Arabian Center Becomes A Magical Land For Kids This DSS

Arabian Center, the latest hotspot for shopping, leisure and entertainment in Dubai, has fantastic treats and activities lined up for kids during Dubai Summer Surprises 2009. The mall, located on Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai, is hosting numerous activities to keep kids and parents enthralled during every visit as a part of the summer celebrations.

Arabian Center recently hosted exciting performers who presented a variety of acts and fun shows for kids and adults. The acts transported kids into the wilderness with the jungle animal stilt walkers. Depicting the animals of the jungle world, the five performers originally from Italy roved the mall with their tall graceful strides engaging the kids in fun educational activities.

Kids witnessed further excitement at the Arabian Center with mystical characters of the fairytale land. The mall hosted elves and fairytale characters, who cast a spell of magic all around. The fairytale characters came to life and enticed the kids with a comic show, interactive games and lots of gifts were given away.

The Arabian Center will step up to the musical beats of the African Children’s Choir and the Percussion Samba Group on July 23-24, 2009. The mall will also stage the popular Ronald McDonald, the whacky clown character used as the mascot for the McDonalds fast-food restaurant chain on Saturday, July 25, 2009. The Ronald McDonald show promises to be exciting for both children and parents alike with interactive activities, games and magic shows. Fun competitions for kids of all ages with lovely prizes to be won will ensure their enthusiastic involvement along with Ronald’s crazy antics.

Commenting on the activities at the mall, Mr. Mathews Thomas, Marketing Manager, Arabian Center, said: “We have been focusing on combining fun and entertainment with educational activities that will widen up the horizons for kids. There is a rich mixture of activities, great discounts, offers and prizes to be won throughout the summer festival ensuring each visit for the customers is enriching and a fun-filled experience.”

Apart from the fantastic activities, the mall is giving out amazing prizes during DSS 2009. Shoppers spending AED 100/- at any of the outlets in Arabian Center will become eligible to participate in the weekly draw that could win them a Toyota four wheel drive. Customers also stand a chance to win a Land Cruiser VXR in a Mega Draw that will be held at the end of the festival.

Also, by spending AED 200/- at the mall shoppers stand a chance to win AED 500,000/- every week for nine weeks starting June 11, 2009 as part of the Dubai Summer Surprises – Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSS-DSMG) “Surprising Millions” promotion,.

The weekends during the DSS will feature the unique Arabian Souq, which is showcasing rare collection of items ranging from art, craft; traditional Bedouin style jewellery, antique furniture, handmade shielas, oud, Arabic perfumes and more. The ‘Arabian Souq’ is marked by rare and authentic artifacts celebrating the art and culture of the Arab world. With unique antiques and collections, the Souq is full of small surprises for art lovers and collectors.

DSS Brings Another International Stage Show This Summer With ’Bob The Builder – The Sunflower Sailor’ Show In Al Ghurair City

Bob the Builder, the renowned children’s television character, will thrill children in an exciting show titled ‘The Sunflower Sailor’ at Al Ghurair City, a DSS 2009 key sponsor, on Thursday, July 23, 2009. The show is one among the many international children’s stage shows being organised during this edition of Dubai Summer Surprises.

As the building contractor specialising in masonry, Bob will appear with his colleague and business partner Wendy, and Spud, the mischievous scarecrow. The ‘Sunflower Sailor’ is based on a story where Wendy clears her garage and Bob helps her use some of the old materials to build a boat, an idea suggested by Spud. The three then set off on a sailing adventure.

Bob the Builder shows how a positive attitude, problem-solving, teamwork and follow-through are the necessary tools to complete every job and he has become a role model for children to build on. The ‘Sunflower Sailor’ will be a twenty-minute musical show with spectacular stage settings.

Show timings are 6:00pm and 8:00pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 5:30pm, 7:30pm, and 9:30pm (Thursday and Friday). There will be no shows on Tuesday.
 

African Children’s Choir To Bring The Voice Of Africa To Dubai This DSS In Its First Show In The Middle East

The African Children’s Choir, an ambassador for Africa’s neediest, most vulnerable children, will perform in Dubai for the first time in the Middle East this DSS from July 21 to August 3. The Choir shows the world that its members, like the millions of abandoned and traumatized children in Africa, have beauty, dignity and unlimited potential. The first show will be held in Dubai Festival City, a key sponsor of DSS 2009, on July 21 and July 22 at 6pm, 7:30pm, and 9pm.

In 1984, in the midst of Uganda’s civil war, human rights activist Ray Barnett was called on to help the many thousands of orphaned and starving children, abandoned and helpless to feed and protect themselves. Realizing the enormity of the task Ray and his team came up with a unique approach. The only way to make a meaningful difference was to impact the lives of these children, one child at a time.

