Image: DSS/ DFRE
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is back for its 28th edition, running from June 27 to August 31. This beloved festival, organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), promises an exciting blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and family-friendly fun, making it an unmissable event throughout the city this summer.
From shopping sprees with exclusive retail promotions to world-class concerts, this year’s festival features more than two months of activities designed to bring joy and excitement to residents and visitors alike. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your experience at DSS 2025.
The festival is proudly sponsored by Commercial Bank of Dubai, joined by major partners including Al Futtaim Malls, Majid Al Futtaim, Emirates Airline, ENOC, and talabat, ensuring a vibrant lineup of offers and entertainment.
1. Three Curated Shopping Seasons
- Summer Holiday Offers (June 27–July 17): Kick off the festival with family-friendly deals and early-season bargains, alongside the first round of exciting raffles.
- Great Dubai Summer Sale (July 18–August 10): Dive into the most extensive citywide discounts with offerings from over 800 brands and 3,000 retailers.
- Back to School (August 11–31): Gear up for school with essential savings and exciting giveaways, including chances for scholarships.
2. Dubai Summer Surprises: Opening Weekend Extravaganza
Celebrate the launch from June 27–29 with family-focused activities and a lineup of free concerts at major venues across the city. Expect regional acts performing at:
- Dubai Festival City Mall: Enjoy performances from Abri & Band, Sabrina, Reina Khoury, and Noel Kharman.
- City Centre Mirdif: Experience live music from Jadal and Al Shami, along with roaming entertainment.
- Headline Shows: Catch unique acts including the Miami Band, Mutref Al Mutref, a Tribute to Adele, and Adnan Sami.
3. Mall Raffles and Big Wins
Throughout the festival, shoppers have immediate chances to win big! Prizes include Polestar 4 cars, SUVs, electronics, jewelry, and Skyward Miles through retailer loyalty programs at major malls such as Mercato, Majid Al Futtaim locations, Festival Plaza, and Dubai Outlet Mall.
4. Dubai Summer Restaurant Week
Food lovers will delight in the Dubai Summer Restaurant Week from July 4–13, featuring set-menu dining across more than 50 family and international restaurants at incredible value. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
5. DSS Gahwa Beats
On weekends of July 26 and August 2, 9, 16, and 23, enjoy lively café pop-ups celebrating coffee culture and live music at various city hotspots. Stay tuned for location announcements!
6. 10 Dirham Dish
Discover affordable eating options across Dubai with the special “10 Dirham Dish” offer available at participating restaurants from August 1–31, featuring delicious dishes for just Dhs10.
7. Headline Concert Series and Live Shows
- Beat The Heat DXB (July 4–13): Enjoy a dynamic lineup of Arabic pop, indie, and hip-hop acts.
- Individual Concerts: Don’t miss performances by Adonis (July 3), TJ Monterde (July 13), Shreya Ghoshal (July 19), Sufi maestro Sagar Bhatia (August 16), and Natalie Imbruglia (August 23), culminating with the Made in Kuwaiti theatre (August 29–30).
8. Shop and Save Citywide
Prepare for nine weeks of retail excitement filled with themed flash sales, including “Cool Off at The Beach, JBR”, “Win Your School Fees”, and various loyalty promotions such as the Amber Millionaire, AURA draw, and a chance to win 1 Million Skywards Miles.
9. Staycations and Family Fun
This summer, enjoy exclusive deals at over 100 hotels and 15 attractions. The DSS Entertainer BOGO offer (Dhs 195) unlocks more than 7,500 discounts across theme parks, dining, gyms, and spas, making family outings more memorable.
10. Fitness Events
Get active during the festival with various mall-based runs, such as:
- Courtyard Run at Dubai Hills Mall (June 28, in partnership with Skechers)
- RX Run Series at City Centre Mirdif (July 6) & Mall of Emirates (August 3)
- Fun Runs at Ibn Battuta Mall (July 13) and Festival City Mall (August 31)
- Messi Experience at Festival City Mall available until August 31 — interactive football fun for all ages!
11. Modesh and Dana Mascot Moments
Look out for Dubai’s most-beloved mascots, Modesh and Dana, who will be making surprise appearances at malls, schools, attractions, and interactive pop-ups throughout the city. Enjoy themed décor, meet-and-greets, and new merchandise experiences designed to delight children and families alike.
