Museum of the Future launches exclusive summer activations
As part of the museum's special summer activations and for the first time, visitors will be able to enter the museum at any time during operating hours, with Summer Pass holders receiving exclusive access to seasonal events and behind-the-scenes experiences. The initiative reflects the museum's ongoing commitment to education, wellness, creativity, and innovation.
Meet an Astronaut Headline activations include 'Meet an Astronaut', scheduled for both 14 July and 21 july, where guests will have the opportunity to interact with members of the UAE Space Programme including real-life astronauts from Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Visitors will gain insight into the country's evolving space ambitions during the two space-themed days.
Capture the Future As part of the summer activations, the museum will also introduce 'Capture the Future,' a guided photography tour starting 14 July, led by in-house experts. Participants will learn creative approaches to visual storytelling through the museum's very own lens, with early-morning sessions offering exclusive access to the museum's most photogenic spaces.
Wellness Weekends On weekends from 19 July to 29 August, 'Wellness Weekends' will take place at Al Waha, where yoga and meditation sessions will be offered. These sessions will be delivered in collaboration with renowned yoga instructors providing a reflective and rejuvenating start to the day.
Further experiences include 'Light the Future', a one-of-a-kind interactive activation where a handful of guests will have the chance to illuminate the museum's iconic façade. This moment allows participants to quite literally switch on the Museum of the Future lights, allowing visitors to leave their mark and become part of the museum's story in a truly unforgettable way.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours During the summer months, visitors can now also book a behind-the-scenes tour where they are offered a rare glimpse into the operational, architectural systems that support the building. For the first time ever, guest will get access to back-of-house places that were not accessible to the public before.
Additional Activities: A rotating schedule of additional activations will be confirmed over the coming weeks, including poetry and book readings as well as test drive experiences with Audi's newest cars.
Updates will be shared via the museum's official social media channels and website
Meanwhile, the 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is in full swing across the city, bringing yet another week of unforgettable offers and endless opportunities to win big. Thousands of phenomenal shopping experiences, retail offers, rewarding promotions, and sensational prizes are still up for grabs until 31 August.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the first wave of Summer Holiday Offers is counting down its final days until 17 July with exclusive deals across more than 800 brands and 3,000 outlets, together with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to obtain staggering prizes across a variety of raffles.
Keep a lookout for the mind-blowing deals and exciting offers this week... Summer Holiday Offers Summer Holiday Offers, the first dedicated retail season of DSS 2025, is in full swing with 25 to 75 per cent discounts across hundreds of participating brands citywide, alongside spend-and-win activations at Mercato Mall, Majid Al Futtaim malls, Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Outlet Mall, loyalty-programme rewards from Tickit and AURA, as well as the DFRE signature Lucky Receipt promotion.
BRAND NEW THIS WEEK Sparkling Jewels Week with Damas .Date: 11-17 July Location: Participating Damas stores citywide. About: Shoppers who spend Dhs 500 or more at Damas stores across the city will be entered into a special raffle for the chance to win stunning Gaia jewellery, with seven lucky winners and one mega prize winner set to walk away with dazzling rewards. Customers can enjoy up to 50% off on a wide selection of exquisite pieces, plus receive gift vouchers worth Dhs 300 with every purchase of Dhs 3,000.