"Inspired by the singing of one small boy, we formed the first African Children’s Choir to show the world that Africa’s most vulnerable children have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability,” said Ray.

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of DSF Office said, “We are delighted to bring the African Children’s Choir to Dubai Summer Surprises as the values that the group espouses are those that Dubai Summer Surprises supports and encourages. This unique choir will not only entertain visitors this DSS but put forth a clear message to audiences.”

To date over seven hundred vulnerable children have been through the Choir program and the funds they have generated have provided the opportunity of education and hope for many thousands like them in some of the most desperate and needy areas of Africa.

Choir Training
Children selected to tour spend approximately five months at the Choir Training Academy in Kampala, Uganda. Here the children learn the songs and dances, attend school, play and attend Sunday School at a local church.

It is at the Choir Training Academy where the real life-changing work of the African Children’s Choir™ can be seen. The children’s personalities and talents emerge like never before as they settle into their new routine with the knowledge that they are loved and cared for.

As they come from some of the most needy families, the African Children’s Choir™ is committed to helping Choir children physically, spiritually, emotionally and academically, giving each child an opportunity to reach their potential. After returning to Africa, the African Children’s Choir™ provides care and education that builds on the unique international exposure the children experienced abroad. The children receive a quality education, leadership training and spiritual ministry at the Music for Life Primary School in Kampala, or at other well-equipped schools in their respective countries.

The African Children’s Choir™ will perform in Arabian Centre on July 23 and 24, at Modhesh World on July 25 and 26, Deira City Centre on July 27 and 28, The Dubai Mall on July 29 and 30, Dubai Marina Mall on July 31 and Aug 1, and Mercato on Aug 2 and Aug 3.

Show timings are 6:00pm / 07:30pm / 09:00pm from Saturdays to Wednesday, and 06:30pm / 08:00pm / 09:30pm on Thursday and Fridays.

Fun For All The Family At Dubai Marina Mall This DSS

Dubai Marina Mall is showcasing a wide range of activities for all the family during this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Exciting activities include Kids Shows, Kids Olympics and a showcase of Fashion Workshops.

As part of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group raffle a total of AED 5 million is up for grabs during DSS and Dubai Marina Mall is one of the participants in the promotion. To enter the draw, visitors only have to spend AED 200 at any store in the mall.

Mr Ian Ferguson, General Manager, Dubai Marina Mall, said: “Dubai Marina Mall is a relaxed and convenient shopping destination for residents of Dubai Marina and surrounding areas. The mall provides an ideal leisure destination and is the perfect place to unwind and meet friends, while enjoying a relaxed shopping environment.”

He added: “We are delighted to participate in DSS this year and are hosting several events that appeal to all members of the family. This is our first year for DSS and we are honoured that the organisers have chosen Dubai Marina Mall to host some of their signature events, including the Kids Olympics.”

Some of the events at Dubai Marina Mall throughout DSS include a two week kid’s show which will be held in the Dome Atrium; the Kids Olympics, another signature event of DSS, and Fashion Workshops, which will take place in August. As part of the Olympics, children visiting the mall are encouraged to participate in various fun and sometimes challenging activities ranging from baby crawling competitions to remote control car racing. Many prizes will be awarded throughout the Olympics. Another highlight is the Fashion Workshops to be held from August 4 to 8, where a fashion stylist will explain the new haute couture trends and assist visitors to keep in tune with the trends.

The Dubai Marina Mall is a modern shopping and lifestyle destination in the heart of one of Dubai’s most dynamic lifestyle communities, the Dubai Marina. The mall features 160 stores tailored to the lifestyle and entertainment needs of the marina residences. Al fresco waterfront dining, a large Waitrose supermarket and Favourite Things, a children’s edu-tainment concept are already open. Reel Cinemas will open in Dubai Marina Mall later this year.

Sharpen Your Child’s Knowledge This Summer With The Big House Of Fun

In its third week, the Big House of Fun is still the hub for all family members that are looking for fun in the heat of the summer. So far it has attracted over 5000 visitors from all across the Emirates. Providing activities to entertain all family members, the Big House of Fun has already organized a variety of workshops, stage shows, and competitions.

To compliment on its educative activities, and in an aim to foster the love for science by children of all ages, this week, the Big House of Fun is organizing daily quiz sessions.

The quizzes were developed to stimulate and entertain children from the age of 6-17. Divided into two different categories, 6-12 and 13-17, the quizzes will feature questions in subjects such as biology, history geography, art, and science.

Daily winners in the category 6-12 will be awarded with books donated by Kalimat Publishing and distribution, the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing and distributing the highest quality children’s books, while winners in the category 13-17 will receive shopping vouchers.

