Birthday celebrations continue as Ibn Battuta Mall, one of the 13 DSS 2006 key sponsors has a line-up of entertaining events for the season

Ibn Battuta Mall recently celebrated a hugely successful first year with lucky shoppers having the chance to win four Hummer H3s and hundreds of store prizes throughout the month of April as part of the Mall's first anniversary celebrations, and now plays a major role in DSS 2006 until September 1.

DSS has provided summers of fun and learning in Dubai since the summer of 1998 experiencing enormous success each year, attracting millions of visitors and facilitating billions of dirhams in sales.

As a Key Sponsor, for the second consecutive year, Ibn Battuta Mall features a diverse range of fun and entertainment activities throughout the ten-week festival which opened with Ice Surprises week on June 21 and celebrated the Arts Surprises week and continues with the International Food Surprises, Adventure Surprises, Cartoon Surprises, Nature Surprises, Knowledge Surprises, Flower Surprises, Heritage Surprises and finishing with Back-to-School Surprises.

The world's largest themed mall will provide a particular focus from August 17 to 23 during Heritage Surprises following the launch of its unique and historical permanent exhibition 1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered, which consists of 27 historical inventions, discoveries and innovations by Islamic scholars that can be seen in different locations throughout the mall. The Islamic inventions aim to increase awareness on 1000 years of Muslim contribution in science and technology to modern civilisation and are the first of its kind in the world.

David Thurling, CEO of Retail Corp and head of the Ibn Battuta Mall management team, said, "We are proud to be named as a key sponsor for a second consecutive year and honoured to support the Dubai Summer Surprises 2006. Ibn Battuta Mall was conceived to play a major role in establishing as one of the world's top shopping destinations and its uniquely themed environment truly reflects the distinctive combination of heritage and cosmopolitan lifestyle that is the very essence of Dubai.

"The hugely successful 1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered exhibition and historically accurate 14th century architecture, inspired by the travels of legendary Arab explorer Ibn Battuta, are the perfect setting for both entertainment and education. We hope to inspire youngsters to learn a little about the region's heritage and history, and also to experience something new; however, the DSS 2006 is also about fun and enjoyment and we will be providing many events and activities to entertain the whole family."

Saeed Al Nabouda, DSS CEO, said, "It's a matter of pride for us to have the support of such a big and extraordinary Mall in the region. Ibn Battuta Mall represents the overall growth of Dubai which is seeing the realisation of mammoth projects aimed at making the emirate one of the major tourist destinations in the world."