From 18 to 24 July, the city turns up the fun with Bollywood brilliance, international stand-up, family fitness, summer camps, and unmissable chances to shop and win, with discounts of up to 90 per cent across Dubai
Dubai,TNM: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 shifts into high gear this week with the launch of the highly anticipated Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS), bringing unbeatable bargains, exciting activations, and mega raffle opportunities across the city from 18 July to 10 August. This week, the DSS calendar also serves up an electric mix of concerts, comedy, mall fun runs and immersive family adventures, ensuring there’s something to discover, enjoy, and win every single day.
Date: 18 July to 10 August
Location: Citywide
About: The heart of the DSS Sales Season kicks off this week with the Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS). Running from 18 July to 10 August, this three-week retail spectacular brings the deepest discounts of the season across more than 800 brands and 3,000 outlets and up to 90 percent off during limited-time flash sales. Highlights include the GDSS 12 Hour Sale across Majid Al Futtaim malls on 18 July from 10am to 10pm and the GDSS Shop, Scan and Win promotion for a chance to win AED 1 million in cash or the all-new Nissan Patrol. Additional rewards include 25 per cent bonus Miles for Skywards Everyday members, Polestar 4 and Soueast S06 car raffles, gold bars, jewellery vouchers, and more. It’s the best-value time of year to shop, save, and win big.
BRAND NEW THIS WEEK
Date: 18 and 19 July
Location: Radisson Hotel DAMAC Hills (18 July) and Dukes, The Palm (19 July)
About: The region’s longest-running comedy night returns with an all-star DSS line-up. Headliner Steven Briggs is joined by rising UK comic Kelsey De Almeida and Dubai’s own Maher Barwany. Expect punchy punchlines and big laughs all night long. Tickets are on sale now from AED 160.
Date: 19 July
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
About: The award-winning Bollywood vocalist returns to Dubai for a magical night of chart-toppers including Dola Re Dola, Dil Dooba and Barso Re. Tickets are on sale now from AED 540.
Dubai Hills Mall Indoor Run powered by SKECHERS
Date: 20 July
Location: Dubai Hills Mall
About: Take your run inside this DSS with a cool, high-energy race through Dubai Hills Mall. Choose 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km or 10 km routes, complete with music, aid stations and a climate-controlled course. Open to families, teams and casual runners alike. Registration is open now from AED 100.
Date: 25 July
Location: TODA - Theatre of Digital Art
About: Relive the golden era of Arabic music with Arabic Nostalgic Hits 360°, an immersive concert bringing timeless melodies to life. Join Karim Moutraji and his talented band at TODA as they perform beloved songs from Umm Kulthoom, Abdul Halim, Amr Diab and more, reimagined for a modern audience. Perfect for music lovers of all ages.
ENDLESS MODESH FUN
Date: until 31 August
Location: Dubai Festival City, Bay Avenue
About: Enjoy a family-friendly water zone inspired by the iconic Modesh World at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall. A major highlight of this year’s DSS, this all-new exclusive pop-up will give little ones of all ages a chance to explore water slides, splash zones, adventure zones and interactive games. This must-visit summer pop-up opens daily at 4pm with the fun lasting all the way to midnight.
Modesh & Dana Appearances
Date: until 31 August
Location: Various malls across Dubai
About: Meet Dubai’s favourite mascots for surprise giveaways, photo ops and family-friendly fun. This week, catch them at Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall on 18 July; Circle Mall and Mirdif City Centre on 19 July; and Dragon Mart and Souq Hatta on 20 July. Plus, a special school visit at Dubai Children’s City on 19 July brings extra fun for little ones.
Modesh Summer Pass
Date: until 30 August
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
About: New for DSS 2025, the Modesh Summer Pass at Dubai Festival City Mall runs until 30 August, inviting families to take part in a stamp-and-win adventure that brings extra fun and rewards to a day out at the mall. At each participating activity station, children can collect stamps by completing fun games and activities, and once the pass is filled, they’ll be entered into a draw to win a gift card. While there, families can also stop by the Modesh Store, stocked with all-new merchandise, interactive activations, and playful souvenirs to take home a piece of the summer fun.
Modesh & Dana at ROXY Cinemas
Date: until 31 July
Location: ROXY Cinemas across Dubai
About: ROXY Cinemas is rolling out a blockbuster line-up of family fun with Modesh and Dana in the spotlight. Little ones can collect stamps in the Modesh and Dana Summer Passport, earning prizes for every three or five family films watched. Surprise vouchers will be hidden under select cinema seats as part of the Lucky Seat activation, while families visiting on weekends can spin the Modesh and Dana prize wheel for a chance to win snacks, merchandise and more. For film-themed fun beyond the screen, the duo take over the T-Rex restaurant at Riverland with a special Modesh-themed meal combo, before settling in for a screening of Jurassic Park. Later in the month, they return to the big screen with a series of playful pre-show videos created for the release of Fantastic Four. They will also be on the move across the city with the Smurfs, surprising families on the Dubai Metro with cinema giveaways, and visiting Smurfs Village at MOTIONGATE™ for even more themed adventures. Ladies Night also returns to ROXY Cinemas this summer with a DSS twist, featuring Dana, themed photo ops, special gift bag giveaways in partnership with Rituals, and meals included within the ticket prices.
