DSS spending expected to jump 25%

Dubai: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the region's largest summer festival, officially starts today, bringing 65 days of surprises and encompassing 100 events.

In an interview with Gulf News, Laila Suhail, DSS chief executive, said: "DSS converted the summer season in Dubai to one of the most accessed tourism seasons, especially in the GCC countries, from the retail and tourism perspective."

The Tens of Surprises promotion this year promises a new activity every alternate day. "We're taking some of the best themes from the past ten years and they will be used again," said Suhail.

This year, organisers expect a 20 to 25 per cent increase in consumer spending over last year's Dh3.2 billion. The festival saw 2.1 million visitors last year and it is estimated that the number will increase by 8-10 per cent this year. In 2007, retail expenditure reached Dh825 million.

Some of the highlights this year include the Signature Events, comprising eight activities for mall shoppers and visitors "that will create a new look and feel in the malls", in addition to Modhesh Fun City (MFC). Numerous new zones have been added to the MFC, Suhail said.

Reaction: No terror impact

Officials said the British government's re-assessment of the terror treat level in the UAE will have a negligent impact on the Dubai Summer Surprises festival (DSS).

Laila Suhail, chief executive, DSS, said the "high" terror threat level in the country will have no effect on the DSS.

"We are fine in Dubai. Around 200 nationalities have been living here together and things are great," said Suhail.

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