logo
Dubai's rarest shopping bonanza: 90% off, AED 1 million prize, cars, everything you need to know

Dubai's rarest shopping bonanza: 90% off, AED 1 million prize, cars, everything you need to know

Time of India16-07-2025
TL;DR:
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 runs from June 27 to August 31, split into three shopping seasons.
(DSS) 2025 runs from June 27 to August 31, split into three shopping seasons. The Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS) takes place from July 18 to August 10, with up to 90% off across 3,000+ stores.
(GDSS) takes place from July 18 to August 10, with up to 90% off across 3,000+ stores. Shoppers spending AED 300+ can scan receipts to enter prize draws for cash, cars, and more exciting rewards.
Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 and the Great Dubai Summer Sale
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 returns for its 28th edition, running from June 27 to August 31, offering 66 non-stop days packed with thousands of deals, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DSS makes summer one of the best value seasons to experience Dubai.
For the first time, DSS is divided into three distinct shopping seasons, each featuring exclusive promotions, mall activations, raffles, world-class dining, family fun, and a packed events calendar:
Summer Holiday Offers (June 27 – July 17)
Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS) (July 18 – August 10)
Back to School (August 11 – August 31)
The Great Dubai Summer Sale, a key highlight within DSS, runs from July 18 to August 10 and delivers city-wide savings, flash sales, and life-changing rewards.
With discounts of up to 90% on thousands of products—including fashion, electronics, home essentials, and luxury items, across more than 3,000 stores and 800 brands citywide, GDSS promises an unmatched shopping experience.
The season kicks off with the GDSS 12-Hour Sale, a one-day mega event on July 18, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, held at five Majid Al Futtaim malls:
Mall of the Emirates
City Centre Mirdif
City Centre Deira
City Centre Me'aisem
My City Centre Al Barsha
Over 100 top local and international brands will participate, offering jaw-dropping discounts on fashion, beauty, electronics, groceries, homeware, and more.
Spend, Scan & Win – A Summer of Prizes
A key highlight of GDSS is the Shop, Scan and Win promotion. Shoppers who make eligible purchases at participating retailers can scan their receipts to enter a grand prize draw, with rewards that include:
AED 1 million in cash
A brand-new Nissan Patrol
This headline offer isn't the only chance to win. Other mega raffle prizes throughout GDSS and DSS 2025 include:
AED 10,000 in Tickit rewards
A Polestar 4 LRSM at Dubai Festival City Mall
A Soueast S06 SUV at Dubai Outlet Mall
And that's not all. As part of the larger DSS 2025 prize pool (which runs until August 31), shoppers stand a chance to win:
Nine brand-new cars
30 gold bars
Jewellery vouchers worth AED 175,000 for 50 lucky winners
Also, until July 17, customers can participate in the DSS Lucky Receipt promotion, unlocking daily prizes simply by shopping at participating venues.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Member Rewards – Skywards and SHARE Programs Offer Extra Benefits
In addition to deals and draws, loyalty program members are in for generous bonuses:
Skywards Everyday Members:
25% bonus Miles on all eligible transactions.
Spend AED 100 or more with any Skywards Everyday or Skywards Miles Mall partner for a chance to win a share of 1 million Skywards Miles.
SHARE Rewards from Majid Al Futtaim:
Instant 5% cashback on fashion, accessories, or F&B purchases at City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, via scanned receipts in the SHARE app.
Up to 20x SHARE points on single transactions of AED 2,000 or more at Mall of the Emirates.
An additional 1 million SHARE points are also up for grabs during the sale season.
These incentives aim to maximize the value of every spend while enhancing the shopping experience for regular customers and new visitors alike.
Flash Sales & Themed Events – Unmissable Shopping Moments
The GDSS calendar is filled with limited-time flash sales, offering surprise discounts across multiple product categories throughout the season. Shoppers can look forward to:
GDSS 12-Hour Sale (July 18)
Daily Surprises with mystery deals each day
Gold & Jewellery Flash Sales – ideal for those looking to invest or gift
Beat the Clock Offers in partnership with Rivoli Group
Shop for Free Weekend at Al Jaber Optical
Dubai Hills Mall One-Day Sale
These events are strategically spread out to keep the excitement and momentum alive all the way until August 10, ensuring there's something new and compelling every time shoppers return.
The Great Dubai Summer Sale 2025 brings unbeatable deals, surprise flash sales, and life-changing prizes across the city.
Shoppers are advised to stay updated through SHARE, Skywards Everyday, and DSS platforms, as scanned receipts from eligible purchases can unlock big rewards.
FAQs:
Q. What are the dates for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025?
June 27 to August 31, 2025.
Q. When is the Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS)?
From July 18 to August 10, 2025.
Q. What discounts are available during GDSS?
Up to 90% off on thousands of products across the city.
Q. How do I enter the GDSS prize draws?
Spend AED 300 or more at participating stores and scan your receipt to enter.
Q. What special event launches GDSS?
The GDSS 12-Hour Sale on July 18, from 10 AM to 10 PM, at five major malls.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE to increase card fees for foreign transactions: Here's how expats can avoid extra charges
UAE to increase card fees for foreign transactions: Here's how expats can avoid extra charges