Voyage Club at City Centre Mirdif. Date: 17 July to 31 August. Location: City Centre Mirdif. Inspired by the French Riviera, this indoor beach club-style pop-up features summer-themed workshops, a creative art space, exclusive brand showcases, games, and food and drink. Shoppers who spend Dhs 200 or more (excluding Carrefour) can access the Voyage Club by showing their receipts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
4 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
How to Boost Business Sales During Dubai's Hottest Months
When summer arrives in Dubai, businesses across sectors brace for the inevitable: temperatures soaring above 45°C, residents escaping to cooler destinations, and a sharp drop in retail and in-person engagement. According to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the summer months between June and August typically see a 20–30% decline in consumer footfall, especially in non-tourism sectors. But should this seasonal dip be treated as a pause—or a pivot point? What if the summer slowdown is actually an opportunity in disguise? Could lower day-to-day demand create space to test bolder ideas, improve customer journeys, or tap into overlooked revenue streams? In this article, we explore practical strategies and expert-backed solutions to help businesses not just survive Dubai's hottest months but actually grow. From hyper-targeted digital marketing and inventory optimization to leveraging government-led events like Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), this is your guide to staying commercially active, even when the streets get quiet. Shift Focus to High-Intent Online Shoppers As the mercury rises in Dubai, so does mobile usage. With outdoor footfall declining, people naturally turn to their phones indoors, whether lounging at home, in malls, or during travel breaks. According to a report by Hootsuite and We Are Social, mobile connections in the UAE reached 21.5 million in 2024, with user activity peaking during the summer months when physical movement slows down. But how do you turn this passive scrolling into active sales? One smart tactic is to target high-intent users through behavioral retargeting. These are users who have visited your site, added items to their cart, browsed specific product categories, or interacted with your ads—but haven't purchased yet. Instead of spreading your ad budget thin, you focus on those already halfway through the funnel. Platforms like Google Ads and Meta Business Suite offer precise retargeting options based on user actions, visit frequency, and time spent on product pages. Want to know where your website might be losing them? This is where technical tools make a big difference. Install heatmaps and session recording software (like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity) to see exactly how users navigate your site. You can identify friction points—like buttons people ignore, forms they abandon, or pages where they lose interest. Use these insights to tweak layouts, speed up loading times, or streamline checkout flows—all of which improve conversion rates. Summer might slow things down on the streets, but online, it's peak observation season. The trick is to analyze, personalize, and optimize every digital touchpoint. Offer Time-Limited Micro-Services or Products Summer is the perfect time to repackage what you already offer into smaller, sharper solutions. With people traveling, budgeting, or adjusting their routines, attention spans shrink—and so does willingness to commit long-term. That's where short-term, time-sensitive offerings can shine. Micro-services or seasonal bundles appeal to a need for flexibility and low-risk purchases. A digital marketing agency could introduce a 'Summer SEO Sprint'—a 2-week audit and optimization package. A wellness brand might create an indoor relaxation kit bundled with cooling oils, yoga videos, and healthy snacks. Co-working spaces can launch 'Work from Cool' passes for short-term remote work clients escaping the heat. Think of it as adjusting your offer to meet current habits, not creating from scratch. And the time-limited nature of the offer adds urgency. People tend to respond faster when they know something won't be around next month. According to research in behavioral economics, urgency paired with simplicity reduces decision fatigue and increases conversions. The focus should be on offering something timely, practical, and easy to engage with—something that fits naturally into a customer's summer routine. When your offer feels useful, temporary, and easy to try, it becomes much harder to ignore. Run 'Reverse Campaigns' Geared Towards Traveling Customers Summer in Dubai sees a significant chunk of residents heading abroad—but that doesn't mean they disconnect completely. Many continue to browse, scroll, and shop online while on vacation. So instead of writing them off, why not target them where they already are? Use geotargeted ads and email marketing to reach UAE-based expats while they're overseas. Offer international shipping for products they miss from home, or let them schedule appointments and consultations in advance for their return. A smart example? Salons launching 'Return & Glow' packages that customers can pre-book from Europe or Asia, ensuring a pampering slot right after their flight back. By flipping the narrative and marketing to people outside the country—with a local touch—you stay top-of-mind even when they're miles away. Rethink In-Store Experience: From Retail to Refuge During peak summer, stepping outdoors in Dubai can feel like walking into an oven. For physical stores, this is a chance to reposition—not as mere shopping spots, but as cool, welcoming spaces worth visiting. Small touches go a long way. Install misting systems near entrances, offer complimentary iced drinks, or partner with local cafés for