Dubai Summer Surprises kicks off

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) kicked off to a vibrant opening ceremony at Modhesh World in Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday evening. The ceremony marking the launch of the 15th edition of the summer extravaganza, under the logo ‘Dubai.Summer Fun and More’, started with a documentary narrating the story behind the 15 years of DSS following which the spectators were treated to a spectacular acrobat show. A huge colourful parade across Modhesh World Halls livened up the celebrations. The festivities, that will continue until July 14, will witness entertainment activities across malls, shopping promotions and raffle prizes. This year the DSS will have more than 100 local and international events until July 14. Arab adventurer Farouq Al Zouman, the first Saudi national to scale the heights of Mt Everest, spoke about “Secrets to Reaching the Top”, Al Zouman will share insights on how to achieve the pinnacle of success as he relates his own adventure of reaching peak of the highest mountain on Earth . Min Bladi Al Emarat, one of DSS signature events, is back again this year at the Star Atrium in Dubai Mall this DSS. The event will a glimpse of the Emirati culture, which includes the live preparation of traditional food and perfumes, handicrafts, as well as the daily tools that were used in the early times. Main highlight of this year’s event is the Emirati heritage competition where participants are asked to produce traditional products, such as food and perfumes. The DSS celebrations at Dubai Marina Mall will kick off with the character show SpongeBob Squarepants from June 14 to 24. Children will be entertained by SpongeBob and his Hammor Bottom buddies fight the evil plans of Plankton. The shows will run from Saturdays to Wednesdays at 4.30pm, 6pm and 7.30pm and from Thursdays to Fridays at 4.30pm, 6pm and 7.30pm and 9pm. Live cartoon shows, dances, and other entertainment activities would continue throughout the festival. Statistics In 2011, the DSS attracted 4million visitors, notching a revenue of Dh 8.8 billion of which Dh 2.9 billion came from UAE residents and the reamining Dh 5.9 billion from regional and international visitors. The numbers have been going up compared to when DSS kicked off in 1998. As many as 14 malls and over 6,000 retail outlets participated in the last year shopping festival.from gulfnews.com