AS DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES HEATS UP, DON’T MISS OUT ON STELLAR ENTERTAINMENT THIS SEASON

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 July 2023

With so many action-packed activities and events to consider, it can be hard to pin down a must-see list for Dubai Summer Surprises. Now the fun is in full swing, we’ve selected some standout weekly highlights for all those planning to make the most of the 26th edition of Dubai’s much loved summertime festival.

Dubai Summer Surprises means more chances than ever to pick up a retail bargain or enter a prize draw to win the jackpot of a lifetime, and it also offers a specially curated programme of events and activations from Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), to complement the multiple attractions the city has to offer.

MODESH WORLD

If you haven’t paid a visit to Modesh World this summer, make sure that you set aside some time in this week’s calendar for a trip to the region’s favourite seasonal edutainment park. Running until August 27, this indoor world of adventure and fun is open for families and the young-at-heart every day at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Weekly special events mean the chance to meet Dubai’s favourite characters Modesh and Dana, experience thrilling rides and games galore, and learn about sustainability and more in educational workshops. Fun is spread across four distinct zones, themed around the seasons of Summer, Autumn, Spring and Winter with each hosting different games and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Enter a delightful ice cream museum that emanates a joyful summer atmosphere with MELT, offering an excellent setting for capturing captivating and Instagram-worthy memories. With Gamefy, visitors can also learn about PC building, play some of the best digital and table top games, compete in tournaments, and so much more. Don’t miss the weekly Gaming League that will take place this Saturday, 22 July, with a cash prize pool waiting for the League winners to take home.

Until 23 July, Modesh World will also see other interesting activities such as a Civil Defense Stage performance and a special visit by 120 members from Dubai Club for People of Determination to enjoy the games, rides and F&B on offer.

THE SOUNDS OF THE SUMMER

Back by popular demand for the 2023 DSS season is Beat the Heat. This music festival showcases the very best of the Arab world’s diverse music scene with a talented lineup of artists taking to the stage at The Agenda in Dubai Media City throughout July and August.

Egyptian rock bands Cairokee and Jordanian-Palestinian El Far3i will thrill fans with epic performances this weekend, Saturday 22 July, followed by Egypt’s trap sensation Afroto, Tunisian singer Balti, and Sudanese rapper Soulja who are all lined up for Saturday, 29 July.  Stay tuned for more performances from incredibly talented artists including Sharmoofers, Autostrad, Modi Al Shamrani, DJ Aseel, Disco Misr and Massar Egbari complete an exciting series of events that is not to be missed.

Lovers of classical music are also in for a treat with a special recital from Italian pianist Alessandro Taverna on July 23 as part of the VIP Classical concert series at the Dubai Opera.

Or head to Al Khawaneej every weekend until the end of August to immerse yourself in the beautiful live music and elegant ambiance thanks to live performances on the violin, saxophone, and more while dining with loved ones.

RETAIL AND MORE

When shopping at Dubai Festival City Mall, make sure to catch the amazing activations featuring international loved and celebrated characters, such as Baby Shark until 23 July, Shaun the Sheep until 13 August, and Cartoon Network from 28 August to 3 September.

Revitalise your summer experience with amazing deals at the historical site, Al Seef. Take in a serene hotel retreat, indulge in delectable dining opportunities accompanied by breathtaking creek vistas, or venture into the enchanting alleys of the traditional souq, and be sure to stop by the one-of-a-kind museum experience, all open until 31 August.

Visit the iconic City Walk – The Courtyard between now and 3 September to take advantage of all the exciting summer offerings available daily from 10am to 12am. Check out the Instagram-worthy summer pop-ups, lively photo backgrounds, selfie stops for couples or friends and families, as well as the 360 Photobooth open from 10am to 10pm. Solo musicians will also play every Friday to Sunday from 6pm onwards, filling up The Courtyard space with delightful tunes from the violin, piano and saxophone.

Visitors to The Outlet Village can find a whole host of activities and entertainment every weekend from 4pm to 10pm, including stylish fashion shows on the hottest summer trends, and unmissable exclusive offers.

