DSS key sponsors making the annual summer event tick

This strengthening partnership saw 13 Key Sponsors forging an alliance to support DSS 2006.

The Dubai Government allocated a budget of Dh 75 million for DSS2006, organised under the theme of Big Fun for Little Ones. It has seen the active participation of leading private sector companies and Government departments handling the 10 themed weeks and other related events.

This year's DSS Key Sponsors are Al Futtaim Group - Dubai Festival City, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, Dubai Refreshments PSC - Mirinda, Dubai Shopping Malls Group, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emarat, Emirates airline, Emirates Telecommunication Corp. - Etisalat, Ibn Battuta Mall, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Mastercard and Saif Al Ghurair Group.

Key sponsor Dubai Festival City announced that the launch of its Urban Retail Resort 'Gateway' in time for DSS, providing a powerful convenient alternative shopping location to Dubai's dynamic retailing landscape.

Renewing its sponsorship for the third consecutive year, Dubai Duty Free recognised that the summertime event has been a driving force in attracting tourists and a very busy travel period at Dubai International Airport."

Emarat has been named Key Sponsor of DSS for the ninth year in a row. Emarat's launched several new initiatives and innovative promotional campaigns at its petrol stations in line with the goals and objectives of DSS, including the highly popular Emarat raffle promotion.

Key Sponsor for second consecutive year, Ibn Battuta Mall features a diverse range of fun and entertainment activities throughout DSS. Ibn Battuta Mall's unique themed environment has showcased some of the best and most popular DSS events.

Saif Al Ghurair Group, one of the region's leading conglomerates and owner of BurJuman and Reef Mall, is another Key Sponsor. Numerous activities have taken place at both malls, designed to encourage children to expand their creativity and enhance their knowledge in an entertaining and informative way.

Emirates have supported DSS since its inception in 1998. Emirates' status as the Official Carrier and a key sponsor of the DSS underlines their commitment to the Dubai Government's tourism initiatives. Emirates has promoted DSS across its 83-strong destination network with a full-scale PR and advertising campaign. They have also brought thousands of visitors to Dubai through unbeatable value-for-money holiday packages. The Emirates' DSS special holiday packages have been carefully designed to satisfy the needs of international customers and offer a range of prices, properties and comforts.

Etisalat, another Key Sponsor, has benefited from the association with the spectacular learning and entertainment options for young children and their families. As a key sponsor, Etisalat has consolidated the growing partnership between DSS and large corporate entities to help strengthen Dubai's retail and tourism sectors during the summer season.

Dubai World Trade Centre has supported DSS as part of their continued commitment to the community to support the wider drive to promote Dubai as a year-round tourist destination. They are the venue for Modhesh Fun City, the nerve centre of all the action at DSS.

Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG) is another Key Sponsor who have put out a spectacular raffle and very attractive jewellery promotion this summer.

Majid Al Futtaim Group, who manage Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre -- popular destinations during the festival both for events and promotions - represent the growing collaboration between DSS and retailers. Both the malls have hosted some of the most colourful events of the summer.

Dubai Shopping Malls Group has come up with innovative ways to give Dubai shoppers the best incentives to shop. Their unique DSS promotion, Shopping Escapade, allows consumers to win Dh50,000 cash everyday and a grand prize of an apartment.

Dubai Refreshments Company, the sole franchisee and distributor for PepsiCo in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, had supported DSS since 2003 with its various brands. This year Mirinda is the Key Sponsor.

MasterCard International, the official card of DSS 2006 is Key Sponsor for the seventh year, giving their cardholders more benefits while they enjoy DSS like while shopping under the DSMG promotion using MasterCard give shoppers a extra raffle coupon for the Dh50,000 daily draw.

Meanwhile, Emirates airlines, Dubai World Trade Center, Mirinda, Aquafina and Etisalat are sponsors of the Modhesh Fun City at the Dubai World Trade Center.