Latest news with #DSS2025
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Beyond the bargains: What makes Dubai Summer Surprises stand out?
Image credit: Supplied Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 has officially launched, transforming the city into a hub of excitement, unbeatable retail offers, family entertainment, and mega prize opportunities for residents and visitors over the next nine weeks, reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global summer destination. Read- For the first time in its history, DSS introduces three specially curated retail seasons aligned with the summer rhythm, ensuring continuous activity across Dubai's malls, attractions, hotels, and dining destinations while supporting the city's vision under the D33 economic agenda. Three retail seasons, one unmissable summer Shoppers can explore three consecutive retail windows under DSS 2025: Summer Holiday Offers (27 June–17 July): Kicking off the season with early promotions, citywide raffles, and savings of up to 75 per cent across leading brands. Great Dubai Summer Sale (18 July–10 August): Bringing the season's deepest citywide discounts of up to 90 per cent off, alongside exclusive flash sales and grand raffles. Back to School (11–31 August): Focused on school essentials, family needs, and promotions with opportunities to win scholarships towards school fees. 'Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 has been designed to bring unmatched value to our residents and visitors while ensuring every part of the summer has something new to offer,' said Mohamad Feras, AVP Retail & Strategic Alliances at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). 'Each season within DSS has been curated with a clear purpose, ensuring that as families, residents, and tourists move through the summer, there is always something to look forward to in Dubai.' Back to School: Supporting families across the city The final phase of DSS 2025, Back to School (11–31 August), focuses on easing the financial and logistical pressures of the new school year, with promotions on school supplies, technology, clothing, and essentials, alongside scholarship raffles for families. 'Back to School season is a critical time for families, and we want to ensure that DSS plays a role in making it smoother, more affordable, and even joyful,' Feras explained. 'We are not just supporting shopping; we are supporting families as they prepare for a new academic year.' Aligning with Dubai's vision and economic agenda DSS 2025 aligns with Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda, reinforcing the city's position as one of the world's best places to live, work, and visit through vibrant retail, tourism, and entertainment offerings. 'DSS plays an important role in driving Dubai's retail economy while ensuring residents and visitors experience the city in its full vibrancy,' Feras emphasized. 'It showcases how Dubai can be a world-class summer destination, providing value while creating joy.' Strategic partnerships powering DSS 2025 Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners, including Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat. 'Our partners are critical to the success of DSS 2025, ensuring the festival reaches every community and every visitor with a consistent, high-quality experience,' said Feras. Citywide festival of shopping and entertainment Running for nine weeks across over 1,000 brands and 3,500 retailers, DSS 2025 promises citywide savings paired with immersive family-friendly activations, exclusive entertainment, and prize-winning opportunities. 'These three shopping seasons anchor DSS 2025, creating a summer that is not only about shopping but about shared experiences, excitement, and community connection,' Feras added. 'Dubai has always been a city that thrives on experiences, and DSS is designed to ensure every shopper can feel that.' The Great Dubai Summer Sale: Mega deals and mega prizes The Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS), from 18 July to 10 August, sits at the heart of DSS 2025, offering the deepest discounts of the summer, with up to 90 per cent off during limited-time flash sales and citywide offers. Shoppers spending Dhs300 or more at participating outlets can take part in the GDSS Shop, Scan and Win promotion, entering a draw to win Dhs1m in cash or a brand-new Nissan Patrol, ensuring every shopping trip has the potential to transform a customer's summer. 'This is not just about shopping; it is about making memories and creating life-changing moments for our shoppers,' Feras noted. 'The GDSS Shop, Scan and Win campaign gives shoppers the chance to walk away from a day of shopping with their lives changed forever.' Skywards Everyday members can amplify their DSS experience by earning 25 per cent bonus Miles on all eligible transactions and will also stand a chance to win a share of one million Skywards Miles with spends of Dhs100 or more at participating Skywards Everyday and Skywards Miles Mall partners. Exciting flash sales and limited-time offers To maintain high energy throughout DSS, a series of exclusive flash sales and limited-time events will be rolled out, including: GDSS 12 Hour Sale GDSS Daily Surprises GDSS Gold & Jewellery Flash Sale GDSS Beat the Clock with Rivoli Group GDSS Shop for Free Weekend with Al Jaber Optical GDSS Dubai Hills Mall One Day Sale GDSS Final Sale 'Flash sales add an element of surprise and anticipation to the shopping experience,' Feras shared. 'They create moments that shoppers can plan for, get excited about, and share with family and friends.' Opportunity to win big across Dubai's malls Shoppers across Dubai will also have the chance to win big through citywide raffles and exclusive rewards throughout DSS: One million SHARE points at Majid Al Futtaim malls, including instant 5 per cent cashback at City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, and up to 20X SHARE Points at Mall of the Emirates. Dhs10,000 in Tickit rewards at participating retail partners. A Polestar 4 LRSM at Dubai Festival City Mall. A Soueast S06 SUV at Dubai Outlet Mall. The DSS Lucky Receipt promotion at participating malls, offering instant rewards until July 17. 'This is truly a summer where shopping goes beyond the transaction,' said Feras. 'It becomes about the chance to win, the chance to experience something new, and the chance to walk away with prizes that can redefine your year.' Record-breaking raffles for DSS 2025 This year's DSS also features Dubai's largest summer raffles, ensuring that shoppers have even more reasons to participate: The Dubai Shopping Malls Group DSS Raffle will award nine brand-new cars. The Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffle will distribute 30 gold bars to 30 winners. The Visa Jewellery Programme will grant 50 winners a share of AED 175,000 in jewellery vouchers. 'These raffles are a testament to Dubai's commitment to rewarding its community and visitors,' Feras commented. 'When we say DSS offers one of the world's most rewarding summer shopping experiences, we mean it.' Dubai: The ultimate summer destination As DSS 2025 unfolds, residents and visitors can expect a summer packed with exclusive offers, vibrant entertainment, family activities, and endless opportunities to win, making Dubai the ultimate summer destination for shopping and leisure. 'We invite everyone to join us this summer,' concluded Feras. 'Whether you are looking for unbeatable deals, world-class entertainment, family activities, or the chance to win life-changing prizes, DSS 2025 is here to ensure that Dubai remains the best place to be this summer.'