Famed for its huge number of gold traders, Dubai has become known as the City of Gold for a reason. The Dubai Jewellery Group is offering special deals and gifts at 150 jewellery outlets – but make sure you get down to your favourite jewellery retailer soon, as offers end on  23 July.

MOVIE MAGIC

Special screenings of classic movies and film favourites have made a welcome comeback at Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall, Marina Mall and Springs Souk throughout DSS with the return of Movie Magic. From summer blockbusters, to competitions and special offers on food and drinks, there is plenty for families to enjoy on the big screen throughout the season.

Check out some of the city’s most iconic locations with fun company. Visitors can take a tour led by beloved characters Modesh and Dana around the Dubai Aquarium on 22 July, and At the Top on 29 July.

There’s also a host of live performances, the premiere of Haunted Mansion on 26 July,[delete M&D Burj Khalifa here], an exciting raffle draw on 1 August, and so much more.

RAFFLES AND REWARDS

Shop and earn with Al Shaya’s loyalty programme Hey! Aura Triple my Points promotion, taking place this weekend between July 21 and 23. Members can earn triple the points by using the Aura MENA app at checkout for five or more items at over 70 participating brands. Additionally, shoppers will have the opportunity to enter an exclusive prize draw, where five fortunate winners will receive one million Aura points valued at an impressive AED 20,000 each. This exciting offer is valid for all Alshaya brands in Dubai, except for Starbucks.

Don’t miss out on the last week to shop for great value for money with the Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira’s Mallcation SHARE Summer Rewards Program. Take advantage of irresistible cashback offers ranging from 2 times to 40 times the points on preferred shopping categories.

What makes visitors coming back to DSS year after year, and a key foundation of its success and longevity, is the huge number of competitions and life changing prizes up for grabs. This DSS sale season runs until 3 September, with more than 800 brands offering amazing deals across 3,500 outlets all running special promotions across Dubai.

Digital coupons will be handed out to shoppers spending AED 200 or more at participating malls to be entered into the DSS Raffle Campaign 2023 to be in with a chance of winning a brand-new a Nissan X-Trail. The draw is open until 3 September, with six lucky winners picked at random to be in with a chance of winning big prizes.

Shop at Mercato Shopping Mall or Town Centre this week and every week until 3 September to be eligible to enter a draw and stand a chance to win the latest Cadillac Escalade Sport valued at AED 491,000. And while you’re there be sure to catch the incredible lineup of activities and shows available for the entire family to enjoy. These captivating performances take place from 4pm to 10pm at the main stage and thai week include the Delight Circus until 23 July, followed by The Greatest Show which runs until 6 August.

Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif are taking the thrill of winning during DSS one  step further by hosting an enticing suitcase activation. Shoppers who spend AED 300 will get a chance to unlock the Suitcase of Surprises and win a fantastic prize. Meanwhile, at the Shop & Fly activation in City Centre Deira, shoppers who spend AED 300 can submit their dream destination for a chance to win a trip to that location for their entire family.

Meanwhile, anyone spending just AED 40 on the Idealz mobile app until 30 September can be in with a chance of scooping an incredible prize of AED 1 million in cash, while anyone spending AED 60 could win the DSS Grand Prize of AED 2.5 million.

SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEK

Pencilled into diaries must be the Summer Restaurant Week – the ideal opportunity to dive into Dubai’s ever growing culinary scene. Slated to run from 18 to 27 August, diners can enjoy specially priced signature menus from family favourites and internationally acclaimed restaurants across Dubai, and savour delectable dishes representing a diverse range of cuisines, crafted by talented chefs who have made their name across the gastronomy world.

Enjoy the ultimate summer extravaganza filled with incredible surprises, unmissable retail offers, diverse culinary delights and endless entertainment this Dubai Summer Surprises, running until 3 September. For more information, visit @CelebrateDubai and @StyledByDubai on social media channels, and mydss.ae.

Dubai Summer Surprises is supported by key sponsor RAKBANK MasterCard and Strategic partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Enoc, Etisalat, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village.