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Circus Picnic at Mercato 30 performers got together for a different kind of picnic at the Mercato as clowns, balloon fenders, face painters, stilt walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, and mascots roamed around to add colour to the shopping ambience at the mall. Learn More |
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Cupcake Weekend opens to enthusiastic crowds at Mercato Cupcake Weekend, a three-day event at Mercato, opened to huge crowds on June 20 with workshops, competitions, and displays all based on cupcakes. The event will be displayed in three sections: a competition area, a workshop area, and a free sampling counter. Arranged by Del Mar Cakes, the Cupcake Weekend will include cake icing competitions for children and parents, workshops on how to make cupcakes, and free cupcake samplings from a delicious range. Cupcake Weekend ends on June 22. |
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Fairytale fantasies to fascinate kids BY A STAFF REPORTER THE Signature Events for DSS 2008 got off to a magical start as World of Stories, a fairytale fantasy enacted on stage, opened to families and children at Al Ghurair City, recently. A host of entertainment activities are being held at the mall in the first week of DSS including fairytale re-enactments of the "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" stage shows, arts and crafts workshops and fairyland interactive corners, all revolving around children's fairytales. Audiences of all ages can enjoy adaptations of "Sleeping Beauty" and "Little Red Riding Hood," with two shows organised daily between 5:30pm and 10pm. Produced by Radish Productions of the UK, the short-plays are a blend of music, dance and comedy, with actors available for photo opportunities after the show. Al Ghurair City also hosted the screening of the event on Sunday for special needs children in close co-ordination with the Special Needs Families Support Group (SNF), which provides support to families with special needs children in the UAE. After the screening, the children were offered a special treat at McDonald's. The children were also showered with gifts from brands like Baby Shop, Kids' Way, Early Learning Centre and Giordano. One of the biggest attractions at the "World of Stories" is "The Mad Hatter's Tea Party," adapted from one of the most famous scenes of Lewis Carroll's " Alice in Wonderland." Children will be invited to join in the tea-party, while being entertained by Alice and her friends. Young audiences can also partake in a wide variety of other entertainment activities, such as The Ladybird's Fairyland a magical theatre event hosted by an Australian fairy artiste, who transports children into a land filled with stories, poetry, music, dancing, magic and puppetry. The event also encompasses high quality arts and crafts opportunities. Cozy chill-out areas are also set-up for children, where they can read storybooks and enjoy popular movies of famous children's stories. They can also pose behind their favourite fairytale character in the shape of a character cut-out. Source: Gulf Today |
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Flower Rain at BurJuman
BurJuman, one among the key sponsors of Dubai Summer Surprises 2008, hosted the first flower rain during the summer event. Visitors crowded at the mall to witness a unique ‘shower' that was made possible by around 60 kilograms of fresh flower petals imported from Holland for the occasion. The next flower rain will take place at Al Ghurair City on July 3, another key sponsor of this year's DSS. |
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Maske Show a big hit at Times Square Center
The Maske Show, a string instrumental performance by an all-woman trio from Australia , attracted considerable crowds at the Times Square Center as the group played a range of classical music pieces. Times Square Center will host the Maske Show till June 22. |
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Dubai Shopping Malls Group unveils mega promotion plans Unveiling its promotional plans for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2008 at a press conference at The Palace Hotel, the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) announced prizes worth a whopping Dhs 4.5 million and a gamut of events and entertainment at the participating malls. The promotions, beginning June 19, will include nine weekly draws of Dhs 500,000 with five shoppers winning Dhs 100,000 each. On a minimum purchase of Dhs 200, customers will automatically receive raffle coupons and be eligible for entering the raffle. Shoppers using MasterCard will double their chances of winning every time they shop. The weekly draws will be held on June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; and August 7, 14 and 22 at the participating malls. “Innovative promotions and larger raffles have been attracting more and more visitors. From 600,000 in 1998, visitors to DSS rose to more than 2 million last year,” revealed Eisa. The growth of malls in Dubai , he said, is unparalleled. The existing Gross Leasable Area (GLA) of 16 million sq feet is estimated to rise to 20 million sq feet by the end of the year and up to 40 million by 2015 “Shopping in Dubai 's malls is a unique experience. The range of products available is mind-boggling, the variety is unmatched and some of the most fashionable brands in the world are stationed here. Dubai 's success as a shopping destination and in becoming the region's fashion capital is extraordinary. This brand new city has become iconic and successful in all that it does by following the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” added Eisa. Laila Suhail , CEO of Dubai Shopping Festival Office said, “ Being a major player in the retail industry in Dubai , the DSMG, which the DSF Office partly helped establish in 1998, has become a principal partner of the DSS. We therefore extend the DSMG our deep appreciation for their tireless efforts and