Time of India

time7 hours ago

  • Time of India

UAE to increase card fees for foreign transactions: Here's how expats can avoid extra charges

UAE expats may face higher charges on international card use starting September/ Representative Image TL;DR From Sept 22, UAE banks will raise fees on international card use to 3.14%, impacting travel and global online purchases. Expats sending money home or spending abroad will see higher charges on every swipe. There are ways to reduce costs, but only if you know where to look. Living in the UAE often means your life spans borders, you earn dirhams here, but spend and support back home or elsewhere. Whether it's booking flights, sending gifts to family, or shopping online in another currency, using your UAE-issued card is part of the routine. But from September 22, that routine gets more expensive. Several UAE banks are updating their international transaction fees. The charge on every card (debit and credit cards) purchase or ATM withdrawal made outside the country, or in a foreign currency, will rise to 3.14%, up from the current 2.09%. That's a full percentage point higher than what most expats currently pay. For many, that's not just a one-off charge, it's a recurring cost on everything from remittance-related services to travel spending. Why This Matters to Expats More Than Most For UAE Expats, international spending is about to get more expensive. This fee hike might seem like a small number on paper, but over time, it hits harder for expats who regularly: Book flights for family visits Use UAE cards for school fees abroad Shop online in foreign currencies Send money via platforms that use card payments Withdraw cash while travelling or visiting home If you're sending AED 3,000 to a relative using a platform that charges your card in dollars, expect to lose AED 94.20 to card fees alone. It adds up. What's Behind the Fee Increase? The 3.14% charge includes two parts: 1% – taken by global card networks like Visa or Mastercard for currency conversion 2.14% – added by your local bank as a processing fee These rates aren't new globally, but the adjustment brings UAE fees closer in line with international benchmarks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cargo Ship Meets Pirates - Watch What the Captain Does Next! Tips and Tricks Undo Banks say the change reflects rising operational costs. But for cardholders, especially expats managing cross-border expenses, it just means more money out the door. How You Can Cut Down on These Charges While you might not be able to avoid the new fees entirely, here are ways to spend smarter: Use multicurrency cards or wallets: Some UAE fintech platforms offer prepaid travel cards where you can lock in exchange rates and avoid foreign fees. These are handy for frequent travellers or expats who split time between countries. Choose the right bank card: Some premium credit cards in the UAE waive international transaction fees, but you'll need to check eligibility, as they often require a higher income or annual fee. Avoid paying in AED abroad: At stores or ATMs overseas, always choose to pay in the local currency. Opting for AED might seem easier but usually costs more due to poor exchange rates and hidden charges (known as Dynamic Currency Conversion or DCC). Reduce card-based remittances: If you're using cards for cross-border payments, look into direct bank transfers or licensed exchange houses with lower overall fees. What's Coming Next? There's talk of a UAE-based payment alternative, Jaywan, going global later this year. It's designed to offer smoother and possibly cheaper international transactions. But for now, it's still in early stages and doesn't solve the immediate cost hike facing expats in 2025. FAQs 1. Will this impact online purchases from abroad? Yes. Any time your card is charged in a non-dirham currency, including international websites, the 3.14% fee will apply. 2. Are debit cards affected too? Yes. Both debit and credit cards from most UAE banks will carry this new fee structure. 3. What if I use a UAE exchange house or transfer app? It depends. If the app charges your card in a foreign currency, you'll still pay the fee. Direct bank transfers are usually a safer bet.

