Dubai Summer Surprises, the leading summer event in the region, is drawing to an end with less than two weeks remaining. The past eight weeks of the event have witnessed a huge success in significantly boosting the retail and tourism sector. While the success of DSS can be attributed to numerous reasons, the fact remains that the collaboration between the government sector and private sector is largely responsible for the unprecedented success.
In an interview done with the Head of Corporate Communications at Al-Futtaim Group, George Watson began by saying, "Dubai Summer Surprises 2007 is shaping up to become one of the most spectacular to date while continuing to offer an outstanding showcase for all that is best about the emirate. Al-Futtaim Group, through its flagship development Dubai Festival City, is proud to support this Government-led initiative which has been one of the key drivers in establishing Dubai as the leading retail resort in the region."
Talking about the relationship between DSS and Al Futtaim Group, Watson highlighted the cooperation between the private and the government sector and emphasised the Group's role as a sponsor of the event. "The Al-Futtaim Group has been a consistent and committed supporter of this tremendously effective Government initiative. The Dubai Summer Surprises has contributed a great deal to ensuring Dubai remains one of the principal retail destinations and a year-round attraction for tourists from around the world."
Explaining on the objective of sponsoring DSS every year, he said, "As one of the leading businesses in Dubai Al Futtaim Group recognizes the wider responsibility to contribute to initiatives that project a positive image of the emirate and open eyes to what we have to offer here. In practical, economic terms, a programme of events such as DSS which provides an annual boost to the economy should be welcomed because of the benefits and the enjoyment it provides."
Stating that Al Futtaim Group has been sponsoring DSS since its inception in 1998, he added that the Group has been consistent in its performance and that it is enjoying another successful year across all divisions.
Watson also said it was too early to assess the benefits of DSS on the Group, but added that the company was very much active during the event with Dubai Festival City, one of the Group’s signature developments, being one among the key sponsors this year.
