Dubai Customs welcomes ladies from any nationality to compete

Dubai, July 15, 2004: The Dubai Summer Surprises Office yesterday began accepting  entry applications for the "Traditional Cooking Competition" scheduled for 'Heritage Surprises' week  organized by Dubai Customs from July 22 to 28.

Maitha Ghobash, Coordinator of Traditional Cooking Competition, said that the traditional cooking competition holds a special place in the hearts of the competitors because of its link to a country's traditional values and culture. "These foods are a way of life, something that is regularly eaten, and so the competition becomes a great opportunity for us to show the world who we are, to educate them through the smells and tastes of homemade food."

This year, in a departure from previous traditional cooking competitions during Heritage Surprises week, the cooking competition will feature not only traditional UAE cooking, but traditional food from all corners of the world.

"Visitors to the Heritage Surprises will be offered delicacies from Arabic, European and Indian cuisines," she said.

"Each country is specialized in the way they make their dishes, from deciding what ingredients go into the making of the dish to the preparation, the aroma and the final taste," she said. "It is a considerable skill, an art form that serves more than just a nutritional purpose."

Ladies are invited to prepare and present a dish that represents their nation and culture or one of their nation's most well-known dishes at the Bin Sougat Centre in Rashidiya during the week. The atmosphere in the mall is sure to be crackling with energy and excitement, with music from around the world and traditional singers on hand to liven up the evenings.

Held over a period of three days, the competition will feature a panel of judges culled from the DSS 2004 Office as well as the event sponsors. Judging will commence at 7.30 pm, after participants have had their chance to prepare and present their dishes, and three winners will be selected daily. First place winners will receive prizes worth 2000 AED, with second place winners receiving 1000 AED each, and third place winners 500 AED each, all sponsored by Bin Sougat Centre.

Registration for the competition will continue until Wednesday, July 21. Application forms are available at the DSS Office in the Economic Department in Dubai or by calling the Ahlan Dubai service number 600 545 5555.

Dubai Summer Surprises  is currently in the Flower Surprises week organised by Dubai Municipality until July 21, followed by Heritage Surprises week by Dubai Customs from July 22-28, Adventure Surprises by Dubai Police from July 29-August 4, Knowledge Surprises by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry from August 5-11, Back-2-School Surprises by the Department of Economic Development from August 12-18 and ending with the Colour Surprises by the Department of Health and Medical Sciences from August 19- 27, 2004.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact
Hessah Sultan Aurbaya,
Corporate Communication Coordinator,
Dubai Summer Surprises
Tel: +971-4-202 0510;
Fax: +971-4-222 1110
Email: haurbaya@mydsf.gov.ae-

© Press Release 2004