Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 June 2023: The city is all set to come alive this summer with a thrilling line-up of events and activities as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) returns for its 26th edition. Presented by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), and running from 29 June to 3 September, residents and visitors alike can experience all that the city has to offer throughout the summer months. This edition of DSS showcases glorious gastronomy, enthralling entertainment, unmissable shopping deals and much more. And Dubai Summer Surprises also brings double reasons to celebrate, with a packed opening weekend celebrating Eid Al Adha in Dubai.

Commenting on Dubai Summer Surprises 2023, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The summer season does not start until the launch of Dubai Summer Surprises. This year, our focus is on enhancing quality of life for residents - ensuring that families are able to experience a wealth of ways to stay entertained throughout the summer - and making sure that visitors can always experience something new and innovative here in Dubai. With Dubai Summer Surprises, we’ve put together an exciting line-up of activities running over more than two months, with unmissable retail offerings, world-class entertainment, chances to win, internationally acclaimed gastronomy, and more. There is something for everyone to look forward to in Dubai this summer with Dubai Summer Surprises.” 

EID IN DUBAI - AL ADHA OPENING WEEKEND 

This opening weekend of Dubai Summer Surprises 2023 will kick off with huge excitement with the DSS Opening Concert, celebrating Eid Al Adha in Dubai, featuring legendary performers Hussain Al Jassmi and Kadim Al Sahir. These two multi-talented artists are set to perform live in concert at the Coca-Cola Arena on 1 July at 9PM, while doors open at 8PM. Tickets for the concert can be purchased on Platinumlist, Coca-cola Arena and Dubai Calendar.

Stay tuned for yet another incredible concert for the opening weekend of DSS, in celebration of Eid Al Adha. The beloved artist Mohammad Abdo will perform some of his greatest tracks on 2 July at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, such as ‘Al Amaken’ (Places) and ‘Shabeeha Al Reeh’ (Like the Wind). Make sure to secure tickets to see the talented singer and oudist live.

Celebrate at Ibn Battuta Mall and City Centre Mirdif from 29 to 30 June, and make sure to catch the thrilling dance performances and skilled musical artists as they captivate shoppers at both locations, along with a host of various live entertainment for all to enjoy, daily from 4pm to 10pm.

RETAIL PROMOTIONS & CHANCES TO WIN 

Shop using a Visa credit or debit card linked to the Skywards Everyday app between 28 June to 5 July, to earn 5 times the Skywards miles. Earn five miles for every AED 3 spent with participating partners on shopping, dining, beauty and wellness, or five miles for every AED 5 spent on groceries and pharmacy products. 

Shoppers can not only bag a bargain this summer but also be in with a chance to win life changing prizes, with offers galore from over 800 brands across 3,500 outlets in the city. With up to 75 per cent off over the 10 weeks of DSS, plan ahead to make the most out of the DSS Sale Season running from 29 June to 3 September.

Have an ‘Unforgettable Summer with Blue’ by spending AED 300 or more at Dubai Festival City Mall to enter into a draw and win 1 million Blue Rewards points every week of Dubai Summer Surprises, from 29 June to 3 September. Many draws will take place between 3 July, to the last draw on 4 September, giving shoppers plenty of opportunities to win big.

Get amazing value for money with the Mall of the Emirates and City Centre's Mallcation SHARE Summer Rewards Program offering irresistible cashback offers ranging from 2 times to 40 times the points on preferred shopping categories. What’s more, starting from July 24 until September 3, one shopper weekly will get the amazing opportunity to become a SHARE millionaire, when they spend AED 300 or more and scan their receipts on the SHARE Rewards app.

There are also a whole other host of ways to win big this DSS. Shop for AED 200 or more at any of the Dubai Summer Surprises Raffle Campaign 2023 participating malls during opening hours, and receive a digital coupon earning shoppers the chance to take home a Nissan X-Trail 2023. Six lucky winners will be selected over six draws in this amazing raffle promotion running from 29 June to 3 September.

