The scheduled events for the much-awaited regional shopping fiesta Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2012 were announced Sunday at a press conference at Qasser Al Shariq Hotel as part of a GCC-wide roadshow. The month-long summer extravaganza will start June 14. The Dubai Events & Promotion Establishment (DEPE), an agency of the Department of Economic Development, is tasked with promoting DSS. Ibrahim Saleh, Festivals Coordinator General and Deputy CEO of DEPE, said Saudi Arabia is among one of Dubai's most important markets as some 873,000 Saudis visited the city last year, according to hotel and apartelle occupancy data. “Dubai is a perfect destination for Saudis, especially those choosing to travel with their families, because of the many cultural similarities as well as geographical proximity of the two countries which enable an easy commute.” In collaboration with Emirates, Saleh said the high traffic during the festival will be eased by the availability of daily direct Emirate flights between Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The launch of DSS will coincide with the opening of the highly popular Modhesh World - the summer mascot that is now a brand and a popular children's character across the Middle East. Exploring Dubai is so much fun during the summer. The region's best shopping deals, world-class family entertainment, giveaways worth millions of dirhams, and a choice of the Middle East's finest spas await visitors to Dubai during DSS. Around 50 luxury malls put out the best shopping promotions for shoppers while hosting entertainment shows throughout the summer. These include highly-acclaimed international shows, concerts, and exhibitions. Moreover, every shopper is rewarded for shopping with an opportunity to win prizes and giveaways throughout DSS. __
