The most eagerly awaited and value-packed edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 officially kicks off today, promising an array of unbeatable offers, free experiences, and family-friendly entertainment aimed at making this a summer well spent. Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this 28th edition of Dubai’s favorite summer festival runs until 31 August, offering something for everyone. Expect incredible shopping opportunities, jaw-dropping discounts, live headline concerts, and world-class dining experiences, all designed to create memorable moments for families and visitors alike.
To enhance your shopping experience this year, DSS introduces three specially curated retail seasons, starting with the Summer Holiday Offers, which are currently available until 17 July. Shoppers can enjoy immense savings—up to 75%—across hundreds of brands all over the city. This early summer shopping campaign features exclusive giveaways, surprise pop-ups, dining deals, and incredible entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re planning a staycation, shopping spree, or just a weekend outing, the shopping season is full of ways to enjoy Dubai on a budget. Each day promises new surprises at attractions, hotels, star-studded performances, and many more thrilling experiences.
FREE THINGS TO DO FOR ALL AGES
Families can dive into a wealth of free entertainment and activations throughout DSS. The festivities kick off with a weekend filled with family fun and cultural celebrations. On Friday, 27 June, the Dubai Festival City Mall will be graced by the electrifying performances of Japanese dance crew Sabrina and Palestinian-Jordanian pop artist Reina Khoury. Get ready for more entertainment on Saturday, 28 June, when Abri & the Band along with singer-songwriter Noel Kharman take the stage, complemented by live performances from Al Shami and Jadal at City Centre Mirdif. With roving entertainers and energetic acts, these events promise to light up the weekend.
DINE OUT FOR LESS
Among the highlights of DSS is the much-anticipated Summer Restaurant Week, returning this July. From 4 to 13 July, foodies can explore Dubai’s culinary landscape at an exceptional value. Exclusive set menus at over 55 casual dining spots will feature two-course lunches for AED 95 and three-course dinners for AED 150. From Emirati classics to modern Asian cuisine, this diverse lineup showcases the best of Dubai’s food scene. Make your reservations now through OpenTable.
Additionally, a brand-new initiative called the 10 Dirham Dish will run throughout August, celebrating the local dining experience with dishes offered at just AED 10. The complete list of participating restaurants will be released shortly.
FAMILY OFFERS
For families, DSS is the best-value time of year to experience Dubai’s top attractions, with exclusive summer offers at over 100 hotels, 15 top attractions, and 10 spas. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a fun day out with the kids, DSS 2025 is packed with choices for every age, interest, and budget. Expect exciting packages, resident rates, complimentary upgrades, and additional perks that allow families to create lasting memories without breaking the bank.
The DSS Entertainer is back for 2025, offering over 7,500 Buy One Get One Free offers across dining, attractions, spas, and more. Shoppers will enjoy unlimited access to participating venues for three months from the date of purchase, with each merchant offering up to three redemptions valid seven days a week. Some top venues for this year include Wild Wadi, Motiongate Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and more.
Creative and educational summer camps will also be popping up across cultural institutions, featuring highlights like the “Burst of Imagination” arts program at the Al Jalila Cultural Centre and heritage camps at the Etihad Museum. These seasonal activities ensure that children have plenty of hands-on fun throughout the holidays.
EPIC BARGAINS AND MALL PROMOTIONS
DSS marks the onset of nine weeks of incredible promotions and exclusive in-store offers, starting today with the Summer Holiday Offers lasting until 17 July. Shoppers can avail discounts of up to 75% at more than 800 brands and over 3,000 stores, along with exciting opportunities to win fabulous prizes through engaging mall campaigns.
Exciting initiatives include one million SHARE points at Majid Al Futtaim malls and several high-stakes raffle draws, providing shoppers with chances to win everything from AED 10,000 in Tickit points to brand-new SUVs. Additionally, the Lucky Receipt promotion returns, awarding prizes to 210 lucky shoppers who spend AED 300 or more at select retailers.
Don’t miss the first-ever Interiors Warehouse Sale from 28 June to 5 July at the Dubai World Trade Centre, showcasing premium furniture and decor from globally renowned brands amidst other campaigns offering unbeatable value on fashion, tech, and more.
Shoppers can also participate in citywide raffles with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group DSS Raffle, offering the chance to win one of nine brand-new cars, while the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffles will see 30 lucky winners claim gold bars. Every week promises new opportunities for community members to take home valuable prizes, keeping the excitement alive throughout the festival.
Mall shoppers can anticipate unique experiences at every corner, featuring attractions like Jurassic Café by VOX Cinemas at Mall of The Emirates and themed summer markets at The Beach, JBR. For football enthusiasts, The Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City Mall offers an immersive journey filled with interactive games and family-friendly installations until 31 August.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES IN CITYWIDE MALLS
Expect a rich tapestry of free-to-attend music, dance, and performing arts at all major malls, adding extra vibrancy to the DSS experience. Nearly 20 high-energy acts will take to the stage every weekend, featuring everything from dazzling parades to acrobatic performances and folk dancing, ensuring that every family has access to thrilling entertainment options.
Fans of the beloved Dubai characters Modesh and Dana can catch them live at historic malls, with appearances scheduled for Dubai Festival City Mall on 28 June, City Centre Mirdif on 29 June, and Ibn Battuta Mall on 30 June. Additional surprise pop-ups will occur at top attractions, keeping the spirit of fun alive throughout the summer.
Backed by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and numerous strategic partners, DSS 2025 promises a summer filled with memorable experiences.
For more information about this year’s festival, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and stay updated by following @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.