Gulf Business
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Business
Dubai Summer Surprises 2025: A look inside the 66-day shopping experience
Image credit: Supplied The 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) officially commenced on June 27, 2025, bringing an impressive array of deals, entertainment, and free activities across the emirate. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year's event spans a solid 66 days, running until 31 August. It promises a summer filled with preeminent shopping discounts, headline concerts, cultural activations, family-focused attractions, and spectacular prizes. Read- 'DSS 2025 is the most diverse edition to date, anchored around three specially curated shopping seasons,' states Suhaila Ghubash, vice president of Festivals and Events at DFRE (Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment). 'We've introduced new concepts like the 10 Dirham Dish, DSS Gahwa Beats, and an expanded schedule of indoor mall runs—while bringing back signature experiences such as Beat The Heat, Summer Restaurant Week, Modesh World, DSS Entertainer, citywide concerts, and offers across hotels, attractions, and spas.' Three-phase shopping strategy sustains momentum For the first time, DSS adopts a three-season shopping model, dubbed Summer Holiday Offers, the Great Dubai Summer Sale, and Back to School—to maintain shopper engagement throughout the lengthier festival. The first phase, Summer Holiday Offers, runs until 17 July, featuring up to 75 per cent off across hundreds of brands, exclusive giveaways, surprise pop-ups, enticing dining deals, and engaging entertainment. Shoppers and visitors enjoy continuous activations across shopping malls, hotels, and attractions. 'This segmented shopping model guarantees fresh, high-value offers throughout the festival,' explains Ghubash. 'It ensures residents and tourists have multiple reasons to rediscover Dubai, whether for a staycation, a family outing, or a weekend splurge.' Free events and cultural entertainment across the city One of DSS's hallmarks is its complimentary programming, well represented this year through extensive free entertainment and activations. The festival's grand opening weekend set the tone: Dubai Festival City Mall hosted performances by the Japanese dance collective Sabrina and Palestinian-Jordanian pop singer Reina Khoury on June 27. The following day, Abri & the Band, along with singer-songwriter Noel Kharman, took to the stage. City Centre Mirdif hosted Syrian vocalist Al Shami and Jordanian indie-rock band Jadal, while colorful street performers roamed nearby venues. The immersive cultural showcase offered families and visitors a vibrant and accessible way to engage with live arts. Signature promotions return with bold enhancements Many of DSS's popular experiences return in amplified form. Foremost is the DSS Entertainer, offering over 7,500 Buy-One-Get-One-Free deals across iconic venues, spanning dining, brunches, delivery services, attractions, spas, fitness outlets, and lifestyle brands. Each purchase grants three-month unlimited access with daily redemptions. Participating outlets include Wild Wadi, Motiongate Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Shake Shack, STK, Asia Asia, Black Tap, Real Madrid World, Bounce, Le Pain Quotidien, Café Bateel, and many more. Beyond BOGO offers, DSS 2025 introduces fresh concepts: the 10 Dirham Dish delivers budget gastronomic options; DSS Gahwa Beats explores coffee and music culture; and expanded indoor mall runs ensure air-conditioned excitement, essential for summer comfort—and extended entertainment stays. Expanded of the festival footprint Suhaila Ghubash highlights that this year's edition is both broader and deeper in scale: 'We've enlisted additional indoor venues, expanded mall programming, and overhauled signature activations to enrich diversity and reach.' Core DSS staples, including Beat The Heat, Summer Restaurant Week, Modesh World, and a comprehensive live-concert circuit, have been upgraded. The festival now spans more venues and features a broader selection of artists, cuisines, and family programming. 66-day duration: A strategic move Spanning 66 days, DSS 2025 holds the title of its longest-running edition so far. This extended timeframe is strategically aligned to maintain consumer, tourism, and economic momentum throughout Dubai's summer. Ghubash underscores its benefits: 'Running DSS over 66 days allows the city to maintain steady retail and tourism momentum and to offer flexible opportunities for families and visitors to engage with the programme at their convenience. Every day brings something new—from retail offers and live entertainment to cultural activities and immersive experiences.' The extended schedule lets participants stagger visits, plan around school holidays, or revisit favourite offerings without the rush of a condensed schedule. Massive giveaways and grand prizes The festival's prize structure escalates this year, with high-value draws fueling excitement. Highlights include: 1 million SHARE points at all Majid Al Futtaim malls. 1 million AURA points across numerous citywide brands. Dhs10,000 in Tickit points awarded randomly. A brand-new Polestar 4 LRSM at Dubai Festival City Mall. A Soueast S06 SUV at Dubai Outlet Mall. Daily cash prizes via Slide Into Summer Surprises at Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah. The Shop. Win. Drive. campaign at Dubai Festival Plaza awards six brand-new SUVs and spot prizes of Dhs5,000 each to twenty winners. Instant-win activations throughout malls and attractions. 'These initiatives are designed to strengthen visitor engagement and elevate the excitement of DSS 2025,' says Ghubash. 