The pioneering apprenticeship program established by the Dubai Summer Surprises Organizing Committee this year welcomed students from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to participate as interns for this year’s DSS, now bigger and better with over 250 events unfolding in various parts of the city.
Basma Sabban from Dar Al Hekma College in Saudi Arabia and Meshal Al Ali from the American University in Kuwait arrived in high spirits on Thursday evening and both were eagerly looking forward to their assignments. Sabban mused, “I am very excited to be here in Dubai. I will complete the tasks and responsibilities to the best of my abilities and knowledge. But, more importantly, I am here to learn from people who have made DSS the success story that it is today.”
Al Ali was equally delighted with what he said was one of the biggest challenges of his life so far. “Dubai has done a wonderful job with the DSS, making it the biggest summer event in the region. I am looking forward to working here, and bringing back home valuable knowledge and insights that I can share with my fellow students.”
The apprentices will be working closely with the DSS Marketing Department. They are expected to make significant contributions to the conceptualisation of events and activities for DSS 2007 as part of the Organizing Committee’s long-term plan to further enhance the regional and international profile of the DSS. “We established this program to boost the regional and international appeal of DSS and feel that as much as these students will learn from our staff, we will also learn from them as to how we can make DSS more attractive and appealing to a regional and global audience,” explained Laila Suhail, DSS Executive Project Director.
Additionally, the winners will have a hands-on feel of the city’s many events when they visit malls and other participating venues within the DSS, including Modhesh Fun City at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Disney Magic at Mall of the Emirates.
The students are being hosted by luxury hotel Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates for the entire duration of their two-week stay. Both Sabban and Al Ali were chosen following a competitive search that included interviews with DSS and a tough evaluation of their credentials and personal essays.
“I have every confidence that our apprentices for this year will do well. They have excellent credentials and I can sense their dedication from the very first day of their arrival. With great results, we hope to expand the coverage of the DSS Apprentice Program to include more countries and hopefully more students next year” added Laila.
