The 25th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) will usher in a season of sales, prizes and entertainment like never before. From 1 July to 4 September, 2022, residents and visitors can take part in some lively summer fun including a wide range of activities to enjoy with the whole family, as well as shopping experiences unique to this time of year. Organised and presented by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the silver anniversary of DSS has been specially curated to give everyone a summer full of surprises in Dubai.
This year’s fun packed Calendar of Events was officially announced today at a prestigious media event held at the 25hours Hotel One Central, the newly opened city hotel overlooking Museum of the Future near Dubai International Financial Centre, in the presence of Ahmed Al Khaja Chief Executive Officer DFRE; Suhaila Ghubash, Executive Director, Festivals & Events DFRE; Mohammed Feras, Director, Retail Registration DFRE; and Abdalla Al Ameeri, Director Raffles & Retail Promotions DFRE.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Dubai Summer Surprises has been at the heart of Dubai’s summer season for a quarter of a century, shaping memories and creating unforgettable experiences for everyone in our great city. This year is no exception, with a programme that showcases the very best Dubai has to offer across our malls and entertainment experiences, restaurants, hotels and more.
“Over the last 25 years, DSS has shaped and strengthened Dubai’s position as a year-round destination for visitors as well as an exceptional place for families to live and work. The festival has become part of Dubai’s DNA, bringing together people from over 200 nationalities, living in a thriving, modern city that hosts a grand celebration of diverse events and experiences, year after year.
“It also draws people from across the world to Dubai. The city’s world-class infrastructure, facilities and appraised handling of the covid pandemic, have helped to establish Dubai as a leading multicultural global destination. All of Dubai’s malls, retail stores and attractions are ready to welcome the world this summer – while continuing to adhere to stringent health and safety protocols from our public health authorities to keep all visitors and residents safe and at ease.”
Here DFRE outlines the key activities, deals, sales, events, activations and more taking place across the city during the festive 25th edition of DSS:
Table of Contents
OPENING WEEKEND
The festive DSS Sale Season kicks off from 1 July and lasts for 66 days until 4 September 2022. Enjoy incredible offers across over 800 brands in 3,500 outlets and shop to save this summer. Shoppers can avail 25 to 75 per cent off throughout the ten-week DSS period on global brands and local favourites alike.
During its grand opening weekend on 1 and 2 July, DSS will offer an exclusive, specially curated flash sale on hotel stays, which will only be available for 24 hours. The 24 Hour Hotels Flash Sale includes unbeatable offers from hotels around the city including Vida Creek Harbour Hotel, Address Sky View Hotel, Armani Hotel Dubai, Ibis One Central Hotel, Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai, Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection, Edge Creekside Hotel and Jannah Hotels and Resorts Dubai Branch.
For fans of music and live performance, there are treats galore in store over the DSS opening weekend. Louis Tomlinson and his Walls World Tour come to the Coca-Cola arena on Saturday 2 July, with tickets starting at AED 225. Doors open at 5PM, and the show starts at 7PM.
For some fun, live entertainment, make sure to head over to Boeing Boeing at The Junction, Alserkal Avenue on 1 to 3 July. Doors open at 7:30PM and the show begins at 9PM. Make sure to sign up early to avail tickets at the discounted price of AED 80.
Or there’s a chance to catch Wish Upon A Star by Fly High Fitness in its second returning showcase on Sunday 3 July at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. This breathtaking performance crosses genres, blending dance, musical theatre, gymnastics and martial arts. Tickets start at AED 95 for matinee and evening performances at 2PM and 7PM. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show.
Why not enjoy the magical festival ambiance with decorative lighting installations throughout the city as well as light structures and artistic installations in Dubai’s favourite shopping centres, such as the Cooler than Ever photo booth at DFCM and Ibn Battuta Mall, the colourful free-standing art installation in CCMi and DIFC,and the intricate hut structure in Mall of the Emirates.
Visitors can also take part in colourful parades across various malls such as the 25th Anniversary Silver Paradeand the Carnaval Parade or even spot Modhesh and Dana statues and lampposts all across the city.
CONCERTS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to the opening weekend’s stellar performances, DSS has a host of live concerts and shows throughout the festival – with something sure to appeal to everyone.
Canadian artists Badbadnotgood will make an appearance at the Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City, on 6 July to showcase their jazzy tunes. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ae from AED 299. Catch the show when the doors open at 7PM. For more information visit www.livenation.ae.
Indian cinematic score composer Salim Sulaiman will be making musical magic when he comes to the Coca Cola Arena for one night only on 16 July. Ticket prices start at AED 299, and doors will open from 7PM, with the show beginning at 8:30PM.