'Combining prizes with value offers sustains interest and underpins consumer participation throughout the summer.' A powerful loyalty infrastructure complements DSS's attraction-based engagement. Tickit auto-enrolls every spend in lucky draws, while AURA and SHARE Millionaire programs reward point accumulation, culminating in million-point bonanzas. Residents and tourists can thus enjoy immediate gratification through vouchers and long-term rewards via loyalty programs—curating continued interest in DSS activities. Family-centric camps bring cultural enrichment In addition to retail and entertainment, DSS 2025 emphasizes creative, educational camps for children: Burst of Imagination, an arts programme at Al Jalila Cultural Centre. Heritage-led workshops and leadership development at Etihad Museum and Al Shindagha Museum. Archaeological and experiential learning sessions at Children's City, hosted by Dubai Municipality. Regular holiday camps—institutional and boutique—throughout August. These offerings enable families to combine educational enrichment with entertainment, all within the DSS framework. Modesh and Dana delight younger fans Central to DSS's charm are mascots Modesh and Dana, who animate the festival's family zone and beyond. Highlights this year include: Major attractions like Modesh World and the newly introduced Modesh Splash Park. Themed cafés, workshops, mall appearances, and surprise flash zones. Photo opportunities and curated seasonal itineraries. Family workshops and giveaways, creating interactive festival moments throughout the city. Ghubash emphasises, 'Modesh and Dana are at the heart of our family experience—spreading smiles and creating unforgettable summer moments for children of all ages.' Culinary delights across the emirate Food lovers are also catered to through DSS's Summer Restaurant Week and curated culinary events: Participating over 100 hotels, 15 attractions, and 10 spas across Dubai. Featuring discounted multi-course menus or a-la-carte dishes city-wide. Includes attractions such as Asia Asia, Black Tap, as well as casual favourites like Shake Shack. Budget options such as the 10 Dirham Dish further expand accessibility. These curated menus and experiences encourage both residents and visitors to sample Dubai's diverse hospitality offerings—at reduced cost and elevated presentation. DSS supports Dubai's economy year-round vision Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DSS maintains momentum in tourism, retail, and hospitality during summer's off-peak season. By harnessing infrastructure, executing citywide activations, and integrating community-based programming, DSS demonstrates Dubai's ability to sustain vibrant economic activity regardless of seasonal challenges. 'DSS is a showcase of Dubai's world-class infrastructure and service offerings—reinforcing our position as a global hub of tourism, retail, and leisure,' adds Ghubash. 'We want to redefine value-driven summer experiences in a modern international city.' Outlook: Ongoing innovation ahead Looking forward, DSS aims to build on its transformative 2025 edition. DFRE plans continue to: Introduce fresh retail campaigns and headline entertainment. Roll out specially curated tourism experiences. Expand signature concepts and value propositions. Leverage family-friendly initiatives with new cultural and educational collaborations. Ghubash confirms, 'Each year, we intend to deliver new reasons for residents and tourists to explore Dubai, with creative concepts that reflect the city's innovation and world-class standards.' Attracting global visitors with year-round value For international visitors, DSS 2025 offers a compelling summer itinerary: Headline concerts, shopping discounts, theme park access, family camps, and free cultural entertainment. Strategic promotions across tourism sectors—retail, gastronomy, attractions, wellbeing, and more—offer a curated taste of Dubai at its most dynamic. Flexible event formats and loyalty-driven rewards provide added value without financial strain. 'DSS is the ultimate reason to visit Dubai in summer,' concludes Ghubash. 'With headline events, premium deals, family events, and citywide activations, summer becomes synonymous with discovery, affordability, and celebration.' Summary: Why DSS 2025 stands out Record 66‑day duration enables sustained engagement. Three-tiered shopping seasons maintain promotional freshness. BOGO deals, culinary bargains, and flair strategies elevate everyday experiences. Extensive prize draws and loyalty programs supercharge participation. Free cultural events, mascots, and educational camps enrich family journeys. Aligned with D33, DSS promotes consistent economic momentum. Strategic programming positions Dubai as a top-tier summer destination. With architecture built on innovation, scale, and integrated value, Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 sets a new benchmark for global summer festivals.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
DSS 2025 unveils showstopping line-up of live entertainment, theatre, concerts, and comedy