fruitful and constant sponsorship of the big summer bonanza.” “We can safely expect a large-scale, fabulous DSMG campaign as usual that draws in the largest possible number of shoppers into Dubai from inside and outside the country during the summer months. It goes without saying that the establishment of more shopping malls in Dubai will help the summer event gain further momentum in the future,” she added. Ihab Zaghloul, Vice President, Commerce Development, Middle East and Levant, MasterCard Worldwide said, “As a key sponsor of the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008, MasterCard Worldwide is delighted to be working closely with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group to offer MasterCard cardholders double the chances to win during the DSS. The DSS provides a great platform for MasterCard cardholders to enjoy value-added benefits when they use their MasterCard card while enjoying the DSS this summer.” DSMG, a founder key sponsor of DSS, was set up in 1998 under the patronage of Dubai Department of Economic Development. An umbrella organization of malls in Dubai , its primary aim is to promote shopping, retail trade and the mall industry in Dubai . DSMG recently received the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of DSF & DSS Supreme Committee. |
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Modhesh Friends Club begins on June 21
Fun filled field trips, sports, social and cultural programmes and much more during DSS 2008 Modhesh Friends Club, the ultimate club for children during Dubai Summer Surprises 2008, began on June 21, with an overdose of fun and frolic in addition to edutainment programs for all children between the ages of 4-13. The members of the club will have numerous activities this summer as the Dubai Shopping Festival Office has laid out a comprehensive and carefully planned programme that aims at developing children's skills and abilities while having fun. Experienced child behaviour experts form part of the staff at Modhesh Friends Club and over the summer, the club's little members go through an invigorating experience. The programme will include field trips to various entertainment and social institutions around the city of Dubai . Wild Wadi, Magic Planet, Ski Dubai and children movies at the theatres are just part of what is planned this edition. Other field trips include social visits to hospitals and water bus trips. In addition, the club offers a wide range of edutainment programs that comprise of five main programs, Islamic, social and cultural, creativity and skills development, Sports and computer programs. All will take place at Modhesh Fun City . Club members will enjoy free entry to Modhesh Fun City at all times, including the international shows that will take place on Modhesh centre stage. There are 2 different shifts in order to cater to the rising membership demand, the first is a morning shift from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm , and the second is from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm . For all the above, the Modhesh Friends Club Management has designed an attractive and reasonable fee structure for children. Accordingly, a fee of AED 1000 is payable monthly, and Dhs 500 per week for members from GCC. For those who would like transportation, a fee of Dhs 500 is applicable he applications are available at the Dubai Shopping Festival Office in Deira, Department of Economic Development building first floor, or by visiting the website www.mydsf.ae . |
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Power Play: Learn with fun at Dewa Stall
By A Staff Reporter DUBAI Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has lined up host of fun activities combined with awareness of water and energy conservation at its stand at Modhesh Fun City as part of its participation in Dubai Summer Surprises 2008. Children visiting DEWA's stand at Modhesh Fun City can have loads of fun through innovative games and activities that have been specially designed by DEWA to bring home the message of responsible usage of water and electricity from young age. Eng. Amal Koshak, manager of investors Services at DEWA's Customer Relations Department said: "As Modhesh Fun City represents the largest daily gathering of children this summer, we are keen to use it as a platform for raising awareness in young minds about prudent use of water and electricity. By reaching out to the children, we seek to raise a generation that will have full knowledge of taking care of scarce resources. We have conveyed the key message through fun activities." "Every year, we have seen a growing response to our participation in Modhesh Fun City. We look at the venue as the ideal place to interact with children and impart messages that will remain with them through out life. Each year, we bring different themes and we are confident that this year's activity will also provide loads of fun to youngsters, apart from contributing in building an environmentally responsible future generation." Besides various educational games, gifts and toys, the DEWA stand will host cartoon and puppet shows as well as storytelling sessions daily. Children can also join DEWA's Splashy and Sparky Club, open all days during DSS, where they can interact with Splashy and Sparky cartoon characters while getting information on the use and preservation of water and electricity in a fun way. The club also offers the children an opportunity to know each other and exchange knowledge about best ways to conserve natural resources. Children can play games and browse DEWA's website where they will find information that will enhance their e-literacy as well as environment awareness. The largest indoor edutainment venue in the Middle East, Modhesh Fun City is the focal point of entertainment during DSS. Spanning thousands of square metres, this vast complex hosts every possible entertainment activity, from international debut shows to edutainment activities for children of all ages. Source: Gulf Today |