UAE petrol prices August 2025: Stability ahead or another bump? Here's what you need to know
UAE petrol prices August 2025: Stability ahead or another bump? Here's what you need to know

Time of India

time10 hours ago

  • Time of India

UAE petrol prices August 2025: Stability ahead or another bump? Here's what you need to know

UAE petrol prices fluctuated monthly in 2025, driven by global oil trends and seasonal demand/ Image: File TL;DR Fuel prices in August 2025 are likely to stay flat or see a slight increase. July saw one of the highest rates this year, driven by global oil trends. Final August rates will be announced on July 31, taking effect August 1. Fuel prices in the UAE are watched closely. Not just by drivers, but by everyone, from delivery businesses to families managing monthly budgets. Prices affect how much we pay for transport, food, and just about everything else that moves. Right now, all eyes are on August 2025. After a steep rise in July, people are hoping for a break. Will prices finally ease off? Or are we looking at another bump? The official word will come out on Thursday, July 31. That's when the UAE's fuel price committee announces the new rates for petrol and diesel. The new prices will take effect on Friday, August 1. But based on how things look globally, and what's happened so far this year, we might not see a big change. Here's why. Why Prices Might Stay Where They Are (Or Go Up Slightly) So far, there's no strong reason to expect a major drop. Here's what's playing into the current forecast: Summer Demand Is High: It's the peak travel season. More people are on the road, both inside and outside the UAE. That usually pushes fuel demand up, which can hold prices steady, or even lift them a bit. Global Oil Prices Have Stabilized: Crude oil markets have been mostly calm lately. There haven't been any sudden shocks or big supply cuts. But they also haven't dropped much, so there's no real pressure to cut prices locally. OPEC+ Is Watching Supply Closely: Major oil-producing countries have been signaling plans to slowly increase output. That could help balance prices over time, but any impact may be gradual rather than immediate. Unless there's a surprise, like a new geopolitical crisis or a big drop in global demand, it's likely we'll see prices remain roughly the same or inch up slightly in August. A Look Back: UAE Petrol Prices So Far in 2025 To understand where we're headed, it helps to see the full picture. Here's a breakdown of how petrol and diesel prices have moved this year: 1. January 2025: Fuel prices started the year at moderate levels: Super 98 – AED 2.61, Special 95 – AED 2.50, E-Plus 91 – AED 2.43, Diesel – AED 2.68. 2. February 2025 (highest prices so far): This was the peak month for fuel prices in 2025: Super 98 – AED 2.74, Special 95 – AED 2.63, E-Plus 91 – AED 2.55, Diesel – AED 2.82. 3. March 2025: Prices dipped slightly compared to February: Super 98 – AED 2.73, Special 95 – AED 2.61, E-Plus 91 – AED 2.51, Diesel – AED 2.77. 4. April 2025 (lowest prices so far): This month recorded the cheapest fuel of the year: Super 98 – AED 2.57, Special 95 – AED 2.46, E-Plus 91 – AED 2.38, Diesel – AED 2.63. 5. May 2025: Prices stayed mostly steady: Super 98 – AED 2.58, Special 95 – AED 2.47, E-Plus 91 – AED 2.39, Diesel – AED 2.52. 6. June 2025: Very similar to May, with minor adjustments: Super 98 – AED 2.58, Special 95 – AED 2.47, E-Plus 91 – AED 2.39, Diesel – AED 2.45. 7. July 2025 (second-highest prices): Prices rose again this month: Super 98 – AED 2.70, Special 95 – AED 2.58, E-Plus 91 – AED 2.51, Diesel – AED 2.63. As you can see, July marked a clear jump in prices, especially compared to May and June. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo The reason? A mix of global uncertainty, oil supply speculation, and market volatility. As The National, a local media outlet, noted in a July report, geopolitical shifts and supply concerns played a role in pushing prices up. What's Next for Drivers? The reality is, we won't know the exact prices for August until the official update on July 31. But based on recent patterns and the wider oil market, there's no strong reason to expect a big price drop. A small increase? Possible. A flat rate? Likely. A significant drop? Not very likely, at least not in August. Still, the UAE remains one of the top 25 countries with the lowest fuel prices worldwide, averaging around AED 2.58 per litre. Compared to many other countries, that's still considered affordable. But with inflation and rising living costs globally, every dirham at the pump still counts. Even a 10 or 15 fils rise per litre adds up over a month for regular commuters. FAQs 1. When will the UAE petrol prices for August 2025 be announced? The official announcement is expected on Thursday, July 31. The new prices will take effect on Friday, August 1. 2. Why did petrol prices rise in July 2025? Global oil market instability, driven by geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ speculations, and changing demand, led to the second-highest fuel prices in the UAE this year. 3. Could prices still drop later in the year? Yes. If global supply increases, demand falls, or oil prices dip sharply, we could see a decrease in the coming months. But for August, a drop is unlikely.