Dina Al Nakhi, Events Manager at Al Qasba Development Authority said:
“Kids often look forward to the summer break because it promises to be packed with distractions, diversions and no homework, Quizzes like the ones the Big House of Fun offers encourage continued learning in a motivating, fun and entertaining environment. The Big House of Fun Quizzes are a great way for children to stay sharp over the summer.”

The “Big House of Fun” activities are being held daily until July 25th in a special air-conditioned tent from 5 pm -11 pm. The tent is divided into various sections, namely the stage, the fun zone and shops’ section, which various sections where educational workshops are held, educating children as well as adults on the importance of adopting environmental friendly approaches, teaching them various scientific facts about the earth, as well as holding Art and craft workshops.

For more information please visit www.alqasba.ae

Hire For Two Days, Pay For One With Fast Rent A Car This Summer

Fast Rent A Car, the UAE’s leading locally-owned vehicle rental company, has launched a special summer promotion across its hire car fleet, offering customers two days rental for the price of one. The offer is available at any Fast Rent A Car branch across the UAE until the end of September.

This two-for-one promotion allows visitors and residents to explore the UAE over the summer months for as little as AED90 per day, inclusive of unlimited mileage.

Customers can take advantage of the offer by visiting any of Fast Rent A Car’s 15 branches across the UAE, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah and Fujairah, or by calling 800 FAST. With numerous locations and a 24hr phone booking service, Fast Rent A Car offers a quick and convenient reservation service.

With the widest range of cars of any rental firm in the UAE, Fast Rent A Car caters for all budgets and requirements. This two-for-one summer promotion is valid across all car classes, from budget runabout to family saloon or rugged 4x4.

“We understand our customers, and we know they enjoy taking advantage of summer promotions at this time of year,” said Rania Kakos Yazbeck, marketing manager of Fast Rent A Car. “As a result, we have announced this promotion to save them money and offer them and their families greater freedom.”

The promotion lasts until September 20. For more info visit http://www.fastuae.com

Dubai Voices To Mesmerize Crowds At Burjuman This Weekend

Dubai Voices, a group of young multi-national resident singers that wowed crowds in Deira City Centre in their first show last week, is back again this weekend at BurJuman. The group will perform at the Observatory opposite Virgin Megastore from July 2nd to July 4th. The show is a unique entertainment event during this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises.

Lead by Bryan Furtado, a singer, actor, dancer, music teacher, and the musical director of the group, Dubai Voices performs three different acts featuring interpretations of Broadway musicals, classic pop, jazz, world music, and other popular songs. The three acts will be performed at 6:40, 7:45, and 9:30 respectively.

As a multicultural choir, Dubai Voices performs songs in English, Arabic, Tagalog, and Persian. Act 1 includes musicals such as the self titled musical That’s Entertainment, Circle of Life from Lion King, and Dancing Queen from Mamma Mia. Act 2 features pop songs such as Sing by the Carpenters, Shak Bhak Shakabit by Nancy Ajram, and Does your mother know by ABBA. Act 3 features songs such as Cruisin by Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis, Beat Box – an original composition, popular Spanish number Desperado, Halla Vay Vay – a Persian and Arabic song, and Song of the Emirates – originally composed by an Australian resident in Dubai in the 1970s and reworked for the show by Bryan Furtado.

Bob Arno, Professor Of Pickpocketing, To Perform In Dubai This DSS

The World’s only legal pickpocket, Bob Arno, will let loose his lightning fast fingers to perform his maiden comedy show in Dubai during this Dubai Summer Surprises. Bob Arno will enthrall audiences with his uncanny knack of stealing neckties, suspenders, glasses, belts, other pocket contents, and watches, in front of audiences during his only show on July 3 at the Safinah Ballroom, Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The show begins at 9pm.

Time Magazine has called Bob Arno “the World’s foremost expert on the techniques of first-rank ‘wires,’(the slang term for pickpockets). Years of research and first-hand observation of street scenarios have made him an authority frequently consulted by police, security experts, and television producers.

Bob artfully blends the comedy and tragedy of thievery in his outrageous presentations. Illustrated with demonstrations and brought to life with his unique video, he explores and exposes the methods and motivation of street thieves and con artists. The artist’s show during DSS will be his first such commercial performance in the Middle East.

Bob Arno is a speaker, entertainer, author, and special lecturer to law enforcement agencies. With his wife, Bambi Vincent, he is also co-author of the book: Travel Advisory: How to Avoid Thefts, Cons, and Street Scams.

Tickets for the show are available online at TimeOut Tickets or can be obtained by calling 050 – 3270371 or 04 – 390 8100. Tickets for the exclusive show are priced at AED 250 (Silver), AED 450 (Gold – inclusive of buffet dinner), and AED 750 (Platinum – front row inclusive of buffet dinner).