Terms Of Use Privacy Statement
Festivals

Dubai Summer Surprises

05 July 2023

Come summer and, the entire city of Dubai gears up every year for the Dubai Summer Surprises, a month-long celebration of entertainment and shopping. You can explore the treasure trove of family fun, and make the most out of Dubai’s bright summers catching up with live concerts, fireworks, and discounts in abundance, anywhere you wish.

The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is an annual citywide summer celebration, offering six weeks of retail experiences and events, culminating with a Grand Finale Sale wherein shoppers are given the final opportunity to snap up the best discounts.

This edition of city’s annual shopping and entertainment festival returns on 29th June, with the season bringing forth a range of incredible bargains and activities for visitors and residents alike in the form of spend-and-win promotions and daily deals.

To add to the festive spirit, top brands and shopping malls are adding their bit, while families will find a range of activities of their interest everyday throughout the season.

dubai Summer Surprises

Just as is the case every other year, this year too, the DSS comes with opportunities to win prizes, have fresh experiences and entertainment to create a memorable summer.

The event which concludes on 3rd September 2023 will give you every reason to visit your favourite malls this DSS, as there will be best offers in town, and a range of family entertainments. So, do not miss on the daily surprises, shopping deals, shop-and-win promotions, and thrilling competitions.

DSS 2023 Dates

From 29th June 2023 to 3rd September 2023

This year, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) returns with big wins, exciting events, fabulous shopping and a whole lot of family fun all lined up from 29th June 2023 to 3rd September 2023.

Why attend DSS 2023?

If you are running a low budget this summer vacations, DSS is your best time to explore Dubai, as it will be raining discounts in malls, retail shops and luxury hotels.

Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this DSS 2023 is packed with endless excitement spanning well over 6 weeks. These are the reasons for which you should consider making to DSS 2023:

  • Enjoy the best retail experience with awesome deals and promotions
  • Participate in the amazing shop-and-win competitions
  • Enjoy weekly performances by talented musicians and dancers
  • Enjoy thrilling activities like Ice Skating and Waterpark Rides
  • Have fun watching several fun character shows and games for the little ones

DSS 2023 highlights

Shop non-stop: 29th June to 3rd September - DSS Sales Season:  This summer, you could enjoy jaw-dropping discounts and shopping bargains at more than 800 top brands across 3500 outlets during the DSS Sales Season. 

The city’s malls and shopping precincts are a must-visit for tourists and visitors alike with plenty of surprises lined-up along with amazing offers.

Grab the opportunity to make the most of this spectacular sales and discounts on beauty, fashion, interior, electronics, and lifestyle brands at stores across the city. Enjoy 25 to 75 percent off on all kinds of purchases.

7th July t 9th July 2023 - DSS VAT-Free weekend:  Enjoy a mega weekend of shopping across your favourite stores and brands in Dubai, wherein shoppers will be offered an extra 5 percent discount on their final bill.

From 7th to 9th July, get ready for three days of discounted shopping at participating stores across the city, and pick-up all your summer must-haves for good bargains. You can also upgrade your electronics, grab gifts and find all your summer essentials at malls and stores citywide.

29thJune to 23rd July – Earn extra cashback SHARE: Use your SHARE rewards app and get up to 40X on all your shopping at participating malls across the city.

Blue loyalty programme: Blue Loyalty Programme members are due to celebrate an unforgettable summer with Blue this DSS. Use your blue rewards app when shopping at Dubai Festival City Mall, thereby grabbing the opportunity to enter the draw to win 1 million Blue Rewards points every week.

Gold Jewellery deals: Dubai is known as the city of gold, and it shines even more during the summer months.  The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is offering incredible deals and surprises citywide, with an opportunity to win up to Dh.100,000. You can make use of the incredible offers across 150 jewellery outlets, including 50 percent off on making charges on gold jewellery. Every shopper spending minimum Dh.1000 is likely to receive a raffle coupon to an exclusive prize draw worth Dh.100,000. There are similar offers on diamond jewellery too.

