Dubai eGovernment drops participation fee for DSS events, eChamp and eStar

Participants in eChamp and eStar, two popular IT-based fun competitions organised by Dubai eGovernment as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2004, can now compete in the programmes free of charge, following a decision by Dubai eGovernment to cancel the participation fee.

The eChamp and eStar competitions, being held at the Modhesh Fun City, have generated an overwhelming response from residents as well as visitors, prompting Dubai eGovernment to do away with the participation fee, with the objective of allowing more people to participate and gain new insights into IT.

Commenting on the move, Marwan Al Naqi, Head of Dubai eGovernment Committee for DSS, said: "The eChamp and eStar competitions have generated immense interest among participants of all ages. Of the 60 percent Arab contestants, 40 per cent were visitors from Saudi Arabia, 45 per cent from UAE and 15 per cent from the rest of GCC. The remaining 40 percent of the total participants belonged to various other nationalities. Our long-term strategy is to make the entire community computer literate, and to achieve our goal we keep adding new facilities to our portfolio of electronic services. As a result of removing the participation fee, we expect more people to enhance their computer skills and thus be better prepared to take full advantage of our eServices."

Saeed Al Nabouda, CEO, Dubai Summer Surprises, said: "We welcome the decision by Dubai eGovernment to make these events free to all participants. This will boost the DSS Organising Committee's efforts to make DSS events attractive and accessible to all. This move by Dubai eGovernment will help the programme achieve bigger success through increased participation and raise the bar on the quality of events being conducted as part of DSS." 

eChamp, which targets youngsters aged between 7 and 18, tests the participants' skills in Word, Excel and Internet browsing. Dubai eGovernment runs testing centres at Modhesh Fun City where participants sit for an exam. Each week, the participant with the highest grade will be selected. At the end of DSS ten top contestants will vie for the title of eChamp. eStar follows a similar format but targets older participants who have to be above 18.

Other key IT events hosted by Dubai eGovernment as part of DSS are Bayt Al Khobra and eFamily. Bayt Al Khobra provides government departments and private sector participants a chance to come together and demonstrate Dubai eGovernment's capabilities in eServices, Marketing Facilities, Human Resources and Training.