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 is set to strike all the right chords this season with an incredible line-up of live entertainment, concerts, theatrical performances, cultural events, and comedy shows lighting up the city from now until 31 August. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year's entertainment calendar features international legends, regional sensations, West End tributes, and a packed roster of top-tier comedians, all performing live at some of Dubai's most iconic venues. From soul-stirring musicals to sold-out stand-up, every show is part of the dynamic DSS programme featuring thousands of things to do citywide. DSS 2025 has a seat waiting whether a music fan, theatre-goer, or comedy lover. FESTIVAL FAVOURITES DSS turns up the volume this July with the return of Beat The Heat DXB Concert Series, one of the summer's biggest indoor entertainment highlights. After a high-energy kickoff on 4 and 5 July, the excitement continues from 11 to 13 July at Zabeel Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Centre, showcasing the best of regional talent. Presented in collaboration with Spotlight Live, this year's line-up features Soulja, Montiyago, Bader Al Shuaibi, Abdulaziz Louis, Nasser Abbas, Akhras, Big Sam, and Lana Lubany, making it a must on every summer calendar. Brand-new for 2025, DSS Gahwa Beats is set to bring a fresh kind of buzz to Dubai's weekends with a series of free, high-energy Saturday pop-ups celebrating the city's vibrant coffee culture. Taking place on 26 July, as well as 2, 9, 16, and 23 August, this brand-new experience blends live music, community vibes, and surprise giveaways at select cafés across the city. Exact locations will be revealed in the coming weeks. POWERHOUSE VOCALS Filipino singer-songwriter TJ Monterde performs live at Coca-Cola Arena on 13 July, serenading fans with acoustic OPM hits and heartfelt originals. The stage then lights up for Bollywood powerhouse Shreya Ghoshal on 19 July at Dubai World Trade Centre, as the award-winning vocalist returns to Dubai for an evening of cinematic melodies and chart-topping ballads. Spacetoon Memories with Assem Sukkar takes over Zabeel Theatre from 2 to 3 August, celebrating 25 years of the iconic Arabic-dubbed channel with soundtracks that shaped a generation. Families can also look forward to a magical week of musical theatre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel's Meyana Auditorium, with classic tales including Aladdin from 12 to 27 August, The Little Mermaid from 13 to 26 August, Alice in Wonderland from 19 to 23 August, and Treasure Island from 20 to 24 August - all brought to life on stage in fun, interactive performances for all ages. Rounding out the summer's live music line-up, South Border and Kris Lawrence reunite for a one-night concert on 16 August at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, performing their most beloved R&B and OPM hits in a show that promises soulful vocals, smooth harmonies and plenty of nostalgia. Also this August, Kingdom Festival brings Afrobeat and Amapiano vibes to Dubai World Trade Centre on 9 August, with artists including Zakes Bantwini, Uncle Waffles and Swazi DJ. On 15 August, Best of Anime by Dreamlights brings beloved anime soundtracks to life with live piano and violin at Zabeel Theatre, in a special concert for anime fans of all ages. On 23 August, Dubai Opera welcomes Natalie Imbruglia for an intimate one-night-only concert featuring beloved hits, alongside acoustic cuts from across her award-winning career. Grammy-winning artist Macy Gray brings the season to a soulful close on 29 August at Coca-Cola Arena, performing her global hits, including the unforgettable 'I Try' in a high-energy live show. The following night, on 30 August, Pakistani Punjabi singer Rahat Ali Khan returns to the stage in Dubai, at Coca-Cola Arena, for an evening of romantic ballads and soul-stirring vocals. DSS 2025 then concludes on 31 August with Hearts in Harmony at Dubai Opera, featuring Javed Ali and Ustad Ghulam Ali in a special two-act celebration of melody, legacy and live performance. Also on 29 and 30 August, Red Carpet debuts at Dubai Opera, a unique Arabic stage production inspired by talent shows, where performers face a live judging panel and audiences are encouraged to vote for their favourites in a colourful music and dance-filled play. LAUGH-OUT-LOUD LINE-UP Comedy fans should mark their calendars for a summer of big laughs. On 16 August, Roxy Cinemas at Dubai Hills Mall flips the script with Comedy Night, a one-off stand-up show staged inside the cinema itself, complete with reclining seats, popcorn, and a line-up of Dubai-based talent bringing the laughs. The season wraps with Gaurav Gupta at Dubai College Auditorium on 30 August, as the dentist-turned-comedian delivers two back-to-back sets of his signature Hindi storytelling, Punjabi humour and uproarious observations on modern life. CULTURE & HERITAGE Running from 25 July to 1 August, Dubai Dates 2025 returns to Qalaat Al Remaal on Dubai-Al Ain Road with a week-long celebration of the UAE's most iconic fruit. Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, visitors can explore a wide range of date varieties, learn about traditional harvesting and cultivation methods, and enjoy family-friendly activities rooted in Emirati heritage. Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat. For more information, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok. -Ends- About Dubai Summer Surprises 2025: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 takes over the city for its 28th edition from 27 June to 31 August, showcasing the summer as one of the best value times of the year to experience Dubai. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the most value-packed edition of DSS this year promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do for 66 non-stop days. For the first time ever in DSS history, the city's retail sector is anchored around three distinct shopping seasons - Summer Holiday Offers from 27 June to 17 July, Great Dubai Summer Sale from 18 July to 10 August, and Back to School from 11 to 31 August. Each period unlocks exclusive new retail promotions, spectacular mall activations, and life-changing raffles, alongside world-class gastronomy, hospitality, indoor family fun, and a packed events calendar. Bringing together a mix of not-to-be-missed, brand-new experiences and returning festival favourites for every preference and price point, there are endless reasons to stay, play, shop, and celebrate an exciting summer season together. DSS 2025 truly delivers unforgettable moments for everyone, whether families, friends, couples, residents, or visitors. About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai's retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events. For further information, please contact: Dubai Economy and Tourism mediarelations@
