The 25th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), running from July 1 to September 4, 2022 will usher in a season of sales, prizes and entertainment like never before, including a wide range of activities to enjoy with the whole family.

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 of DFRE, said: “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.”

DFRE has outlined the key activities, deals, sales, events, activations and more taking place across the city during the festive 25th edition of DSS:

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 AED225 ($61.2).

Concerts & live entertainment
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 ticketmaster.ae from AED299.

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 AED299, and doors will open from 7PM, with the show beginning at 8:30PM.

The 22nd edition of Modesh World makes a grand return to the Dubai World Trade Centre on July 1, until August 28.

From 1 July until 31 August, City Centre Mirdiff will host the Salt Pop Market, while Mercato Shopping Mall will feature 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.

There is more family-friendly fun to be found in the Circle Mall from 21 August to 4 September. When spending AED100 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 AED100 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.

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 favourite 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 AED100 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
DSS Daily Surprises will unveil 25 offers every day from 3 to 27 July. Visitors spending AED500 or more at The Dubai Mall stand a chance of winning the Biggest Deal of the Year: one million dirhams. Participants can win Emaar Gift Cards worth AED25,000 in eight weekly draws.

The DSS SHARE Millionaire promotions will also return giving shoppers who spend AED300 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 AED300 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 AED20,000 each week, per customer.

Jumbo Electronics will host a Mobile Fest from 24 June to 17 July and offer 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 AED500 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 AED200 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 AED1,000 in store - prizes of five gift vouchers worth AED5,000 are up for grabs, with one grand gift voucher prize of AED25,000 to be won.

The 6thStreet x Club Apparel I 24x7 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 at www.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 AED500 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 favourite 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 AED180 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 AED69 for adults and AED25 for kids, two-course lunch menus at AED95 for adults and AED35 for kids and three-course dinners priced AED150 for adults and AED35 for kids.

Hotel offers
A number of hotels in Dubai including Palazzo Versace Dubai, Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre, Caesars Palace Dubai and Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort, among others will offer discounts on food and beverages as well as stays.

Raffles
Shoppers at participating malls with DSMG Group can receive a digital raffle coupon for the Dubai Summer Surprises Raffle 2022 for every AED100 spent. Six lucky raffle winners will take home their own Nissan XTERRA this DSS, from across six draws with a total prize value of AED700,000.

Grab the opportunity to receive up to AED10,000 daily, from July until the last three days of Eid Al Adha in Dubai. Win 46 prizes with a total value of AED200,000 from three different raffles across over 20 participating malls. Spend a minimum of AED100 to enter into the Blue raffle draw category, spend AED250 to enter into the Red category, and AED350 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 AED500 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 AED5000 each in this special DSS draw.

The Back to School Raffle 2022 offers mall-goers the chance to win amazing prizes up to AED100,000 when shopping at any participating malls. Two draws will be held, with up to 17 winners receiving one of many irresistible prizes. - TradeArabia News Service