From 7 August until 3 September shop for AED 200 at any of the participating malls and be in with a chance to win prizes totalling AED 100,000 as part of the Back To School Raffle Campaign 2023. Twenty lucky winners will be selected in the raffle draw taking place on 3 September, each taking home AED 5000.

Win amazing prizes all summer long with Idealz. Until 30 September, spend AED 40 on the Idealz mobile app or www.idealz.com to get the chance to win AED 1 million in cash. Spending AED 60 will gain entry into a draw to win the DSS Grand Prize of a whopping AED 2.5 million in cash. The prizes only get bigger, from 26 June to 15 October, shoppers also have the chance to win a dream apartment in Dubai this summer for just AED 25.

What’s more, win a Mercedes-Benz A 200 by spending AED 50 through Idealz or by purchasing a ticket at ENOC and EPPCO petrol stations, ZOOM outlets, AutoPro service centres, ENOC Link terminals and Ibn Battuta Mall, until 30 September.

Gold and jewellery enthusiasts can take full advantage of the Glittering City of Gold Jewellery Deals happening from 20 June to 23 July, organised by Dubai Jewellery Group. Shop from across 150 jewellery outlets in Dubai to get amazing offers such as up to 50 per cent off making charges on gold jewellery, up to 75 per cent off diamond and pearl jewellery, and gold coins with every purchase of diamond jewellery worth AED 2,500 or more. What’s more, get exclusive gifts with every purchase of AED 1,000, along with a coupon to enter a raffle draw giving 20 lucky winners the chance to take home a AED 5,000 voucher, making a grand total of AED 100,000 in jewellery vouchers to be won. 

Shop at Mercato Shopping Mall or Town Centre from 29 June to 3 September and get a chance to win the latest Cadillac Escalade worth AED 465,000. There’s also an amazing array of activities and shows for the whole family to enjoy from 4pm to 10pm at the main stage, such as a Circus Fiesta from 28 June to 9 July, Delight Circus from 12 to 23 July, The Greatest Show from 26 July to 6 August, and the Arctic Cirque from 9 to 22 August.

CONCERTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The second edition of the Beat the Heat music festival, presented in collaboration with DSS, Spotlight, and Anghami, is back to set the stage this DSS with a diverse mix of talented artists and musicians that make up the city’s unique music scene. Enjoy tunes and performances spanning a variety of genres throughout July and August at The Agenda, Dubai Media City. Enjoy thrilling performances by WEGZ, Cairokee, Balti, Autostrad, Skinny, El Far3i, Modi Al Shamrani, DJ Aseel and Sharmoofers.

The crowd-pleasing Movie Magic will also return this DSS to delight moviegoers of all ages with a fun line-up of performances, lively competitions and scrumptious F&B to enjoy. Get a chance to meet some beloved movie characters and relive childhood favourites in special screenings of the classics as well.
 
Catch amazing performing arts crews at iconic locations across the city from 7 July to 3 September during the weekends, between 4pm to 10pm. Shoppers should keep their eyes peeled for roaming entertainment throughout the summer at Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart, Nakheel Mall, City Walk, Bluewaters, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Centre Deira, The Outlet Village, Dubai Festival Plaza, City Centre Mirdif, and Mall of Emirates.

Or head to Al Khawaneej Walk and Last Exit Al Khawaneej to enjoy a lively musical ambience with roaming musicians giving live performances on the violin, saxophone and more every weekend from 2 July until the end of August.

FAMILY FUN & STAYCATION OFFERS 

Take a break this summer and get away to some of the city's world-class hotels and resorts with unmissable offers and packages. Families with children can take advantage of the Kids Go Free offers across many hotels and attractions in the city, such as free entry for children under 12 at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai, and LEGOLAND® Water Park, until 31 July. Get more amazing offers at locations such as AYA Universe, Xstrike, Woo-Hoo UAE, Expo City Dubai, Madame Tussauds Museum, Reel Cinemas, Sky Views Observatory, At the Top, The View At The Palm, selected Address and Jumeirah hotels, and many more.

