Valid from 21st June until 31st August 2007, the packages must be booked for a minimum of three nights and offer customers a choice of 14 city and beach hotels in various price-brackets. Prices include all accommodation-related taxes and service charges and are available to all Emirates’ passengers regardless of class of travel.

As part of the packages, customers are treated to a personalised meet-and-assist service on arrival at Dubai International Airport. They also receive an Arabian Adventures Welcome Pack including a special discount voucher booklet for Wafi City, one of Dubai’s premier malls. First and Business Class passengers receive chauffeur-driven transfers between Dubai International Airport and the hotel.

Customers will also receive an additional 10 kg free baggage allowance on the return/onward flights from Dubai to accommodate any bargains that may have been purchased.

For the uninitiated, Dubai Summer Surprises is the summer counterpart of the popular Dubai Shopping Festival. For ten weeks, malls take on a carnival-like atmosphere with some of them adopting special themes. This year, each DSS event will last the whole ten weeks, unlike in the past where one week was dedicated to one event. The festival has a family emphasis focusing on both fun and education.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide, said, “DSS is a rich mix of entertainment, learning for the children and great shopping for their parents. It is not surprising that visitor numbers are growing as word about the festival spreads far and wide.”