pop-up counters. Parents running errands? A kids' play area inside your store might turn a quick stop into a longer visit. For an added edge, consider using IoT sensors to monitor foot traffic and temperature zones within your space. This data helps you rearrange layouts or add seating in high-stay areas, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. When done right, your store becomes more than retail—it becomes relief. Strategic Collaborations with Opposite-Season Industries While some sectors slow down in summer, others peak. Indoor play centers, home maintenance services, online learning platforms, and AC providers often see steady or increased demand. Collaborating with them can help businesses tap into active audiences without reinventing the wheel. Think bundled promotions—like a retail brand offering discounts through a kids' play zone, or a productivity app co-hosting a webinar with an online course platform. Even a simple referral exchange with an AC service company can drive surprising traffic your way. These cross-industry collaborations don't just share customers; they share momentum. When done right, they keep your business visible and relevant, even when footfall drops. Take Advantage of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) Dubai Summer Surprises brings a surge in local shopping activity, creating a valuable window for businesses to align with the city's seasonal buzz. Align your offers with DSS themes or calendar dates. Whether it's limited-time bundles, store-wide discounts, or gamified shopping rewards, syncing with DSS gives you both visibility and footfall. Better yet, explore co-promotions through DSS-affiliated platforms or malls to amplify reach. If your brand isn't part of the official campaign, you can still echo its momentum by running your own 'summer surprise' sales and promoting them with DSS-style visuals or messaging. Shoppers are already primed to expect value—meet them there. Tap Into Corporate Clients & B2B Upselling Summer might feel quiet on the surface, but key decision-makers in many companies are still working behind the scenes—planning budgets, reviewing vendors, and setting up for Q4. This is a smart time to shift focus toward B2B opportunities. Businesses can roll out corporate-specific packages such as discounted bulk deals, annual service contracts, or mid-year consultations that help clients prepare for the year-end rush. For service-based companies, offering a summer check-in or tune-up plan can position you as a strategic partner, not just a provider. By addressing their needs now—when they have more time and mental space—you increase your chances of becoming part of their long-term plans. Use This Time for Data-Driven Experiments Fewer transactions might seem like a slowdown, but they also reduce the risk of testing new ideas. Summer is the perfect season to run controlled experiments that would be too disruptive during busier months. Try A/B testing everything from pricing models to ad copy to email automation flows. If you've been hesitant to launch a referral system or rework your loyalty program, now's the time to pilot it on a smaller audience and refine based on behavior. The insights you gain now can help you hit the ground running once peak season returns. Upgrade Sales Infrastructure for Post-Summer Gains Slower summer months give you the breathing room to improve the backend of your business. Instead of chasing short-term wins, focus on setting up the right systems that will drive better sales once demand picks up again. Start with simple upgrades: Automate follow-up emails or WhatsApp messages for abandoned carts or post-purchase check-ins. Refine your CRM segments to better target customers based on behavior, spending history, or location. Integrate a smart chatbot that handles common questions, freeing up your team and keeping leads warm. Looking ahead, consider using AI-based forecasting tools to analyze browsing and purchase trends during the summer. This can help predict what your audience might be interested in post-August—and give you a head start on inventory planning, content creation, and campaign development. Think of this as tuning your engine before a race—not immediately flashy, but critical for long-term growth. Slower seasons don't mean your business has to stand still. Summer in Dubai, while challenging, also opens up space for reflection, refinement, and smart experimentation. It's a window where small adjustments—often overlooked during busier months—can quietly shape stronger performance later. Instead of pausing, pick one part of your sales process this week—be it outreach, packaging, or response time—and see how it can be improved. This steady, strategic approach won't just help you survive the heat. It'll prepare you to move faster when things cool down. Also read: The Importance of Cyber Insurance for Dubai Businesses Cyber insurance helps Dubai businesses manage rising digital threats, protect their finances, and stay compliant with evolving data laws. Protect Your Ideas: Trademark Registration in Dubai Learn how to register a trademark in Dubai with this step-by-step 2025 guide. Understand eligibility, costs, legal benefits, and common mistakes to protect your brand effectively in the UAE. UAE Leads the World in Mobile Shopping Adoption: Visa The UAE has become the global leader in mobile shopping, outpacing advanced markets like Singapore and the UK, according to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index released by Visa Acceptance Solutions and PYMNTS Intelligence. Everything You Need to Know About Local SEO in Dubai Explore why local SEO matters, how to implement it effectively, and how to track your success. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to boost your visibility and attract the right customers in Dubai's competitive digital landscape.