UAE Golden Visa for property investors: How real estate investors can secure UAE's 10-year residency
UAE Golden Visa for property investors: How real estate investors can secure UAE's 10-year residency

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

UAE Golden Visa for property investors: How real estate investors can secure UAE's 10-year residency

Real estate investors can now apply for Golden Visa with AED 2 Million Property/Representative image TL;DR: Real estate investors who own property worth ≥ AED 2 million in the UAE can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa . Off‑plan, ready, commercial, or residential properties count, with proof of investment and registration. Must retain property ownership for at least 2 years post-approval. Includes visa for spouse, children (sons up to 25, daughters any age), parents, and domestic helpers. The UAE continues to expand its Golden Visa programme for foreign investors. Real estate investors who purchase property worth at least AED 2 million ($544,500) can apply for a 10‑year renewable residency permit. The policy applies across all emirates and includes off‑plan and ready properties, as long as the investment meets official minimum criteria and is either outright owned or financed under approved terms. This residency option provides long-term flexibility, independent living, and family sponsorship privileges. What is UAE Golden Visa ? Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to select groups of foreign nationals such as investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students who contribute significantly to the country's economy or society. Introduced in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa allows eligible individuals to live, work, study, and own businesses in the country without needing a local sponsor. The visa is typically valid for 5 or 10 years and is automatically renewable as long as the conditions are met. Key Features of the UAE Golden Visa: 10-year or 5-year renewable residency No Emirati sponsor required Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE without visa cancellation Full business ownership in mainland UAE Sponsorship of family members (spouse, children, parents, and domestic workers) Applicable to various categories: real estate investors, high-earning professionals, PhD holders, scientists, artists, and others The Golden Visa is part of the UAE's broader vision to retain global talent, attract foreign investment, and diversify the economy beyond oil. It provides security, long-term stability, and personal freedom for expatriates who previously had to rely on employer-sponsored, short-term visas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo What Is the Real Estate Golden Visa? The Real Estate Investor Golden Visa grants a 10‑year residency to foreign individuals investing in UAE property worth a minimum of AED 2 million. This route requires full ownership, including mortgaged properties as long as the loan value does not exceed 50% of the property and the ownership documentation is in the individual's name. Nomination and application are handled through official UAE channels, including the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Official Eligibility Criteria Minimum Investment Value Investor must own property (or multiple properties) valued at least AED 2 million in total. Ownership and Title Deed Ownership must be in the investor's name. Joint ownership is permitted if each individual's share meets the AED 2 million threshold. A title deed or value certificate issued by the Department of Municipalities and Transport or equivalent authority is mandatory. A bank-issued certification confirming compliance with the ownership rules is required. Investment Retention Period Property ownership must be retained for at least two years after visa issuance to maintain validity. Eligible Property Types Both off‑plan and completed residential or commercial properties qualify, provided that the development is approved by the relevant local land authority. Documentation must prove the AED 2 million payment or contract value. Benefits & Family Sponsorship 10-year, sponsor-free residency without need for local employer or sponsor. Family coverage includes spouse, children (sons up to 25 and daughters of any age), and domestic support staff. Visa holders may travel in and out of the UAE freely without requirements to maintain residence duration. How to Apply Secure property investment meeting AED 2 million criteria. Obtain title deed or developer contract, along with Real Estate Value Certificate from a local authority. If financed, collect a bank NOC. Submit application via ICP portal or through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) for nominations. Complete medical fitness test, biometrics, and Emirates ID process. Await approval, then receive visa stamping and Emirates ID. Real Estate Investor Golden Visa now offers global investors a streamlined and empowering pathway to long-term UAE residency. By meeting the AED 2 million threshold and retaining ownership for at least two years, investors unlock 10-year visa validity, family sponsorship, and freedom from employer dependency, all backed by official federal regulations. FAQ 1. What is the minimum investment required to get a Golden Visa through real estate? To qualify, an investor must own property worth at least AED 2 million. This can include one or multiple properties. 2. Can the AED 2 million investment be financed through a bank loan? Yes, but only if the loan is from specific UAE-based banks approved by the government. 3. Does the Golden Visa allow me to sponsor my family? Yes. Real estate Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and domestic workers as long as the visa remains valid. 4. How do I apply for the Golden Visa as a property investor? Applications can be submitted via the UAEICP smart portal or Dubai Land Department (DLD) app, along with title deed, passport copy, Emirates ID, and supporting financial documents.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store