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Malls across Dubai come alive this DSS with non-stop entertainment, unbeatable prizes, and endless summer fun
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Malls across Dubai are turning up the fun this Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025, inviting families, friends and fun-seekers of all ages to dive into a packed programme of live performances, thrilling activations, and spectacular prizes. Promising a summer well spent with something new and value-packed to experience every day, this year's line-up of mall events and activations bring more energy, more entertainment, and more reasons to head to citywide shopping destinations until 31 August - anchored around three dedicated retail seasons for the first time ever, kicking off with Summer Holiday Offers, live now until 17 July. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) as part of the DSS programme of thousands of offers and things to do all summer long, everyone in the emirate has endless ways to stay entertained with the biggest-ever performing arts schedule, live daily shows, pop-up performances, indoor mall runs, exclusive savings, thrilling surprises, and grand giveaways. Mall of the Emirates continues the citywide DSS excitement with a 60's Parade on 12 July, while Circle Mall features Doll Mascots and Souq Hatta transforms into a magical stage with Cinderella on the same day on 12 July. Ibn Battuta Mall brings back the Pink Circus on 18 July, followed by the Butterfly Ladies at Nakheel Mall on 24 July and DSS Roller Skaters at Mirdif City Centre on 26 July. Nad Al Sheba Mall hosts the Acro Rockettes on 9 August, followed by the Dolls at Ibn Battuta Mall on 15 August, and both the Roller Skaters at Dragon Mart and Little Fairies Show at Souq Hatta on 16 August. The schedule wraps up with the Festive Hula Loop at Nad Al Sheba Mall on 23 August. Meanwhile, Bluewaters Island and The Outlet Village host crowd-favourites like Bubble Skaters and Mexican Folk Dancers across multiple weekends throughout the summer. Until 23 July, Mall of the Emirates is also hosting the Jurassic Café by VOX Cinemas, a prehistoric pop-up packed with immersive photo ops, themed dining, and hands-on dinosaur encounters, from DNA lab puzzles to roaring contests and baby dino hatching stations. Running from 17 July to 3 August, Voyage Club transforms City Centre Mirdif into a Riviera-inspired indoor beach escape. Expect customisation workshops, art spaces, pop-ups from local brands, and refreshing summer bites, with entry granted for shoppers spending AED 200 or more. Families can dive into the fun at the all-new Modesh Splash Park, running until 31 August at Dubai Festival City Bay Avenue. Organised by Red Event, this epic outdoor activation is packed with themed water zones and adventure areas designed for different age groups, offering endless ways for toddlers, children, and teens to splash and play all summer long. Whether it's racing down slides or exploring interactive stations, the experience brings the playful spirit of Modesh to life in one of the summer's most exciting new destinations. Football fans can head to The Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City Mall, where an immersive journey into the world of football runs until 31 August. Packed with interactive games, photo ops, and digital challenges, it's the ultimate indoor activity for sports lovers of all ages. DSS has kick-started a high-energy line-up of indoor mall runs for all ages and abilities, coming up at Ibn Battuta Mall on 13 July, with registration now open and early bird tickets starting from AED 85. The momentum continues with Mall of the Emirates on 3 August and Wafi Mall on 10 August - both organised by Dubai Sports Council and managed by Peloton Events. The final run of the season takes place at Dubai Festival City Mall on 31 August, promising high-energy beats, cool-down zones, and surprise giveaways for a morning of family fun and fitness. Shoppers at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, and City Centre Me'aisem can also enter the SHARE Millionaire draw, with four lucky winners each taking home one million SHARE points this summer when spending AED 300 or more. Meanwhile, Tickit rewards shoppers citywide by automatically entering them into a draw, with five lucky winners each receiving AED 10,000 in points. Shoppers who spend AED 300 or more at Dubai Festival City Mall can enter to win weekly prizes and a brand-new Polestar 4 LRSM in the grand draw at the end of DSS, while over at Dubai Outlet Mall, a spend of AED 200 gives shoppers the chance to win a Soueast S06 SUV, making this summer's shopping even more rewarding. Of course, no DSS summer would be complete without Modesh and Dana, who will be making special appearances across malls and attractions. Families can catch them live at Dubai Festival City Mall on 12 July and City Centre Mirdif on 19 July, with more pop-ups scheduled at Ibn Battuta Mall on 18, 25, and 29 August; followed by Dubai Frame, Dragon Mart, Souq Hatta, Mercato, Circle Mall, Al Barsha City Centre, and Deira City Centre throughout the remainder of DSS. From playful city