DSS spells boom time for money changers

Money exchange businesses thrive during the summer fiesta as they facilitate greater transactions for tourists coming into the country to participate in the DSS. The main exchange houses in the emirate of Dubai are gearing up to take advantage of the greater business opportunities and have already finalised their promotions for the upcoming summer season.

The business community seems upbeat about the prospects for greater profits during summer as against the popular misconception that summer is a lean phase. On the contrary, the business is expected to go up and summer spells boom time for exchange houses as they see a tremendous increase in demand of UAE dirhams.

People come to attend the event with large amounts of cash and travellers cheques to use for shopping, leisure and entertainment. As DSS is especially popular among tourists from the neighbouring GCC states the exchange houses experience a lot of good business for exchanging Kuwaiti, Omani, Saudi and other countries' currencies to UAE dirhams.

The best rates are offered at the money exchanges which attract clients by offering them quality service. Since the competition is intense, cash prizes and valuable gifts are also offered to attract maximum clientele.

Eisa Al Ansari, Deputy Manager for Administration, Al Ansari Exchange said, "DSS is a very important event for our industry which impacts the UAE economy in a positive manner. We cater to a very large number of tourists during this period and expect very good returns for the company. A greater demand for UAE currency means better business for us and we make all efforts to attract maximum number of people to use our facilities. We are expecting a growth of about 20 per cent in our business this year as compared to the same period last year."

He added, "We have big plans for the upcoming DSS. Since it coincides with the 40th anniversary of our company we are planning to offer wonderful surprises to our clients very much in tune with the flavour of the season. Our special offers include prizes of up to 1 million dirhams in cash, 12 kg of gold and National Bond certificates to the lucky winners.

Osama Al Rahma, general manager, Al Wardan Exchange also chimed in the same thoughts and said business prospects brighten during the DSS. "We are looking forward to a great season ahead. With the DSS Dubai will see an increase inflow of tourists from the GCC and the world and we want to make the best of this opportunity. By participating in various promotions we will try to attract maximum number of people to do their transactions with us. More and more people exchanging money and transferring money means very good news for the company's business. This year we are offering cars, electronics and gold in prizes for our clients who will get a chance to enter the raffle draws."

The exchange houses have indeed captured the spirit of the upcoming summer fiesta and are all set to give the best of services to the tourist who come to Dubai to enjoy the DSS. The business is set to rise for the money exchanges as they lend their whole-hearted support to making DSS 2006 a successful event.

The 10-week long DSS, which opens with Ice Surprises week on June 21, will continue with the weekly themes such as Arts Surprises, International Food Surprises, Adventure Surprises, Cartoon Surprises, Nature Surprises, Knowledge Surprises, Flower Surprises, Heritage Surprises and concludes with Back-to-School Surprises on September 1.