Stand-up fans will not want to miss the DXB Comedy Knights who return with a thrilling comedy show that is bound to leave theatre-goers laughing into the night. The show takes place on 23 July at the Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. Tickets start from AED 100, doors open at 4:30PM, and the show starts at 5PM.
There’s more entertainment for the little ones with the English educational and musical play featuring the heart-shaped mascot Mr. Kind and His Friend Lélé as they go around the
planet on 30 and 31 July. And there’s no excuse for missing out with three shows daily, at 11AM, 3PM and 5PM at Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. Tickets start from AED 70. Doors open 30 minutes before each show.
And EDM fans won’t want to miss the chance to see Alan Walker and KSHMR live in concert on August 26 at the Coca-Cola Arena. Tickets start at just AED 99, doors open 6PM with the show starting at 7:30PM.
MODESH WORLD
The 22nd edition of Modesh World makes a grand return to the Dubai World Trade Centre, at Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2, 3 and the Arena on July 1, until August 28. Bring the family down to one of the largest indoor entertainment events in the region, and enjoy a wide range of retail and F&B pop-up experiences and engaging activities in an immersive theme park experience.
Inspired by the lagoons where Modesh and Dana – the sunny-smiled characters of Dubai – currently live, the experience is catered to the tagline “Modesh World. My World, Your Adventure”.
MALL ACTIVATIONS
From 1 July until 31 August, City Centre Mirdiff will host the Salt Pop Market. A special summer collaboration with beloved UAE home-grown venue Salt will introduce a one of its kind pop dessert concept offering an array of mouthwatering desserts made of tropical fruits.
Head to Mercato Shopping Mall for a unique summer experience for families. The best circus performers from around the world will take over the mall to provide family fun entertainment. The popular Modesh themed slide will return, giving visitors the opportunity to slide down all the way from the mall’s first floor. And that is not all; shoppers who spend AED 200 at any participating retail outlet at Mercato Shopping Mall or Town Centre stand a chance to win AED 10,000 weekly!
There is more family-friendly fun to be found in the Circle Mall from 21 August to 4 September. When spending AED 100 or more, shoppers will be surprised with free entry to the PJ Masks show and activations. The little ones can play in a special activity area, pick their own superpowers, attend a Hero training and join other activities.
Shoppers spending AED 100 or above between 19 August and 17 September at Ibn Battuta Mall will gain free entry into an interactive fully-fledged Batman activation, show and VR experience. Kids (and big kids) can participate in a Meet and Greet with Batman, or take part in the heroes training activity area as well as choosing from a range of Batmobile, figurine and retail displays.
At participating outlets in La Mer or the Beach, shoppers spending AED 100 while using the TICKIT app linked with their VISA card have a chance to win tickets for two to the FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, in collaboration with Dubai Holding and VISA.
All this plus many more entertainment shows and artistic activations at the Pavilion at The Beach, every Friday and Saturday during Dubai Summer Surprises.
MOVIE MAGIC
Movie-fans won’t want to miss this year’s special edition of DSS Movie Magic at Reel Cinemas with the chance to enjoy special family themed cinema nights, curated summer screenings and exclusive offers. With options including a romantic date night at the movies, fun screenings with friends, and shows where the kids can dress up as their favorite movie character (and then watch the film for free!),there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Families should also look out for the iconic duo Modesh and Dana making a special appearance.
There’s also an opportunity to win exciting scratch and win gifts with purchases of AED 100 on food and beverages at Reel Cinemas locations across The Dubai Mall, The Spring Souk, Dubai Marina Mall, The Pointe and the Jebel Ali Recreation Club. Throughout DSS, screenings of favourite and classic movie titles include Alien, Back to the Future 1, 2 and 3, Hook, Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and more.
Keep an eye for a social media contest taking place from 1 to 31 July, where visitors can share their Reel Cinemas experience with tag @reelcinemas and #ReelDSS22 and win tickets to the movie premieres of Behabek and 2amohom, as well as meet one of the stars in person.
RETAIL PROMOTIONS
During its shopping extravaganza, DSS will welcome back a whole host of its most popular retail events alongside great new promotions and deals to thrill shoppers from across the UAE and further afield.
There’s the chance to wake up every morning to a brand new surprise with the DSS Daily Surprises from 3 to 27 July. Celebrating the 25th edition of DSS, 25 irresistible offers will be unveiled daily, valid from 10am until stocks last. With each day’s offer only being revealed 24 hours ahead of time, shoppers will want to be sure not to miss amazing daily deals across iconic sports, fashion, beauty, home and accessory brands.
Visitors spending AED 500 or more at The Dubai Mall stand a chance of winning the Biggest Deal of the Year: one million dirhams. But there is more; participants can win Emaar Gift Cards worth AED 25,000 in eight weekly draws. Winners will be notified through the phone numbers and emails provided and announced on @thedubaimall on Instagram.
