Dubai, 06 September 2008: The Ramadan SMS Challenge, launched by du, the UAE’s integrated telecom operator, has exceeded all expectations with over 350,000 SMS hits recorded on the first four days of Ramadan. Intended to create a bond between members of the society by encouraging them to consult with each other for the right answers, the Ramadan SMS challenge has weekly prizes and a surprise grand prize to be won, apart from free credits for every correct answer.

 

Commenting on the response to the Ramadan SMS challenge, Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du, said: “The initial response has far exceeded our expectations. We are sure that it will continue to pick up momentum over the next few days. I urge everyone to participate in this exciting challenge and get rewarded in the process, both with free credits, as well as with increased knowledge of the UAE's culture and Ramadan.”

 

Four easy steps to participate in du Ramadan SMS challenge 1. Customer sends an SMS with the word ‘quiz’ to short code 1000 to participate in English and the word لغز to short code 1000 to play the Ramadan SMS challenge in Arabic. 2. Customer receives an SMS that explains how the quiz works with the first multiple choice question with 3 options (a,b orc) 3. Customer replies to the question with the correct answer (i.e. a, b or c) 4. If the customer is uncertain, then clues for a particular answer can be sought by calling the number 055 5678111. Normal call charges apply.

 

The rewards: For every correct answer, the customer gets 10 fils of FREE credit. The top weekly winner gets FREE credit of AED 5500 and the next top 55 participants every week get FREE credit of AED 550 each. There is also an attractive grand prize for the overall top winner.

 

The free credit will be added to the balance of du Pay as you Go customers on a weekly basis and to the monthly bill of the du Monthly Plan customers. The winners would be separately notified through SMS

 

Ramadan with du this year: In line with the spirit of Ramadan and commitment to community involvement, du is celebrating Ramadan with exciting offers and activities. The entire range of activities is being offered under the theme ‘Little Things Matter’. Mobile Content: In a partnership with MBC, du is offering the Pocket Series ‘Rabeh wa Al Douktora’ that are developed specifically for the mobile audience and is available exclusively to all du customers with 3G enabled mobile phones. du customers can also watch exclusively the Freej Seasons 1and 2 and Al Majd channel as part of the Mobile TV offering. Other mobile content being offered includes free Ramadan mobile downloads and free Hadeeth of the day.

 

More details on du’s Ramadan activities can be accessed at www.du.ae