décor to themed giveaways and roaming entertainment, Modesh and Dana bring extra magic to families at DSS each year. Over at Mercato and neighbouring Town Centre Jumeirah, Slide Into Summer Surprises is back with more ways to win than ever. Shoppers who spend AED 200 or more and scan their receipts on the PrivilegePLUS app will be entered into weekly raffle draws, with each winner taking home AED 10,000 in cash, plus a shot at driving off in the grand prize: a brand-new Jetour T1 SUV. At Mercato, families can also enjoy daily circus entertainment and take on the mall's free summer slide, one of the most anticipated attractions this DSS. New for this year, visitors can book fast-track access to the slide through the PrivilegePLUS app, making every visit even smoother and more fun. Summer at City Walk returns with weekend live music and seasonal shopping and dining offers, while Cool Off at JBR transforms The Beach, JBR into a dessert-themed destination, complete with sweet summer deals and five times the Tickit points at select Pavilion restaurants. Bluewaters and The Outlet Village are also in on the action, offering DSS Live Entertainment, retail rewards and family fun every weekend. At Festival Plaza, shoppers can take part in the thrilling Shop. Win. Drive. campaign simply by spending AED 200 or more until 31 August. With six brand-new SUVs and twenty AED 5,000 cash prizes up for grabs, it's a summer of high stakes and even bigger rewards, with entries accepted online or at the customer service desk by uploading a receipt. For those looking to support local and discover something new, The Ripe Market is going indoors for summer with a curated line-up of over 100 homegrown businesses, workshops and activations for all ages. Catch it every weekend at Town Centre Jumeirah (Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM to 10PM until 17 August), The Westin Mina Seyahi (Sundays, 1PM to 5PM until 28 September), and Times Square Center (Sundays, 10AM to 7PM until 26 October). With so much to see, do, taste and try, DSS 2025 promises the most entertaining mall season yet, where every visit brings a little more magic, and every moment feels like summer well spent. Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat. For more information, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok. About Dubai Summer Surprises 2025: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 takes over the city for its 28th edition from 27 June to 31 August, showcasing the summer as one of the best value times of the year to experience Dubai. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the most value-packed edition of DSS this year promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do for 66 non-stop days. For the first time ever in DSS history, the city's retail sector is anchored around three distinct shopping seasons - Summer Holiday Offers from 27 June to 17 July, Great Dubai Summer Sale from 18 July to 10 August, and Back to School from 11 to 31 August. Each period unlocks exclusive new retail promotions, spectacular mall activations, and life-changing raffles, alongside world-class gastronomy, hospitality, indoor family fun, and a packed events calendar. Bringing together a mix of not-to-be-missed, brand-new experiences and returning festival favourites for every preference and price point, there are endless reasons to stay, play, shop, and celebrate an exciting summer season together. DSS 2025 truly delivers unforgettable moments for everyone, whether families, friends, couples, residents, or visitors. About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai's retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events. For further information, please contact: Dubai Economy and Tourism mediarelations@
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Dubai Summer surprises 2025 starts tomorrow with an epic opening weekend to kick-start a summer well spent
RELATED TOPICS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES RELATED COMPANIES Skechers USA Al Zarooni Group Majid Al Fut hld AWRostamani Majid Al Fut hld Commrcl Bk Dubai Emirate Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) kicks off tomorrow, transforming the city into a 66-day summer playground with the most-value packed programme ever from 27 June to 31 August, 2025. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DSS 2025 promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do, see, discover, and explore. For the first-time ever, DSS brings a brand-new shopping experience with three themed shopping seasons to keep the city buzzing all summer long, together with show-stopping headline concerts, live entertainment, world-class gastronomy, and much more. The first wave of flash sales and mega raffles commences with Summer Holiday Offers from 27 June to 17 July, brimming with exclusive promotions, unbeatable offers, and family-friendly deals across more than 800 brands at over 3,000 outlets. Check out the lineup of events and experiences taking place in the first week of this epic DSS summer programme: Summer Holiday Offers Date: 27 June to 17 July Location: Citywide About: Summer Holiday Offers, the first dedicated retail season of DSS 2025, launches with 25 to 75 percent 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. Opening Weekend Concerts At Festival City Mall & City Centre Mirdif Date: 27 and 28 June Location: Dubai Festival City Mall and City Centre Mirdif About: The most value-packed edition of DSS ever kicks off with an action-packed weekend of live entertainment at City Centre Mirdif and Dubai Festival City Mall. And the best part? It's free. On 27 June, Festival Square at Dubai Festival City Mall comes alive with America's Got Talent