Release your inner child at Modesh World - the ideal summer indoor entertainment for the whole family. Go on a journey of fun and exploration with Dubai’s beloved characters Modesh and Dana, try out the thrilling rides, and snack on delicious treats, all from 26 June to 27 August. Experience all four seasons of the year with Modesh and Dana in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter zones in the all new ambience upgrade at Modesh World. Get on fun rides such as the Twister, or explore Winter at Modesh snow park with inflatable experience and more. Visit the ice cream museum MELT, indulge in mouth-watering treats, play all sorts of board games, arcade games, card games, tournaments and even learn how to build a gaming PC, all at Modesh World.

Make sure to check out other must-visit indoor entertainment options such as the breathtaking, innovative Museum of the Future, the Museum of Illusions, Theatre of Digital Arts, Infinity des Lumieres and much more.

Fans of Batman should make it a point to stop by Ibn Battuta Mall from 29 June to 29 July, between 2pm to 10pm. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Gotham city and fight crime with Batman in a virtual reality (VR) experience. Check out displays of collectible figurines and merchandise, meet and greet some of the most iconic actors and artists who have worked on Batman-related movies and comics, and catch exciting live shows featuring Batman and his allies in this fun-for-all-ages experience. Simply shop for AED200 in the mall and register at the information desk to enter the activation in India Court.

From 29 June to 29 July, visitors to Nakheel Mall can visit the Justice League activation to try their hand at interactive and fun activities including tournaments, workshops, and a VR experience. Lucky fans can also get the chance to say hello to superheroes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Flash, as well as win figurines of their favourite DC characters.

Spend summer with the whole family and enjoy enticing deals at the urban hub Boxpark from 28 June to 31 August. Indulge in delightful culinary experiences, explore the unique mix of stores, engage in an Escape the Room adventure, and make the most of a movie experience at Roxy Cinemas.

Experience the Ultimate Summer at Dubai Festival City Mall with exciting shows and activations running right the way through DSS until 3 September. With exciting activities by globally loved brands such as LEGO, Baby Shark, Trolls and Cartoon Network, there’s so much to enjoy this summer at Dubai Festival City Mall. Shoppers can also participate in workshops on perfumery, cheese platters, soap making, painting in plaster, and more, presented by SXILL LAB, as well as other roaming entertainment throughout the mall.

GASTRONOMY

Summer Restaurant Week is back, with the chance to explore the gastronomy scene in Dubai with specially priced signature menus from internationally acclaimed restaurants across the city. Sample delicious dishes across a wide range of cuisines, prepared by famed and talented chefs across the city.

CITY DECORATION AND AMBIENCE

Take in the festive ambience of the city as it comes alive with stunning themed structures and jaw-dropping lighting that enhance various locations throughout Dubai. View the vibrant DSS branding, glittering lights, and keep an eye out for citywide statutes of beloved characters Modesh and Dana.

The real Modesh and Dana will also be making their rounds through shopping hotspots in the city, spreading joy and cheer. Make sure to stop and say hello to the favourite duo as they surprise shoppers until 3 September across City Centre Deira, Al Khawaneej Walk, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Walk, DIFC, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Festival Plaza, The Outlet Village, Bluewaters, Mall of the Emirates, Nakheel Mall, City Centre Me'aesim, City Centre Barsha, and Circle Mall.

Get ready to indulge yourself in the ultimate summer extravaganza filled with incredible surprises, unmissable retail offers, diverse culinary delights and endless entertainment during Dubai Summer Surprises from 29 June to 3 September. For more information, visit @CelebrateDubai and @StyledByDubai on social media channels, and www.DubaiSummerSurprises.com. 

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.