Once again families in the region can look forward to an event that has been specially created for their enjoyment during the summer months when schools shut down and families are at a loose end on how to spend their time together.

THE Dubai Police will actively participate in the Summer Surprises with 16 events being scheduled for the "Techno Surprises" running from August 12 to 18.

• Solid games - a competition to build the best designed and the most comfortable house from square and triangular blocks.
• Healthy Diet - Children will be asked to choose their menu from a range foods. Children who manage to plan the most healthy menu for themselves will be awarded.
• Andy the robot will help children understand first-aid techniques.
• Three-dimensional films in malls to show UAE marine life.
• "Shopping in space"- What do astronomers use in space? Introduce your child to ice-cream they eat, their clothes and other essentials for space travel.
• Intelligent Child Programme - Assess your child's IQ.
• Lego centres in malls and a scientific puppet theatre will be organised.
• The science photo competition is open to adults and children.
• An electrical workshop for children.
• A science film week -Science films from different parts of the world will be screened in all the major shopping malls.
• A science book fair and a quiz competition will be held among the children to recognise the most famous scientists.

HOW would it feel to freeze at minus-15 degree when the summer is blistering outside in the July heat? That is exactly what is in store at the Frozen World at the Creek Park in Bur Dubai. The first of its kind in the UAE, the Ice Lantern Show will be held from July 15 to Oct. 30.

A "magnificent" city of ice, complete with palatial buildings,landscapes, sculptures, crystals, antique shaded lamps, jaded carvings, bridges and pavilions! To set up this ice city in a 40x40-metre area, 3,000 tonnes of ice will be used and at least 72 hours are required to mould each 200-kilogramme block of ice to fine crystals.

The unique promotion across 19 of Dubai's finest shopping malls will offer a prize bonanza which includes shopping vouchers worth Dhs10,000 daily and a Mercedes A160 car every week, culminating in the spectacular grand draw on the final day of DSS where one lucky shopper will walk away with the mega prize of Dhs1 million in cash.

Daily raffles for shoppers in which each shopper spending Dhs200 in any of the 19 participating malls will get a coupon to enter the daily draw for a Dhs10,000 shopping voucher valid at any of the participating malls.

The 19 participating malls are: Al Bustan Centre, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Hanna Centre, Al Manal Centre, Al Rais Centre, BurJuman Centre, Deira City Centre, Hamarain Centre, Holiday Centre, Jumairah Plaza, Karama Centre, Lamcy Plaza, Oasis Centre, Palm Strip, The Centre, Town Centre, Twin Towers and Wafi Shopping Mall. [More on shopping]

Imagine a summer filled with rock climbing, skating, badminton, talent contests, story telling, dramas and what have you. For children aged 3 to 16, [More]

A TOTAL of 30 activities will be held during the "Back-to-School Surprises" week, the DSS final theme, from August 26 to Sept.9.

Some two million flowers are being organised to give a colourful touch to Dubai.

A flower carnival at the BurJuman Shopping Centre will mark the opening ceremony of Flower Surprises Week. Seven mini golf carts decorated with seven different theme flowers will be pushed around the mall. A "flower rain" with three tonnes of imported rose petals would be the highlight of the opening ceremony of the July 15 - 21 event.

The first family arriving at the airport will be received with bouquet of exotic flowers and escorted to their hotel in a florally decorated, chauffeur-driven car.

With temperatures likely to touch 55°C, keeping the flowers fresh will be the biggest challenge. Neem-based pesticides will ensure full protection of the plants from any disease.

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