DSS Gulf visitor numbers give pleasant surprise to Dubai

Dubai: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) has played a major role in sustaining Dubai's position as a leading tourism and commerce destination, said Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department.

"Despite the current global circumstances, we are confident that Dubai has the tourism potential and the state-of-the-art infrastructure to keep it among the leading cities in the global tourism arena and it is based on this confidence that this year's Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) was launched," he said.

Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) since the start of DSS 2009 on June 11 increased by 36.5 per cent compared to the same period between April and May, he added, explaining that most of the visitors came from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.

"The tourist influx to Dubai during DSS is an indication that the emirate is doing well despite the financial crisis that has gripped most of the world."

The extensive promotion campaigns accompanying DSS and the colossal efforts made by private sector entities such as shopping malls and hotels have played a major role in attracting GCC visitors to Dubai, he added.

"Omani nationals are by far the largest in number, followed by Kuwaitis, Saudis, Bahrainis and Qataris; but by the early days of July the number of Saudis increased to a large extent," Al Marri said, attributing the increase in the number of Saudi visitors to the end of the academic year in Saudi Arabia.

"DNRD stands firmly behind DSS 2009 as is the case with other government departments in Dubai, offering the best possible services that reflect the true image of Dubai as a year-round leading tourism and commerce destination.

"This is in line with the directives by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of [the] UAE and Ruler of Dubai," he stated.

As part of its commitment to offer value-added services during DSS, the DNRD efficiently processes round-the-clock visa transactions for those visiting the country during the summer event.