Dubai Summer Surprises 2003 will begin on 19th of June, 2003, unveiling some new surprises and completely reinvented themes to portray "Big Fun For Little Ones'. The 10 week long event will conclude on August 29, 2003.
Introducing the event at a press conference, HH Shaikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Department of Civil Aviation, chairman of the Emirates Group and the chairman of Dubai Summer Surprises Supreme Committee, said: "The concept of innovation and development are the main criterions of success. Keeping this in mind, Dubai Summer Surprises has been completely reinvented in its elements as well as its execution, while still maintaining the essence of its theme `Big Fun for Little Ones'. The completely developed themed surprises, some new and some old will offer not only entertainment, but knowledge and education as well:" Quoting General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, Sheikh Ahmed said that the Government of is committed to supporting the tourism industry in achieving the highest, standards of efficiency, trusting that the private sector would complement this role and would not spare any efforts in this direction. He explained that the primary objective of Dubai Summer Surprises was to make an extensive change to the economic activity in the emirate, by achieving and improving the levels of retail activity in the shopping malls. "Today, five years later, Dubai, the pearl of the Gulf, has become an oasis that brings smiles on the faces of young children, and provides a fresh breeze to the visitors, in a season of bright sunshine." he said. In order to infuse a fresh perspective and additional vitality to the various themes, the organisational responsibility of handling has been redistributed amongst different government departments. Dubai Summer Surprises will begin with Flower Surprises to be organised by Dubai Municipality. It will be followed by Cartoon Surprises to be organised by Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Colour Surprises by the Department of Health and Medical Services, Sweet Surprises by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Knowledge Surprises by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Ice Surprises by Dubai Ports and Customs Authority. Arts Surprises by Department of Naturalization and Residency, Heritage Surprises by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Adventure Surprises by Dubai Police and Back to School Surprises by Department of Economic Development.