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More surprises this summer

DUBAI - Government departments participating in this year's Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) have begun preparations to ensure a fun-filled calendar of events and activities for the entire duration of the region's biggest summer extravaganza. DSS will be organised from June 19 to August 29.

DSS 2003, to be held under the theme "Big Fun For Little Ones", will offer 10 weeks of entertainment to families and children. The new "Surprises" of DSS 2003 are Cartoon, Sweet, Colour, Knowledge and Adventure while existing themes that have been given a new-look are Flower, Ice, Arts, Heritage and Back to School.

A salient feature of this year's DSS will be that many government departments have been entrusted with the responsibility of organising a different "Surprise" than the theme or activity which they are usually associated with.

Mohammed Al Fardan, representing Dubai Municipality and Head of the Flower Surprises Committee, said: "During the week, Dubai will be an oasis of flowers offering visitors from different nationalities the opportunity to enjoy their summer in the midst of a wide array of flowers. Visitors will be welcomed with different kinds of flowers."

Deema Hussain, representing Dubai Ports Authority in Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Head of Cartoon Surprises, said: "Cartoon Surprises will be packed with loads of fun for children of different age groups. It will introduce them to a number of exciting cartoon characters, both Arabic and international."

Dr. Salah Al Qassim, representing the Department of Health and Medical Services and Head of the Colour Surprises Committee, pointed out that children can improve their creative talents during one whole week by exploring the world of colours.
"The concept of colours will be introduced to children in an entertaining way so that they can improve their capacity to visualise and identify the different colours," he said.

Marwan Bin Beyat, from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Head of the Sweet Surprises Committee, said: "The week will feature a number of activities that showcase sweets from different parts of the world and also of many flavours. Several entertainment activities and competitions will also be held for the benefit of children. The leading hotels in Dubai will play an important role during this special week."

Laila Hareb, from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Head of the Knowledge Surprises Committee, said that children can acquire a wealth of knowledge during the week by participating in several activities designed to educate children in an entertaining manner. She added that the fun activities will help children to increase their general knowledge by discovering and learning about different subjects including history, technology and culture.

Mr Salah Al Naqi, representing Dubai Customs in Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Head of Ice Surprises Committe, said: "During the week, we will change the season in Dubai through a number of activities related to ice and snow."
Major Jassem Abdul Ghafoor, representing Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department and Head of the Art Surprises Committee, said that a broad spectrum of visual and performing arts including concerts, theatre and films will be on show during the week in addition to the many drawing and painting activities for children.

Nuha Safar, representing Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Head of the Heritage Surprises Committee, said that the DCCI was in the process of putting together a comprehensive line-up of activities for week. She noted that the week will focus on UAE and Arab heritage, culture and customs and feature exhibitions, events and traditional performances.

Major Mohammed Ghanim bin Deylan, representing Dubai Police and Head of the Adventure Surprises Committee, said: "Children can have the time of their life during the action-packed week by participating in entertaining events, whether it is in the desert, at sea or in a mall. Children can also showcase their interests and hobbies."

Foad Sharaf, representing Department of Economic Development and Head of the Back to School Surprises, acknowledged that the activities will focus on preparing children for the new academic year. "We will introduce many new activities including entertainment and promotions that will put children in the correct mood just before they go to school," he said.

Flower Surprises will be from June 19- 5, Cartoon Surprises will be from June 26-July 2, Colour Surprises will be from July 3-9, Sweet Surprises will be from July 10-16, Knowledge Surprises will be from July 17-23, Ice Surprises will be from July 24-30, Arts Surprises will be from July 31-August 6, Heritage Surprises will be from August 7-13, Adventure Surprises will be from August 14-20 and Back to School Surprises from August 21-29.

• UAE