quarter-finalist dance crew Sabrina and Arab pop artist Reina Khoury, followed by pioneering Emirati singer Abri & the Band and singer-songwriter Noel Kharman on Saturday, 28 June. Meanwhile at City Centre Mirdif on 28 June, Jordanian indie rock band Jadal and Syrian vocalist Al Shami take to the stage, with roaming entertainers and high-energy live acts punctuating the mall atmosphere all weekend. Jazziyat Feat. Banah Live Date: 27 June Location: Dubai Opera About: Regional pop sensation Jazziyat joins forces with Lebanese vocalist Banah for an electrifying opening-night performance. Tickets are on sale now from AED 132. Miami Band & Mutref Al Mutref Date: 28 June Location: Coca-Cola Arena About: A Khaleeji-pop double-bill featuring Kuwaiti star Mutref Al Mutref alongside Dubai's own Miami Band. Tickets are on sale now from AED 150. Modesh & Dana Appearances Date: 28 and 29 June Location: Ibn Battuta Mall and The Outlet Mall About: Meet Dubai's favourite characters Modesh and Dana for surprise giveaways, photo ops and family-friendly fun with appearances at Ibn Battuta Mall on 28 June and The Outlet Mall on 29 June. Dubai Hills Mall Indoor Run Powered By Skechers Date: 28 June Location: Dubai Hills Mall About: Dubai's favourite summer festival brings endless ways to stay active this season with a series of indoor mall runs designed for all ages and abilities - perfect for friends, families, and fitness fans alike. High-energy mornings of movement, prizes, and fun for everyone kicks off on 28 June at Dubai Hills Mall, inviting friends, families, and fitness fans of all ages and abilities. Participants can choose from 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km or 10 km indoor routes that wind through the luxury mall, complete with upbeat music, aid stations, medals and trophies for the top three finishers. Registration is now open, starting at AED 50. Atul Khatri Live Date: 27 June Location: Dubai College About: Veteran Indian stand-up comedian Atul Khatri brings his trademark wit to kick off the weekend. Tickets are on sale now from AED 119. A Tribute To Adele Date: 27 and 28 June Location: Theatre by QE2 About: Helen Ward-Jackson will be bringing her famed Adele tribute show to Dubai's Theatre by QE2 for a critically acclaimed live homage to Adele's greatest hits, with stunning vocals and stagecraft. Tickets are on sale now from AED 120. We Call It Ballet Date: 28 June Location: Zabeel Theatre About: A modern dance extravaganza fusing contemporary choreography with immersive set design. Tickets are on sale now from AED 139. Jeeveshu Ahluwalia Date: 29 June Location: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray About: Punjabi comedy star Jeeveshu Ahluwalia brings his lightning-fast wit and viral sketches on food, family and life as a Punjabi for one hilarious night in Dubai. Tickets are on sale now from AED 130. Pinoy Comedy Mixtape Date: 29 June Location: Dubai World Trade Centre About: An all-star showcase of Filipino comedians delivering laugh-out-loud stand-up and sketch comedy. Tickets are on sale now from AED 125. Adonis Live Date: 3 July Location: Dubai Opera About: Lebanese indie pioneers Adonis bring their signature sound and fan favourites like 'Law Baddak Yani' and 'Sawt El Madini' to Dubai for one night only. Tickets are on sale now from AED 175 Slide Into Summer Surprises Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: Mercato Mall and Town Centre Jumeirah About: Shoppers at Mercato Mall and neighbouring Town Centre Jumeirah have the chance to dive into daily circus acts, giant slide thrills and weekly raffle draws for the whole family. Every AED200 spent earns an entry into an exclusive Dubai Summer Surprises weekly raffle draw with each weekly winner taking home AED10,000 in cash. Each shopper who scans their receipts on the PrivilegePLUS app is also entered into the grand prize draw to drive off with the all-new Jetour T1 SUV. Jurassic Café by VOX Cinemas at Mall of The Emirates Date: until 23 July Location: Mall of the Emirates About: Embark on a prehistoric journey reminiscent of the iconic Jurassic Park gates, combining specially designed themed stations with hands-on interactive elements to create a memorable adventure for all ages. This exclusive activation also offers a dino-culinary experience with a bespoke menu to fit the Jurassic theme. The Messi Experience Date: until 31 August Location: Dubai Festival City Mall About: Football fans can immerse themselves in Lionel Messi's world with interactive games, photo ops, skill-challenge zones and exclusive merchandise. DSS Entertainer Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: Citywide About: Unlock over 7,500 BOGO offers across hotels, dining, attractions, fitness and beauty for AED 195, perfect for families and visitors looking to maximise their DSS savings from day one. Valid for three months from the date of activation and redeemable all seven days of the week, residents and visitors can enjoy exclusive savings throughout the summer and beyond. Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffles Date: 27 June to 30 August Location: Dubai Jewellery Group participating outlets About: Dubai Jewellery Group brings the finest jewellery offers and golden winning opportunities this DSS. Shoppers can enjoy up to 70 per cent off on a stunning selection of diamond and pearl pieces, up to 50 per cent off on making charges for select gold jewellery, zero deduction on old gold exchange, and complimentary gifts with select purchases. Adding to the excitement, 30 customers have the chance to win 12-gram gold bars, with three lucky winners announced every week through raffles. DSMG DSS Campaign Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: DSMG participating outlets About: Shoppers who spend AED 200 at any participating mall will receive a digital raffle coupon, giving them the chance to enter an exciting draw to win one of nine brand-new Nissan Magnite cars. With nine lucky winners in total, this thrilling promotion offers every shopper a shot at driving away in style this Dubai Summer Surprises. Lucky Receipt Date: 27 June to 17 July Location: Participating Retailers Citywide About: Shoppers who spend AED 300 or more at any of the 10 participating brands stand a chance to win one of 10 exciting prizes awarded daily. A total of 210 prizes will be given away throughout the campaign, including premium electronics, luxury watches, and exquisite jewellery. DSS Win A SOUEAST S06 With Dubai Outlet Mall Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: Dubai Outlet Mall About: Shoppers who spend AED200 or more at any store at Outlet Mall stand a chance to win a brand new SOUEAST SO6 car. Spend and Win a Polestar 4 LRSM at DFCM Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: Dubai Festival City Mall and participating BLUE retailers About: Shop at Dubai Festival City Mall from 27 June to 31 August to win a brand new 'Polestar 4 LRSM'. Spend AED300 or more to enter the exclusive raffle draw. Plus, lucky shoppers will also win instant prizes every week. Interiors Warehouse Sale Date: 28 June to 5 July Location: Dubai World Trade Centre About: Debuting as part of DSS Opening Weekend, this limited-time warehouse sale offers an extensive selection of premium furniture and home accessories. From sofas and beds to dining sets and décor, the collection spans both classic and contemporary styles. Shoppers can browse pieces from some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Mariner, Lexington, Giorgio Collection, Alf Italia, FrancoFerri, Nicoletti, Bernhardt, Uttermost, Decor-Rest, Fama, Michael Amini, Theodore Alexander, ART Furniture, and Scappini. Visa Jewellery Program for Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 Date: 27 June to 30 August Location: Dubai Jewellery Group participating outlets About: Dubai Jewellery Group is teaming up with Visa to launch an exclusive DSS campaign for Visa Debit and Credit cardholders. Among the highlights are instant cashback on diamond and pearl jewellery purchases and a thrilling raffle to win a share of AED 175,000 in jewellery vouchers, with 50 winners each receiving a voucher worth AED 3,500. SHARE Millionaire Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: Majid Al Futtaim Malls About: DSS 2025 is getting shoppers summer ready with 4 million SHARE points up for grabs from 27 June to 31 August, with spends of AED300 or more. Scanning receipts into the SHARE app helps 4 lucky winners take home 1 million SHARE points each, the equivalent of an incredible AED100,000 which they can spend across 16 shopping malls and over 2,000 stores across the UAE. Win With Tickit Rewards App Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: Participating brands citywide About: Earn points across a wide range of categories at popular lifestyle destinations for a chance to become 1 of 5 lucky winners to take home AED10,000 each in Tickit points. Shop. Win. Drive – DSS 2025 Date: 27 June to 31 August Location: Dubai Festival Plaza About: Shoppers who spend AED 200 or more stand the chance to win one of six brand-new SUVs or be among 20 lucky winners of AED 5,000 cash prizes. Summer at City Walk Date: 1 July to 31 August Location: City Walk About: City Walk is set to become a vibrant hub of excitement during DSS - from exclusive Coffee Raves, to live entertainment and basketball activations for shoppers spending AED 100 or more. Enjoy special summer dine-out deals with talabat, explore retail offers across leading stores, and enjoy ongoing Business Lunch promotions that promise to make any midday break even better. Cool Off this Summer at The Beach, JBR! Date: 1 July to 31 August Location: The Beach, JBR About: Discover an extraordinary summer experience at The Beach, JBR. Enjoy exclusive in-app dine-in deals with talabat at over 20 F&B outlets, and spend AED 250 or more at any Pavilion restaurant to enter a weekly draw to win an elevated meal experience worth AED 2,500. Shoppers also stand a chance to win AED 50,000 across five draws as part of the TICKIT summer promotion.. Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat. About Dubai Summer Surprises 2025: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 takes over the city for its 28th edition from 27 June to 31 August, showcasing the summer as one of the best value times of the year to experience Dubai. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the most value-packed edition of DSS this year promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do for 66 non-stop days. For the first time ever in DSS history, the city's retail sector is anchored around three distinct shopping seasons - Summer Holiday Offers from 27 June to 17 July, Great Dubai Summer Sale from 18 July to 10 August, and Back to School from 11 to 31 August. Each period unlocks exclusive new retail promotions, spectacular mall activations, and life-changing raffles, alongside world-class gastronomy, hospitality, indoor family fun, and a packed events calendar. Bringing together a mix of not-to-be-missed, brand-new experiences and returning festival favourites for every preference and price point, there are endless reasons to stay, play, shop, and celebrate an exciting summer season together. DSS 2025 truly delivers unforgettable moments for everyone, whether families, friends, couples, residents, or visitors. About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai's retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.
