DSS CEO thanks everyone for making the summer fiesta a big success

"Apart from the obvious positive effects it has had on Dubai's economy, DSS also contributed to enhancing the values of charity and humanity in society," said Al Nabouda adding, "DSS has also played a major role in enhancing Dubai's popularity as a summer destination, giving a fillip to commerce and regional tourism."

Al Nabouda pointed out that this year DSS also made a notable contribution to social and humanitarian causes, apart from hosting prominent entertainment events.

"The annual summer event attracts many tourists and visitors, seeking to spend an enjoyable family vacation in a place that is hospitable, yet has excitement and thrills for the whole family. The diversity of DSS events ensures that it caters to all tastes and meets everyone's requirements," he added.

Al Nabouda also complimented Dubai's hotels, malls and tourist destinations, saying they were comparable to the best that the world has to offer. "For discerning shoppers, there are also a large number of global brands, plus all the facilities that make a vacation destination, interesting and exciting," he said.

"DSS has had a positive impact on the economy in several sectors. Hotels, retail trade and malls were key beneficiaries, while ancillary industries such as tourist companies, car rental firms, money exchanges, restaurants and various entertainment centers also posted increased sales," he pointed out.

DSS this year also promoted social and humanitarian causes, especially fundraising for the people affected by the war in Lebanon as one day's income from ticket sales at Modhesh Fun City amounting to Dh77,000 was donated to the victims while charity bazaars were set up for the same cause. Visits were made by Modhesh, DSS mascot, to children with special needs and children who were victims of the Lebanon crisis. The various events engendered a feeling of community and harmony among all sections of Dubai society.

Some new initiatives this year considerably enhanced the popularity of DSS. For example, the Summer Deals, which brought about a partnership between the retail trade and DSS and contributed to a remarkable increase in sales.

In addition, there were also spa packages created specially for DSS at the city's leading spas. While tourists got to sample a distinctive bouquet of offers that makes recreation in Dubai so wonderful, DSS had events to keep all members of the family happy.

Al Nabouda took the opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the success of the event this year, especially the Government Departments, sponsors, charitable institutions, clubs, malls and others who participated wholeheartedly in DSS 2006.

The 10-week long DSS, which opened with Ice Surprises week on June 21, celebrated the Arts Surprises Week, Food Surprises, Adventure Surprises, Cartoon Surprises, Nature Surprises, Knowledge Surprises, Flower Surprises and Heritage Surprises concludes with the ongoing Back-2-School Surprises on September 1.