Modesh & Dana in Osteria Mario
Date: until 31 August
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
About: Families can stop by Italian restaurant Osteria Mario every weekend from 11 July to 31 August, where little ones can take part in a pizza-making masterclass to decorate their own pizza in the shape of Modesh. The experience also includes Modesh & Dana-themed face painting and creative colouring stations featuring exclusive character designs.
RETURNING FESTIVAL FAVOURITES
Bikeera Saturday Al Qudra Community Ride
Date: 19 July (weekly until 30 August)
Location: Al Qudra Cycling Track
About: Join the Bikeera community for weekly 6 AM cycling sessions along the 86 KM Al Qudra track. Designed for endurance, connection and sunrise views, the desert ride is split into two pace groups, 37km/h and 34km/h, and open to cyclists of all levels. Registration is required.
- Date: 23, 30, 31 July
- Location: TODA - Theatre of Digital Art
About: Step into the world of Frida Kahlo with Viva La Frida, a captivating 360° immersive exhibition celebrating the iconic artist’s life and work. Held across select dates this July at Theatre of Digital Art (TODA), the experience brings her vivid self-portraits and symbolic paintings to life, each telling stories of resilience, identity, and personal triumph. Explore how Frida transformed her challenges into powerful visual narratives that continue to inspire generations.
Archaeology Adventures Summer Camp
Date: until 25 July
Location: Al Shindagha Museum
About: This hands-on camp introduces children aged 6 to 12 to archaeology and heritage through themed workshops, discovery games and interactive sessions in a real museum setting. Running from 8.30 AM to 2.30 PM (Monday to Thursday) and 8.30 AM to 12.30 PM (Friday), activities include artefact restoration, badge challenges and history exploration. Registration starts from AED 500 per child.
Future Cultural Guides Summer Camp
- Date: 21 July to 25 July
- Location: Etihad Museum
- About: This epic summer camp, taking place from 9 AM to 3 PM, blends history, science, culture and adventure through themed days of storytelling, crafts, games and excursions. Designed to build leadership and teamwork skills, the programme encourages children to explore how they can contribute to their communities and the Nation. Registration is AED 500 per child.
Dubai Municipality Summer Camp
Date: until 31 July
Location: Children’s City, Creek Park
About: Running Monday to Thursday from 7.30 AM to 2 PM, this summer camp invites children to learn new skills through fun, hands-on activities. Designed to make the most of the summer break, the programme blends creativity, education and play. Registration is AED 860 per child.
Bel Remaitha Summer Camp
Date: until 31 August
Location: Nad Al Hamar
About: Keep little ones active and entertained all summer long with engaging camps across the city. From sports and swimming to creative workshops and team games, DSS summer camps offer fun-filled schedules for every age and interest. Highlights this week include Bel Remaitha Summer Camp, running daily with taekwondo, football, swimming, basketball, water games and more for kids aged 4 to 13. Morning and evening sessions available, with prices starting from AED 100 per day.
Date: Valid for three months from purchase
Location: Available citywide
About: Unlock over 7,500 BOGO offers across hotels, dining, attractions, fitness and beauty for AED 195, perfect for families and visitors looking to maximise their DSS savings from day one. Valid for three months from the date of activation, residents and visitors can enjoy exclusive savings throughout the summer and beyond.
Date: Until 31 August
Location: Hotels and resorts citywide
About: Enjoy unbeatable summer value with exclusive DSS hotel deals across Dubai. Families can take advantage of exclusive promotions at selected hotels, including JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, where up to two children can stay, dine and play free of charge. UAE and GCC residents can unlock up to 30 per cent off on staycation packages, with perks like complimentary breakfast, dining discounts and resort credit at top properties including Park Hyatt Dubai, Banyan Tree Dubai, Anantara Downtown and more.
Spa Offers
Date: Until 31 August
Location: Various locations citywide
About: Some of Dubai’s most luxurious spas are offering exclusive summer deals for residents and visitors, designed to relax, recharge, and refresh - whether choosing from soothing massages and revitalising facials or full-day wellness packages. Participating destinations include The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Kempinski Central Avenue, Swissôtel Spa & Sport at Swissôtel Al Ghurair, among many others. Whether for a solo escape or a pampering day out with friends, these limited-time spa offers make it the perfect season to unwind in style.
Date: Until 31 August
Location: Attractions citywide
About: Make the most of summer with unbeatable deals at top attractions across the city. Children can enjoy complimentary entry at leading destinations including AYA Universe, The Green Planet, Madame Tussauds, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Motiongate Dubai, Neon Galaxy and Dubai Crocodile Park. From indoor adventures to outdoor thrills, DSS 2025 brings families unforgettable experiences with unbeatable value.
Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat.
For more information, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.