The DSS SHARE Millionaire promotions will also return giving shoppers who spend AED 300 at Majid Al Futtaim malls including Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Al Shindagha and City Centre Me’aisem a chance to become the weekly winner of one million SHARE points.
With every spend of AED 300 or more at any of the retail stores in Dubai Festival City Mall, receive a free chance to play the “Winning Dome” and win Dubai Festival City Malls gift cards up to AED 20,000 each week, per customer.
Head over to Jumbo Electronics during Mobile Fest from 24 June to 17 July and get a chance to win 15 PlayStation 5’s with the purchase of a smartphone. There are also special offers on entertainment and services, freebies and additional savings when using ENBD credit cards. Customers become eligible for the raffle draw when buying a smartphone of AED 500 and more. The raffle winner will be announced at the end of the promotion period.
From 1 July to 4 September, shoppers at Oasis Mall can indulge in sales offers up to 75% and stand a chance to win big. Upon a spend of AED 200 or more at any Oasis Mall store, shoppers can become one of 25 lucky winners of 150,000 Shukrans each.
Running from July 1 to September 4, DSS will once again host the DSS Shop More & Save More with 1915 By Seddiqi & Sons promotion. Shoppers who buy one watch or accessory will receive 25% off, and save 30% off when buying two or more. There’s also the chance to enter a prize draw when spending over AED 1,000 in store – prizes of five gift vouchers worth AED 5,000 are up for grabs, with one grand gift voucher prize of AED 25,000 to be won.
The 6thStreet x Club Apparel I 24×7 I DSS VAT On Us Week promotion will see Club Apparel brands across the city offer shoppers further savings on DSS sale prices with the cost of VAT covered by Club Apparel. Customers can take advantage of this great offer at stores and also 24 hours a day online atwww.6thstreet.com. Keep an eye out on www.mydss.ae and don’t miss any of the dates for this eagerly awaited promotion.
From 1 August to 25 August, 25 lucky shoppers have the chance to become the Lucky Receipt winner and take home an amazing prize when they spend AED 500 or more at 25 participating brands. There are a total of 25 prizes to be won each day, over 25 days. No less than 625 winners will be surprised with anything from TVs, iPads, diamond rings, gold, jewellery and crystal sets to electric scooters or bikes and more. Watch the DSS social channels for winner announcements.
DINING OFFERS & EVENTS
From 9 to 12 July, The Big Eid Eat will feature special Eid dining events, menus, brunches and promotions for the whole family at great restaurants across the city.
Diners can immerse their senses with a special Eid lunch set menu at CÉ LA VI, the curated contemporary Asian Culinary rooftop restaurant, or enjoy an award-winning three-course meal by Chef Howard Ko against the beautiful views of the city during Eid Al Adha in Dubai, from 12PM to 3PM from 10 to 12 July.
At Hillhouse Brasserie, restaurant-goers can travel on a culinary journey featuring delicacies such as Burrata, Musakkhan rolls, Shirazi Kebabs and the family favorite Vimto ice-cream, with a Hillhouse touch. Make sure to try the exclusive Eid Al Adha menu from 06:30AM to 11PM at Dubai Hills Golf Club.
From 12:30PM to 3:30PM, head down to Fi’lia on the 71st floor of SLS Dubai Hotel, and experience a culinary story passed on through generations of women. Enjoy a hearty Italian-Mediterranean meal with innovative twists paired with stunning views of Burj Khalifa at AED 180 per person. For bookings, please call +9714 6070737 or email slsdining.dubai@slshotels.com.
Indulge in a seven-course Eid-inspired Chef’s Table experience led by Chef Shun Shiroma with 3Fils. Featuring cuisines from Japan & the Middle East, be immersed in a unique culinary journey from 6PM to 9PM between 11 and 12 July. Book online at 3fils.com with a maximum of four seats per booking.
Those looking to catch up over food with their families this Eid Al Adha in Dubai should head down to the Arabian Tea House for its special Eid Tray, featuring an exquisite variety of Emirati grills, rice dishes, appetizers, sweets and drinks available for either lunch or dinner.
The kids also have much to enjoy with colouring books, mascots and special Eid gifts. The Arabian Tea House experience is available at locations across Dubai, including Jumeirah Archaeological Site, Bur Dubai, Mercato Shopping Mall, and Al Merijah. All delivery orders above 100 will also receive complimentary sweets with their order.
In addition, residents and visitors can enjoy a super selection of weekly dining deals and events held each week throughout summer in the city.
Summer Restaurant Week will return to the city from 12 to 28 August. For a limited time, foodies can explore 50 of Dubai’s best restaurants, with special breakfast, lunch and dinner deals at great prices for all the family. Summer Restaurant Week will encourage residents and visitors to enjoy breakfast for AED 69 for adults and AED 25 for kids, two-course lunch menus at AED 95 for adults and AED 35 for kids and three-course dinners priced AED 150 for adults and AED 35 for kids.