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Ustad Shahid Pervez and Anuradha Pal play to a thrilled audience at DUCTAC Ustad Shahid Pervez Khan, widely recognized as the one among the greatest sitar players in the world today, and Anuradha Pal, popularly known as the ‘Rhythm Queen', played to thrilled audiences at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre in a memorable concert on June 20, as part of events scheduled during Dubai Summer Surprises 2008. |
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Water ballet set to spring surprises By A Staff Reporter MALL of the Emirates gives its visitors an opportunity to take an insight into the underwater world with "Aquasync." As the first act of this year's Dubai Summer Surprises at the mall, Aquasync, with its demonstration of synchronised swimming that transforms into a dramatic art and theatre style show. The group combines breathtaking movements and leaps in a specially constructed pool, revealing just how artistic the body can be when supported with the medium of water. Aquasync, a team of six international synchronised swimming performers from Europe will perform three times daily at the Mall of the Emirates Galleria from June 19-28 at 4:30pm , 6.30pm and 8pm on weekdays and 4:30pm , 6.30pm and 9:15pm on weekends. Source: Gulf Today |
Spa Packages – Relax in the region's finest spas Visitors longing for some of Dubai 's summer retreats can head to the finest spas in the region. About 25 spas in Dubai will collaborate with the DSF Office to offer refreshing and relaxing spa treatments to visitors. Visitors can choose from specialized treatments to discount packages. After an overwhelming response last year, the DSS Spa Packages return in 2008 with refreshing options to stay cool this summer. With three out of four internationally acclaimed Middle East spas in Dubai , the city is right on path in becoming the spa hub in the region. Some of the best spa specialists in the industry and a truly surreal ambience make Dubai 's spas every visitor's ultimate relaxation experience. |
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Lamcy leaps into DSS with Circus Studio BY A STAFF REPORTER Lamcy Plaza, the popular family shopping destination, began the festivities at the mall with a fine display of acrobatic acts by a talented group of gymnasts that belong a well-known Russian troupe called The Circus Studio. The artistes were a group of young girls aged between 8-14 years, who dazzled the audience with an array of synchronised movements and agile leaps. Apart from this spectacular performance, other activities lined up at Lamcy Plaza during the season include the Spacetoon Show. Visitors can experience the animation world of the Spacetoon characters till Wednesday during evening hours at its premises. The mall is all set to unveil the summer fest by attracting thousands of visitors to a thrilling line-up of events. The entertainment activities at Lamcy Plaza during DSS 2008 include Zip Zap Kids Circus, Planet Folk Dance Kids show, European Dance Sequence, Space Toon, Modhesh Party, to name a few. All these activities at Lamcy Plaza during the season have been carefully chosen to provide maximum entertainment for the families. The children will also get an opportunity to indulge in learning activities in a fun-filled manner during the DSS 2008 at the mall. Source: Gulf Today |
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Shopping fever at its peak BY A STAFF REPORTER As the summer has set in, the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) shopping fever is visible around shopping malls in Dubai. Retail outlets are offering huge discounts to shoppers this summer on a variety of international brands that cover clothes, electronics, jewellery, and numerous other consumer goods. DSS 2008 also offers shoppers a unique chance to win through the three main raffles being held this year -- Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 Grand Raffle, Dubai Shopping Malls Group mega Raffle and the Gold and Jewellery Group Raffle. The DSS 2008 Grand Raffle is being organised in co-operation with Emarat and Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre (AGMC), the exclusive importer for BMW in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates. For a coupon purchase of just Dhs200 a lucky winner will take home the prizes worth Dhs400,000 in what is among the biggest summer promotions during DSS 2008. Raffle coupons are available in 80 locations including select fuel stations of Emarat, Eppco and Enoc, in addition to kiosks at Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, BurJuman, Baniyas Street, Al Fahidi Street, Gold Souk and Modhesh Fun City. An attraction of the raffle is the sale of just 5,000 coupons per draw, meaning that ticket buyers have a greater chance of winning this DSS. The date for each draw will be determined upon the sale of 5000 raffle tickets. The draws will be telecast on Sama Dubai from one of the shopping malls. The Dubai Shopping Malls Group Mega Raffle, which began on June 19, will include nine weekly draws of Dhs500,000 with five shoppers winning Dhs100,000 each. On a minimum purchase of Dhs200, customers will automatically receive raffle coupons and be eligible for entering the raffle. A total of Dhs4.5 million is being given away in the raffle. The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is also offering shoppers a chance to win daily prizes of Dhs10,000 and nine weekly bumper prizes of Dhs50,000 in gold and jewellery vouchers during DSS 2008. Shoppers have the opportunity to go home with a total of Dhs1.1 million in prizes by purchasing Dhs300 worth of gold or jewellery from any of the participating Dubai gold and jewellery outlet during the 65 days of DSS. The promotion runs in over 300 jewellery outlets across Dubai, including stand-alone shops as well as those in the malls, Gold Land, Gold Souk, Gold House, Gold Centre, Meena Bazaar and Al Ghusais. Source: Gulf Today |
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