DSS Save More, Shop More with 1915 by Seddiqi & Sons: Seddiqi & Sons, the go-to brand for fashion watches and accessories, houses a comprehensive range of trendy timepieces and accessories from global brands. But this could be the right opportunity for shoppers to add that perfect gift to their collection for that special someone. This season, get 25 percent off on any single purchase of a watch or accessory. For bigger savings shop more.

Etisalat offers discount on gadgets: Get your technology fix sorted with great discounts offered by Etisalat. Being one of the leading telecommunication service providers in the region, you can expect up to 75 percent off on tablets, laptops, smartphones, accessories and TVs this season. Purchase guilt-free across any Etisalat store in Dubai.

Entertainment

Take your summer experience up the notch this summer, with DSS. Ranging from skydiving lessons and rollercoaster rides, to scuba diving sessions and yoga classes, there is something for all. You can save a great deal on your summer holidays in Dubai by planning a memorable and affordable family getaway with great deals for little ones.

Kids are given free entry to Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is the region’s largest theme park with more than 100 rides and attractions. Every adult who purchases a ticket, a child aged 13 and under is allowed free entry.

This summer, Expo City Dubai is offering free entry for visitors aged 12 and under, and people of determination. This city has iconic attractions galore including the Al Wasl Plaza, the UAE Pavilion and the magical Terra.

The Sky View Observatory would be the ideal place to take your children if they are obsessed with heights. Located 219.5km above ground, two kids (below 12 years of age), accompanied by two adults can visit for free until 2pm every day. However, the bookings should be made prior to August 2023.

At the Reel Cinemas watch latest blockbusters along with your children. Until 2pm Monday to Friday, kids below 11 years can enter free of charge, if accompanied by an adult (one kid per adult). 

Few other such attractions that are worth heading to with your kids include At the Top Burj Khalifa where the entry is free for kids, the action-packed fun at Xstrike Al Quoz, soaring high above with The Dubai Balloon, The View at The Palm, Free children’s tickets offered for Madame Tussads, the entertainment park in WAFI City Mall where kids can enjoy a memorable experience at AYA, free kids ticket to Woo-Hoo and free visit to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.

Hotels and deals

There are plenty of wallet-friendly offers for you to snap-up this summer. Enjoy wonderful family getaway for less, with incredible deals across Dubai’s top hotels and attractions.

Novel Suites Mall at the Emirates, Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Movenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel, Vida Creek Harbour, Palace Downtown, Legoland Hotel, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre are some hotels that treat your young ones to the holiday of a lifetime, all without breaking the bank.

Irrespective of whether you are on the look out for complete luxury in the most attractive hotspots, or heading for the shoreline to soak up the sea and sand, or to explore the latest activities, the incredible offers will leave you spoilt for choice.

Rewards and Prizes

Here are some of the exciting prizes you could win this DSS, from brand new cars to shopping vouchers during this spectacular edition of DSS.

Brand new Nissan X-Trail when shopping for Dh.200 at participating malls.

Luxurious Mercedes-Benz A200 car at Idealz.com for just Dh.50

Win up to Dh.100,000 for your next summer shopping trip in jewellery vouchers. All you have to do is spend Dh.1000 or more to win raffle coupon.

Win Dh.2,500,000 in cash with Idealz for just Dh.60.

Dubai Summer Surprises unveils properties, and you can climb the latter with as little as Dh.25, when you enter exclusive raffle on the Idealz app or website. The winning ticket holder gets a dream apartment in an exclusive neighbourhood.

Plan Ahead before stepping out

To optimize your shopping and leisure experience this summer, plan your outdoor visits in advance. Check the official websites of the malls to be aware about the safety standards in place. In case, you are unable to get the necessary information online, you can also contact the customer care centres of the malls.

Destinations such as the Mall of Emirates, Dubai Mall, Mercato Mall, Mirdiff City Centre and more typically participate in this event.

Also visit the DSS social media pages @DSSsocial for latest news, updates and deals. Stay safe and have a fine summer this season in Dubai!!

Robin Vinod

Writer/blogger who writes on topics such as travel, real estate, employment and everyday life on GCC countries

Top Dubai City Sightseeing Tickets & Passes