HOTEL OFFERS
DSS is the perfect time to enjoy a summer break in the city with some of Dubai’s best hotels and resorts offering super deals on stays.
Book at Dubai’s most fashionable urban resort Palazzo Versace Dubai and save up to 10% on the lowest available room rate. Enjoy great savings on food and beverage, spa and Versace retail products including 15% off on Versace Home, 20% off on Versace Fine Jewelry, 20% off on Spa massages and 20% off on selected hair treatments at The SALON.
Those looking to experience the true magnificence and grandeur of Palazzo Versace Dubai can create timeless memories in one of the beautiful suites, designed and furnished exclusively by Versace. Book a Palazzo Versace suite and receive some incredible benefits including daily breakfast at Giardino, 20% off on food and beverage in selected outlets, a 45-minute rejuvenating massage at The SPA for him and her and ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Versace perfumes as a departure gift.
Head over to The Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre for Stay Longer Deals this summer. The longer one stays the better the offer; stay three nights and get 15% off the room rate, stay four nights and get 20% off the room rate and stay seven nights and get 25% of the room rate.
Spend a dream vacation this summer at one of Dubai’s most iconic resorts, Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort. Book a stay in the luxurious Imperial Club Rooms or Suites for seven nights and pay only for five nights. While staying at the hotel, conquer the world’s largest Aquaventure Waterpark, party at Dubai’s trendiest beach club WHITE beach or indulge in fine dining at any of the celebrity chef restaurants.
Pack the bags and head for the summer sun. Embrace the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Dubai and book seven nights for the price of five nights at Fairmont Hotel The Palm.
Stay, Play, Vacay at Caesars Palace Dubai. Visitors are invited to stay longer and enjoy two additional free nights when booking for five nights at this hotel on Bluewater Island. Children can discover all the fun at the Empire Kid’s Club with daily summer activities and welcome surprises. Families can enjoy the pristine 500-meter private beach and five temperature-controlled infinity pools. And there is more fun to be had with special family offers across Bluewaters Island.
RAFFLES
Shoppers at participating malls with DSMG Group can receive a digital raffle coupon for the Dubai Summer Surprises Raffle 2022 for every AED 100 spent. Six lucky raffle winners will take home their own Nissan XTERRA this DSS, from across six draws with a total prize value of AED 700,000.
Grab the opportunity to receive up to AED 10,000 daily, from July until the last three days of Eid Al Adha in Dubai. Win 46 prizes with a total value of AED 200,000 from three different raffles across over 20 participating malls. Spend a minimum of AED 100 to enter into the Blue raffle draw category, spend AED 250 to enter into the Red category, and AED 350 or more to enter into the Yellow category with the biggest prizes.
For jewellery lovers, there’s the chance to enter the DGJG Gold Group Raffle Promotion. Every AED 500 purchase of Gold, Diamond and Pearl Jewellery at participating outlets means customers become eligible for a raffle coupon to win one of 20 prizes worth AED 5000 each in this special DSS draw.
The Back to School Raffle 2022 offers mall-goers the chance to win amazing prizes up to AED 100,000 when shopping at any participating malls. Two draws will be held, with up to 17 winners receiving one of many irresistible prizes.
Customers buying a coupon at ENOC, EPPCO or select ZOOM outlets and shopping malls or purchasing an Idealz Tee II for AED 150 online through www.idealz.com will receive a complimentary coupon to enter a raffle and win a 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 200 and a cash prize of AED 25,000. There are no limits to the number of winners until the end of the promotion on 25 September.
Shoppers can also win big with the DSS Save More When You Shop More with 1915 By Seddiqi & Sons raffle draw, with every receipt of AED 1000 purchased at 1915 by Seddiqi & Sons stores at BurJuman Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, The Dubai Mall and City Centre Mirdif from 1 July to 4 September. Six lucky winners will be selected on 8 September, with five winners receiving AED 5000, and one grand prize winner receiving AED 25,000.
FIND OUT MORE
Plan summer in Dubai to make the most of everything the city has to offer from relaxing staycations, exciting live entertainment, gastronomical experiences, family outings and the best shopping deals. Visit www.mydss.ae for the full calendar of events and @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.
Dubai Summer Surprises is supported by key sponsor RAKBANK MasterCard and Strategic partners which include: Al Futtaim Group (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Boxpark, Citywalk, Dubai International Financial Centre, Emirates Airline, Enoc, Etisalat, La Mer, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, The Pointe, Nakheel Mall, Dragon Mart 2), The Beach and The Outlet Village.
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