Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 30 June, 2016 12:34 pm |

Residents and tourists from around the world can expect to enjoy their best summer yet in Dubai with Dubai Summer Surprises - the longest running family summer extravaganza of its kind in the region – that kicks off on 9 July across the city.  ‘Own The Summer’ throughout 43 days of amazing shopping and dining promotions, as well as the opportunity to enjoy world-class entertainment and win prizes worth millions of dirhams.

 

The highlights of the 19th edition of DSS, offering diverse events and activities designed to create a citywide celebration, were revealed at the annual Media Iftar organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), and the organisers of DSS, on 28 June at Dubai World Trade Centre. 

The Iftar was attended by media personnel and their families with Dora the Explorer, Donatelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants and local hero Modhesh making surprise appearances much to the delight of children. Following the DSS presentation at the Iftar, which also provided an outline of the upcoming 9th edition of the ‘Eid in Dubai - Eid AL Fitr’ celebrations, members of the press and their families were invited to tour Modhesh World, the largest indoor seasonal edutainment theme park in the region, running from now until August 27, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. 

During the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr’ celebrations, residents and visitors can enjoy top entertainment at a concert featuring renowned regional music icon, Nawal El Kuwaitia and many family-oriented events and activities at malls across the city.

 

Shoppers can also win up to AED 1.5 million in prizes during the Shop. Spin & Win promotion run by DFRE and Dubai Shopping Malls Group, which will hold raffle draws during the first three days of Eid Al Fitr.

 

H.E. Laila Mohammed Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment:

 “Dubai is a dynamic destination attracting international and regional tourists all year long, and Dubai Summer Surprises enables everyone to ‘Own the Summer’, further strengthening Dubai’s position as the preferred family summer destination of the region. From world-class performances and events to interactive experiences, fabulous dining options, and generous retail deals, there is something for everyone this DSS.  Dubai residents and tourists of all ages are invited to take full advantage of this year’s DSS entertainment and head to as many participating shopping malls as possible to be able to enjoy the wide array of fun, events and deals, while creating life-long memories with loved ones”.

 

The following are some of the ‘Fun’, ‘Events’ and ‘Deals’ that visitors can look forward to this DSS:

 

The Gruffalo Adventure 

Star Atrium, The Dubai Mall

Get ready to embark on a first-time, interactive journey into the deep Gruffalo Forest, where you can meet monster everyone hates to love, Gruffalo! He and his other mythical friends will give fans an experience to remember!

 

Alvin & The Chipmunks Live on Stage

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

The world renowned animated music group, Alvin & The Chipmunks will take to the stage with a live theatrical musical. Be part of the exciting workshop or Meet & Greet the playful characters for unlimited laughs and giggles.

 

Mercato Circus Fiesta

9 July 20 August, Mercato Mall

 

Enjoy a series of fun and family-oriented events at Mercato this DSS including Beijing Chinese Circus, Circo Latino, Kids Circus Workshop and Roaming Acts.

 

Barbie, The Athlete 

11- 20 August, Dragon Mart 2

 

Featuring the popular Barbie interactive stand activation, fans of the Barbie brand and 2016 Olympics can have a chance to get involved in a line-up of incredible games and also sample the latest Barbie products.

 

Trash Pack Live Show and Workshop

1-10  August, Dragon Mart 2

 

Enter the world of the Trash Pack with the only live show of its kind in the region, featuring four vibrant characters and a host, including songs, dancing and audience interaction. The show uses the popularity of the characters to promote a theme around the protection of the environment and a strong recycling message.

 

Misfortune Circus

11 – 20 August, Ibn Battuta Mall

 

A bunch of hilarious misfits have banded together to create a unique circus filled with laughs. Each show will be of 20 minutes duration and will feature a farce of four different acts each with a small introduction from the ring master.

 

Lego Friends Workshops 

28 July – 6 August, Ibn Battuta

 

Lego friends Workshops will give kids the opportunity to learn, build and play using the renowned Lego brand.

 

 

Fashion Forward Summer Pop-Up

19 – 25 (Mall of the Emirates); 3-9 August (City Centre Mirdif)

 

A retail pop-up event that will exhibit and support regional fashion designers by providing them the opportunity to showcase their collections at  some of Dubai’s most visited malls. 

 

Save Our Summer

5 – 20 August, Star Atrium, The Dubai Mall

 

Aimed at rescuing kids and parents from the hot summer months and making this period a cheerful and memorable useful learning experience, The Dubai Mall will be hosting a number of exciting, interactive activities that will give everyone that “holiday feeling” without having to leave the city during the summer.

 

My Little Pony Live Show & Beauty Corner 

15 – 25 July, Ibn Battuta Mall

 

Spread joy and happiness with the most adorable My Little Pony show featuring a display of the ultimate fun through dance, song and laughter with your favourite ponies at magical Ponyville.

 

Hasbro Games

14 – 20 July, Dragon Mart 2

Twice a week, come down with your families and friends to indulge in exciting life-sized board games. Challenge your fathers, mothers, siblings and more for some real life board game action!

 

BRICKS at BOXPARK

6 July – 20 August, BOXPARK

 

For the second year in a row, the inspired LEGO décor at BOXPARK will offer little ones a themed workshop and chance to buy tickets to the much awaited LEGOLAND!

 

The Jungle Book

14 – 20 August, CITY WALK

 

Watch a  world-class live show based on the children’s favourite tale written by Rudyard Kipling with this exciting activation take the visitors deep into the heart of the jungle where they will never know what’s around the corner or high up in a tree!

 

 

ANGRY BIRDS: Splat That! 

10 – 19 July, Festival Square, Dubai Festival City Mall 

Angry Birds are dishing out revenge upon the animals who stole their eggs so they must eliminate the unwanted creatures and destroy their buildings and structure at the same time. Play the game yourself by engaging in the Interactive Activity Corner and eliminate the unwanted creatures. Stay a little longer so you can meet and greet the Angry Bird characters, tell them about your experience and don’t forget to take a photo with them.

 

PROMOTIONS

 

In keeping with the ‘surprise’ element, DSS visitors will get a chance to win incredible prizes including the chance to win 12 InfinitI Q 50 cars in the Shop & Win promotion run by the Dubai Shopping Malls Group while foodies and families will be delighted by the ‘Eat & Play’ promotion which will offer instant gift vouchers to visitors who dine in participating restaurants located in malls. 

 

Visitors can also avail themselves of exciting promotions run by Paris Gallery, Emirates Airline, Dubai Duty Free, EPPCO & ENOC, and numerous malls.

 

Full details of DSS can be found online and through related social media channels, letting  young and old to truly ‘Own the Summer’ and take full advantage of what Dubai has in store for them.