves photographed with the snakes.

DNRD also has a host of athletic activities including the Sports Car Racing Car Racing for 24 hours from January 11-13 at the Dubai Autodrome, as well as the Classic Cars Competition and Motor Bikes Parade on January 13 at the Al Shindagah Square, Heritage Village and the Convertible Cars Parade on January 27 at the Heritage and Diving Village in Al Shindagah.

The DNRD, with the support of Saeed Mattar bin Belialah, and in association with the Ministry of Education in Dubai will also hold the "Young Creative Investor" event at Zabeel Park next to Gate 3 from January 7 to 27, bringing forth the best of talent to the fore. The event will also feature paintings done by the students, which would also be on sale.

This year there is also the Snakes Forest, an adventure activity being held for the 6th time, with real trees and rocks making up the woods, including also 17 live snakes though not poisonous ones. Visitors can see them clearly at Mall of the Emirates, and get themselves photographed with the snakes. It's our pleasure that the Murray & Roberts Contractors is supporting us in this event.

The DNRD Heritage Tent, which will offer free traditional food for 32 days starting from the first day of the festival.

Major Al Shamsi also informed that the DNRD will have 44 immigration counters and eight e-gates to facilitate a quick clearance for the arriving passengers at the Dubai International Airport.