Dubai Summer Surprises begins today

The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is back for its 19th edition this year, and brings an array of activities and events to make summer thoroughly enjoyable. 

The 43-day event offers shopping, world-class entertainment and rewarding experiences, from July 9 to August 20, in what is the largest and longest summer extravaganza in the region. It's themed "Own The Summer” this year. 

On the calendar are visits and performances from international stars, cartoon characters, stage shows, roaming acts, in-mall events packed with surprises, interactive workshops, and retail and dining promotions offering shoppers compelling deals and discounts across participating malls, hotels and restaurants. 

"Dubai is a dynamic destination attracting international and regional tourists all year long, and DSS enables everyone to ‘Own the Summer', further strengthening Dubai's position as the preferred family summer destination of the region,” said Laila Mohammad Suhail, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). 

"From world-class performances and events to interactive experiences, fabulous dining options and generous retail deals, there is something for everyone this DSS,” she said. 

Residents and visitors can participate in retail promotions during DSS to win mega prizes, including the chance to win 12 InfinitI Q50 cars in the Shop & Win promotion run by Dubai's malls, and attractive bargains and discounts of up to 75 per cent at malls and retail outlets in Dubai. 

On the entertainment front are events that will bring the globally loved characters Angry Birds, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Gruffalo to the UAE to meet their fans. 

DSS is organised by DFRE, an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). 

SOME HIGHLIGHTS: 

The Gruffalo Adventure 

Embark on the first interactive journey into the deep Gruffalo Forest to meet the monster everyone hates to love. 

Where: Souk Atrium and Star Atrium, The Dubai Mall 

When: July 9-17 

Alvin & The Chipmunks Live on Stage 

World-renowned animated music group's live theatrical musical. 

Where and when: July 19-25 July (City Centre Mirdif); July 27-August 2 (Mall of the Emirates); August 4-10 (City Centre Deira) 

Mercato Circus Fiesta 

A series of fun, family-oriented events including Beijing Chinese Circus, Circo Latino, Kids Circus Workshop and Roaming Acts. 

Where: Mercato Mall 

When: July 9-August 20 

Barbie, The Athlete 

Barbie interactive stand, a line-up of incredible games and the latest Barbie products. 

Where: Dragon Mart 2 

When: August 11-20 

Misfortune Circus 

Hilarious misfits band together to create a unique circus filled with laughs. Each show lasts 20 minutes. 

Where: Ibn Battuta Mall 

When: August 11-20 

Lego Friends Workshops 

Opportunity to learn, build and play using Lego. 

Where: Ibn Battuta 

When: July 6-August 28 

Fashion Forward Summer Pop-Up 

Retail pop-up event exhibiting regional fashion designers. 

Where and when: Mall of the Emirates: July 19-25; City Centre Mirdif: August 3-9 

Angry Birds: Splat That! 

This event offers an Interactive Activity Corner to play the game. You can also meet the Angry Bird characters, and take a photo with them. 

Where: Festival Square, Dubai Festival City Mall 

When: July 10-19 

Hasbro Games 

Play life-size board games twice a week. Challenge your fathers, mothers, siblings and more for some real-life board game action. 

Where: Dragon Mart 2 

When: July 14-20 

Save Our Summer 

A number of exciting, interactive activities to give you that "holiday feeling” without having to leave the city. 

Where: Star Atrium, The Dubai Mall 

When: August 5-20 

Bricks at Boxpark 

A themed workshop and chance to buy tickets to the much-awaited Legoland. 

Where: BOXPARK 

When: July 6-August 20 

The Jungle Book 

Watch a world-class live show that delves deep into the heart of the jungle. 

Where: City Walk 

When: August 14-20 

PROMOTIONS 

A chance to win 12 InfinitI Q50 cars in the Shop & Win promotion. 

The Eat & Play promotion for foodies offers instant gift vouchers to visitors who dine in participating restaurants. 

There are also promotions run by Paris Gallery, Emirates Airline, Dubai Duty Free, EPPCO & ENOC, and numerous malls. 

Source: Gulf News