The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and organizers of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), have announced the names of the 20 regional and international students, who have emerged as the winners of the 10th anniversary global edition of the multi award-winning DSS Apprenticeship Program.
Over 100 universities were invited to nominate their top students to participate in the coveted educational initiative named the ‘Best Educational Program in the World’ in 2014 by the International Festivals & Events Association.
Among them is Saud Al Doseri from Bahrain Polytechnic University, who will represent Bahrain in the internship programme, which will take place from 3rd to 16th August, 2015. The winners will each receive an all-expense-paid trip to Dubai including return flights and a two-week stay at EAHM – one of the world’s leading hospitality business management schools and part of Jumeirah Group, a luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding.
As part of their itinerary, students will be awarded the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain hands-on training from industry leaders shaping the success of DSS – DFRE’s flagship festival and centerpiece of Dubai’s dynamic summer offerings – which will take place this year from 23 July to 5 September, 2015.
The screening process for the internship began with each participating university nominating its top six senior students from marketing, business administration, travel and tourism, event management and finance streams. Each nominated student was then requested to develop an original and well-researched essay on the topic: “What would you do differently for DSS 2015, in terms of promoting and positioning this event for your local market, if you were assigned the position of Chief Marketing Officer for DSS?”
In his winning essay, Saud Al Doseri said: “Positive feedback is key to a successful event. To provide a distinctive local flavor to our public relations efforts and generate positive feedback, we should seek to highlight talented local musical and entertainment acts in the UAE by organizing concerts, open mic sessions, movie screenings, and cosplays. This way, local talents will gain exposure and have a platform from which to take the next step towards achieving their dreams. Another channel to promote the festival would be digital marketing and the utilization of social media platforms.”
Commenting on their student’s success in securing a spot in the DSS Apprenticeship Program 2015, Dr. Mohamed Al Aseeri, Acting CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, said: “We are proud to see Saud Al Doseri, one of our talented students, secure a spot in the 10th edition of the DSS Apprenticeship Program. The program focuses on enhancing students’ skills, and we’re certain that Saud will expand his knowledge during this program, and we wish him all the best.”
During the internship, the students have the opportunity to attend a number of workshops and key DSS events as well as explore the city’s world-class signature attractions that reinforce Dubai’s position as a year-round family tourism destination, including the Burj Khalifa, Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi, to list a few.
The apprentices will also benefit from close interactions with highly qualified industry veterans contributing to the ongoing development of the Destination Dubai brand. The agenda will open doors for multiple networking opportunities while providing them access to corporate mentors and helping them acquire inter-personal and professional development skills for life.
Former participants of the program have benefitted hugely from high-profile interactions with prominent Dubai-based and international entities including Facebook, MBC Group, Emirates, Dubai Airports, Emirates Flight Catering, Dubai FDI, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Emaar Retail and Roads and Transport Authority among others.