What's On
a day ago
- What's On
Get up to 90% off in this 12-hour summer sale on July 18 in Dubai
Dubai Summer Surprises is back for a new edition, and if you're looking to indulge in some retail therapy soon, then now is the perfect time. Dubai residents – a sale is coming your way and we see discounts of up to 90% written in your future. Part of the DSS calendar, the Great Dubai Summer Sale is running for one day only, on July 18, for just 12 hours, which means you need to be locked and loaded to swipe that card. The sale will take place from 10am to 10pm at five malls across Dubai – Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me'aisem, and My City Centre Al Barsha. The offering? More than 100 participating brands, so you're spoilt for choice. Of course, if it's GDSS, then it's not just a sale. Shoppers also have the chance to win prizes by spending Dhs300 or more at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, and City Centre Deira. Spin the special prize wheel for instant rewards, and if you're shopping for fashion, accessories, or F&B, you can even unlock 5% cashback via the SHARE app by scanning the receipts. At Mall of the Emirates, there's more to win with up to 20X SHARE points on spends of up to Dhs2,000 or more in a single transaction. This limited time sale marks the launch of the GDSS period, running from July 18 to August 10 across the city – a time of massive savings, winnings and more. It's the first of many more such exciting sprints to come. What's more at DSS? Running throughout summer, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy exclusive retail offers and unbeatable bargains at DSS until August 31, 2025. Besides the Great Dubai Summer Sale, this edition will include one other distinct shopping window: Back to School , running from August 11 to 31. DSS is not just about saving money with discounts, the city will come alive with incredible things to do; expect mall activations, A-list concerts, world-class dining, and even iconic getaways at citywide hotels and attractions. And of course, everyone's favourite Modesh and friends will be around to meet and greet all his fans. The remaining highlights Shreya Ghoshal at Dubai World Trade Centre: Saturday, July 19 Saturday, July 19 Made in Kuwaiti (theatrical play) at Dubai Opera: Friday, August 29 and 30 For more information, head to website and @DubaiFestivals and of course, stay tuned to > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The National
a day ago
- The National
Visiting UAE during summer: Everything tourists need to know
Summer weather in the UAE can get intense, but that doesn't mean tourists need to avoid visiting here. In fact, it can be one of the best times to come since it's less busy and there are a number of deals to be found at hotels, restaurants, malls and spas. With world-class indoor attractions, subsidised room rates and modern infrastructure built to withstand the heat – perhaps you'll even find yourself wishing for a jumper when in the mall – the Emirates welcomes plenty of visitors even in July and August. Here's what you need to know before stepping off the plane. How hot is it, really? Make no mistake, it is hot. Temperatures regularly cross the 45°C mark, and on some days it can feel even hotter due to the humidity levels, especially near the coast. Meanwhile, overnight lows stay well above 30°C and, again, humidity levels often make it unpleasant to be outside even when the moon is out. The sun can be particularly unforgiving between 11am and 4pm. Outdoors, especially without shade or hydration, it can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous. The government issues regular warnings for heatstroke risk and encourages people to stay indoors during peak hours. Does that mean everything shuts down during the day? Not at all. Shopping malls, indoor attractions and restaurants are bustling even during the summer. You'll find many malls hosting summer festivals, notably Dubai Summer Surprises, an annual shopping and entertainment event that brings discounts, raffle draws and children's activations across myriad malls, plus a number of indoor concerts. There are also dedicated summer entertainment programmes to keep families engaged. For example, Dubai Sports World takes over Dubai World Trade Centre's exhibition halls in August, with more than 40 courts and pitches across 300,000 square feet of indoor space. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of sport, from badminton to basketball and padel to pickleball, plus spinning, CrossFit and even zones for children. Elsewhere, many restaurants cover up their outdoor sections with air-conditioned tents, from beach clubs such as Barasti and Baoli to family-friendly Phileas Fogg's. What summer deals are there? Dubai Summer Surprises aside, the first Great Dubai Summer Sale will take place for three weeks from July 18. It offers majors discounts at more than 800 brands, with up to 90 per cent off during flash sales, as well as cashback offers and prize draws. Discover the best hotel rates of the year across many of the properties in the UAE, as well as excellent summer offers. At Palazzo Versace Dubai, until September 30, guests spending a minimum of Dh1,000 across the hotel – whether on room rates, at the restaurant or in the spa – will receive a guaranteed flight ticket to a destination of their choice, depending on departure location. At JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, anyone spending at least Dh150 in one of the restaurants will get 50 per cent off on room rates for a stay that same night. In Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island has a range of packages for visitors, including a deal where two children under 12 can stay, play and dine for free with two paying adults at participating luxury hotels on the island. There's also the Stay & Play package, where guests get free entry to Louvre Abu Dhabi and a Yas Island theme park for each night of their stay. Yas Island has a similar Kids Go Free offer valid until September 30, which allows up to two children under 12 complimentary accommodation, theme park access and dining when two adults book a package at participating hotels. Outside the hotels, the UAE's theme parks also have special offers. For example, at Dubai Parks and Resorts, get access to two of the parks – from Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai or Legoland Water Park – for the price of one (Dh295). Then there are restaurants, where attractive dining deals and special menus launch at this time of year. W Dubai 's Taste of W offers exclusive set menus across four of its outlets, including Michelin-recommended Akira Back, for Dh220 per person. Elsewhere, at Catch at St Regis in The St Regis Abu Dhabi, a new menu inspired by South American-style ceviche is on offer throughout July. Spa deals are also prevalent during summer, allowing guests access to some of the city's most luxurious havens for a fraction of their usual price. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, for example, is offering complimentary day passes to its beach and pool with all couples' treatments until September 30. In Dubai, at Five Palm Jumeirah, get a 30-minute body exfoliation and 60-minute cold stone massage for Dh695 with its new Snatched for Summer treatment. Elsewhere, Kalm Grooming Salon at Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah has 30 per cent off on all its barber and grooming services. What are some of the best indoor activities to try? The UAE excels at indoor entertainment, so you're absolutely spoilt for choice. In Abu Dhabi, don't miss a visit to Saadiyat Cultural District's fabulous museums, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, an interactive digital art experience. Over on Al Qana, there's The National Aquarium, while Reem Mall has an indoor snow park. And you can't leave Abu Dhabi without a visit to Yas Island, where you'll find some of the capital's best indoor attractions, such as Warner Bros World theme park, Yas Mall, Etihad Arena and Clymb Abu Dhabi, home to the region's tallest indoor climbing wall and where you'll get 20 per cent off with your Yas theme parks tickets this summer. In Dubai, a visit to Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, is a must for any tourist. Inside, you'll find everything from an underwater zoo to a virtual-reality park and an ice rink. Mall of the Emirates is also worth a visit for Ski Dubai, the famous indoor ski resort with real snow year-round. Elsewhere, the Green Planet is an indoor tropical rainforest with more than 3,000 plants and animals. For a spot of culture, a visit to the Museum of the Future, where the exhibits explore our planetary future, is a must. Sharjah is also an excellent place to visit come summer due to its focus on indoor cultural attractions and fantastic museums, where a seasonal programme of exhibitions is ongoing. Head to Sharjah Art Foundation, where you'll find Rain Room, a permanent immersive art installation that invites visitors to walk through a downpour of continuous rain without getting wet. Is there anything I can't do? We don't advise spending much time outside during peak daylight hours, between 11am and 4pm, so you won't be walking around sightseeing or sunbathing on a beach. Desert activities such as dune bashing, camping and camel riding aren't possible in the daytime during the hottest weeks of the year. Some outdoor attractions will have reduced daylight hours, while seasonal events and venues will be closed altogether, such as Global Village, Dubai Miracle Garden, Ripe Market and Dubai Safari Park. What should I pack in my suitcase? Pack for the heat, but also plan for being indoors where it can be quite cold because of the superior air-conditioning systems, so a light jacket or shawl is essential. Breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton are imperative but remember modest dress is appreciated as this is still an Islamic country, so be respectful – avoid short shorts, crop tops and transparent fabrics in public areas unless you're at a beach or swimming pool. Also, don't forget your high-SPF sun cream, hats and UV-protection sunglasses. Bring a refillable water bottle as you'll find refill stations dotted around the country and it's crucial to stay hydrated in the UAE summer.
