Bid to encourage creative thinking among children

Back to School Surprises, the last week of Dubai's 10-week Summer Surprises package, will end the summer holiday season with a bang, if the plans announced by the Department of Economic Development (DED) are any indication.

The department, which has organised the Back-to-School themed week for six years running, said Dh 1 million had been poured into the final week in a bid to inculcate a love of learning and prepare children and their families for the return to school after the long summer break.

"This year, the focus of our campaign is 'Enjoy While You Learn'," said Fareed Al Abdullah, president of the DED's Back to School Committee, of the activities running from August 21 to August 29.

"We have planned a series of fun-filled activities focusing on the importance of learning and the opportunities available in education. We hope that the events will promote a love of learning, care for nature and the environment and encourage creative thinking skills in children."

Ali Ibrahim, deputy director general of DED, said the Back-to-School Surprises had long been one of the more popular weeks of Dubai Summer Surprises, and this year would likely break all former records.

"It's not hard to see that summer 2003 has been the best so far for the Dubai economy," said Ibrahim.

"Statistics from immigration, the hotel and tourism sector and other industries all show a tremendous impact on business that far exceeds records from last year and previous years. Within the last three years, Dubai is a far different place in the summer than in the past, and it is improving every year."

The DED has also tied up with Bait Al Khair, the non-profit organisation, to promote their annual activity of distributing 20,000 fully equipped schoolbags to needy children around the UAE.

Special booths will be set aside for the charity at BurJuman Centre, Deira City Centre, Hamarain Centre, Mercato Mall, Al Bustan Centre and the Union Co-op outlets in Jumeirah and Al Twar. Charity coupons in Dh30, Dh 20 and Dh10 denominations will be available for purchase.