Bigger and better deals rolled out for the season.
Building on its long-standing support for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) that began with its launch in 1998, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced it will continue to be a key sponsor at the 11th anniversary of this major summer event — DSS 2008.
Over the past decade, DWTC has established a strong relationship with DSS as a partner in developing the tourism sector for Dubai, which has seen it evolve into becoming the region's leading summer attraction. Visitor numbers have more than tripled from 600,000 visitors in its first edition, to 1,875,500 in 2006, and have continued to show exponential growth.
All-year-round
"DSS has played an important role in enabling tourism sector development, by providing a unique offering during the summer period thus establishing Dubai as a city with unmatched all-year-round tourist attractions'" said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, DWTC. "The event continually seeks to find innovative ways to heighten the visitor experience with new and exciting shopping opportunities for global tourists as well as residents across the malls and entertainment destinations. Supporting events like DSS is in complete alignment with our vision to make Dubai the leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events, and with our agenda to aid tourism sector growth as per the Strategic Plan for Dubai 2015.
Bigger and better
"As part of this commitment, DWTC is proud to continue its decade-long association with this major summer event and will be a key sponsor of DSS 2008. We hope that our contribution enables the DSS to achieve its plan to make this year's event bigger and better than ever before."
Last year's DSS witnessed huge success, driving sales of gold, electronics and gifts to record levels, and ensuring high levels of hotel occupancy throughout the summer.
Off-season
In addition to the economic benefits, DSS continues to have an important social impact, offering fun and excitement to residents and visiting families even during the off-season peak summer heat. This year's DSS, which runs from 19 June through to 22 August, has set itself the ambitious goal of surpassing all previous records.
DWTC will also host DSS events at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and the Dubai Airport Expo Centre — venues that are traditionally seen as the host for some of the Middle East's largest and most prestigious business, trade and consumer exhibitions, including the Arabian Travel Market, GITEX Technology Week and GITEX Shopper.
DSS 2008: Calendar of events
Following the announcement of the calendar of events for Dubai Summer Surprises 2008, the summer extravaganza has attracted a huge response for its retail registration that has touched 1,500 in less than two weeks. Registration for retail outlets to participate in DSS 2008 continues and will go on until August 22.
Suhaila Gobash, DSS Sponsorship Manager said, "The response witnessed for retail registration this year has been great and it only affirms the popularity of DSS as an economic catalyst during summer. We aim to attract a larger number of retail participants this year to provide diversified options for shopping and an enhanced shopping experience."
Retailers who wish to submit their applications may do so by visiting the Dubai Shopping Festival Office in the first floor of Dubai Economic Department building from 9 am to 4 pm, on working days.
