Dubai Summer Surprises 2025: What’s in Store for the Next 66 Days
Image credit: Supplied
The 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is set to enchant residents and visitors alike from June 27 to August 31, 2025. Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s event promises a wealth of exciting shopping deals, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The opening weekend from June 27 to 29 will be a spectacular launchpad for a city-wide celebration packed with unbeatable offers.
Curated Retail Seasons
For the first time, DSS 2025 will introduce three specially curated retail seasons designed to keep shoppers engaged throughout the summer. Kicking off on the opening weekend is the Summer Holiday Offers, active from June 27 to July 17. Shoppers can expect discounts ranging from 25% to 75% across hundreds of brands.
From chic fashion to cutting-edge tech and stylish homeware, this initial phase boasts major savings and exclusive mall promotions. Following the Summer Holiday Offers, the DSS Sales Season will unfold, providing nine weeks of deals across over 800 brands spread amongst more than 3,500 stores citywide.
Entertainment Line-Up for Opening Weekend
The DSS opening weekend will buzz with free concerts at major malls. On Friday, June 27, Dubai Festival City Mall will host Japanese dance sensation Sabrina and Palestinian-Jordanian pop artist Reina Khoury. The following day, music lovers can catch the vibrant performances of Abri & the Band and singer-songwriter Noel Kharman.
Meanwhile, City Centre Mirdif will come alive with performances by Al Shami, a Syrian singer, and the indie rock group Jadal on Saturday, June 28. As part of a city-wide celebration, headline acts include:
- Miami Band and Mutref Al Mutref at the Coca-Cola Arena, June 28
- Jazziyat featuring Banah at Dubai Opera, June 27
- A Tribute to Adele at Theatre by QE2, June 27–28
- Comedian Atul Khatri at Dubai College, June 28
- We Call It Ballet at Zabeel Theatre, June 28
- Pinoy Comedy Mixtape at Dubai World Trade Centre, June 29
Mega Promotions and Raffles
DSS 2025 is not just about shopping—it also features a plethora of citywide promotions and enticing raffles. Highlights include chances to win lavish prizes such as:
- A Polestar 4 LRSM at Dubai Festival City Mall
- A SHARE Millionaire Activation at Majid Al Futtaim malls
- The Shop, Win, Drive event at Dubai Festival Plaza
- A chance to win a Soueast S06 at Dubai Outlet Mall
Additionally, Mercato Mall will host "Slide Into the Summer Surprises," boasting free circus acts, comedy shows, workshops, and even a summer slide! On the shopping front, the Interiors Warehouse Sale at Dubai World Trade Centre, from June 27 to July 5, will feature discounts of up to 55% on luxury furniture brands like Giorgio Collection and Michael Amini.
Exclusive Loyalty Perks and Lucky Draws
Loyalty program members of Tickit and AURA will enjoy exclusive access to prize draws and giveaways. The Lucky Receipt promotion returns from June 27 to July 17, doling out prizes to 210 lucky winners. Additionally, special raffles like the DSMG DSS Raffle and the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffle will give participants ample chances to win luxurious prizes throughout the early phase of the festival.
Fitness and Family Fun with Indoor Runs
Promoting an active lifestyle, DSS 2025 encourages residents and visitors to partake in Indoor Mall Runs. The fun run kicks off at Dubai Hills Mall on June 28, powered by Skechers, offering varied routes of 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, or 10 km. These family-friendly runs foster an inclusive atmosphere filled with community excitement.
Exceptional Hotel and Dining Deals
DSS brings remarkable offerings to Dubai’s vibrant hospitality landscape. Over 100 hotels and 15 major attractions will roll out exclusive summer packages suitable for families. Launching in tandem with DSS is the DSS Entertainer App, featuring over 7,500 buy-one-get-one-free deals across various sectors including restaurants, attractions, and spas. Priced at just Dhs195, the app’s offers are valid for three months post-activation.
Notable venues participating include:
- Wild Wadi Waterpark
- Motiongate Dubai
- IMG Worlds of Adventure
- Top dining options like STK, Asia Asia, and Shake Shack.
Meet Modesh and Dana
Familiar and beloved mascots Modesh and Dana will be making special appearances across multiple malls, further enhancing the festival atmosphere. Look out for them at:
- Dubai Festival City Mall on June 28
- City Centre Mirdif on June 29
- Ibn Battuta Mall on June 30
These appearances will be complemented by roaming entertainment, themed giveaways, and fun family activities throughout the summer.
More Highlights Throughout the Season
DSS 2025 spans 66 days and includes much-anticipated recurring events and new additions:
- The Beat the Heat DXB Concert Series running from July 4 to 13
- Summer Restaurant Week from July 4 to 13
- The debut of 10 Dirham Dish from August 1 to 31
DSS Gahwa Beats, featuring coffee pop-ups on Saturdays, will also be part of the celebration, occurring on July 26, August 2, 9, 16, and 31.
Supported by Major Brands and Institutions
DSS 2025 boasts the support of its Key Sponsor, the Commercial Bank of Dubai, alongside strategic partners such as:
- Al Futtaim Malls
- Al Zarooni Group
- AW Rostamani Group
- Emirates Airline
- ENOC
- Majid Al Futtaim
From June 27 to August 31, 2025, Dubai Summer Surprises will craft unforgettable memories and offer exceptional savings and unique experiences that reflect the spirit of Dubai’s vibrant culture and community.