Grab millions in prizes

It's raining offers this Dubai Summer Surprises, with retailers handing out millions worth in prizes, along with some cool cash, 16 cars and Dh500,000 in school tuition fees.

While the draws get bigger and your pockets get deeper with value buys, retailers around the emirate have also slashed rates with sales offering up to 75 per cent discounts with some of the top brands in Dubai.

The DSS bag of party tricks doesn't end here, which also manages to pull out a few Hollywood celeb names, along with some of the top acts from the Arab world, including Nancy Ajaram and Hala Turk.

Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), DSS 2015 started Thursday and runs until September 5 under the theme ‘45 Days of Summer'.

"An exciting calendar of events, child-friendly edutainment destinations such as Modhesh World, world-class leisure experiences and incredible retail activations and promotions – make DSS a complete family extravaganza, drawing millions of visitors to Dubai each year.

"With Dubai being a thriving retail hub in the region, our line-up of events and activities for DSS 2015 includes the most number of retail promotions in a single summer season headlined by an innovative retail initiative, The Big Summer Sale, a first of its kind in the region.”

n addition to the raffle, shoppers who spend Dh300 at the event will be entitled to a Shop and Win raffle coupon that will be entered into a draw on the last day of the exhibition on August 1, for a grand prize of a Nissan 370Z car.

As the fun and entertainment commences for children, ‘Emirates 24|7' wades through the wheels and deals to bring you the most of DSS this season:

How to win?

Shop Together. Win Together (His and Hers promotion)

July 25- September 10, Participating malls

Shoppers spending over Dh200 at any retail outlet of participating malls can win 12 cars in this promotion run in collaboration with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group.

Two cars will be given away per week as prizes at weekly draws, one for you and another for any person of your choice.

One can also win by spend Dh100 and above at the F&B outlets of the participating malls to receive a raffle coupon for the weekly draw. a

Shop & Win with MAF Malls and MasterCard

Until September 5

Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif

Visitors can look forward to winning up to Dh1 million in prizes this DSS when shopping at any of the three Majid Al Futtaim malls.

At City Centre Mirdif and Deira, shoppers can win a Mercedes-Benz S-Class 400 and a trip around the world for two persons to six cities (London-New York-Rio de Janeiro-Cape Town-Sydney and Shanghai) at Mall of the Emirates.

Other daily prizes are also up for grabs. Further, those shopping with their MasterCard can expect to be the winner of a grand prize worth Dh500,000 from Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira.

Win with Mercato Mall

Until September 5

Shoppers have the chance to win a family trip to Orlando USA, Courtesy of Dnata travel and Emirates Airline.

Vouchers from Liali Jewellery worth Dh25,000 or one of three MacBook Air 13 from ISTYLE are also up for grabs.

Also, for every Dh200 spent at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah during DSS, customers will receive one raffle coupon for the prize draw.

Back to School

September 1-10, Participating malls

To step up the excitement during the summer, Dubai Shopping Malls Group has brought in a special promotion, the ‘Back to School' campaign for kids from September 1 to 10, during which 10 children will be awarded school tuition of up to Dh50,000 each.

To participate in the raffle, one has to purchase merchandise worth over Dh200 at any of the retail stores or spend Dh100 and above at the F&B of the participating malls to receive a raffle coupon.

How to see stars? Dubai Summer Concerts

23, 24 July, Sheikh Rashid Hall – Dubai World Trade Centre

Five renowned music artists from the Arab world will perform live this Dubai Summer Surprises, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy an amazing summer.

Diana Haddad, Nawal Kuwaitiya and Abdallah Ruwaishid will perform on 23 July, followed by Hussein Al Jasmi and Kadim Al Saher on the next day.

DSS Starz – Laura Marano

6 August – Live Concert, Ibn Battuta Mall

Fans of Laura Marano are in for a wonderful summer treat this DSS.

Laura Marano who stars as the lead ‘Ally' in the international hit Disney Channel television series ‘Austin and Ally' will be arriving in Dubai for DSS.

This multi-talented star is well on her way to becoming Disney's next breakout and role model for teens everywhere.

Recently, Marano won Best Actress on TV at the Kids Choice Awards for her role in ‘Austin & Ally' and the show won for Best TV Comedy.

DSS Starz - Jaden and Willow Smith in Dubai

13 and 15 August, The Dubai Mall, Fashion Catwalk

Talented teen sensations and children to Hollywood power couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jaden and Willow Smith are taking to the stage this summer for the first time in the region.

Promising their Middle East fans a series of exciting appearances across the city as part of the DSS Starz programme, the Smiths' will be spending quality time in Dubai and enjoying some of the best attractions while visiting iconic landmarks that the city has to offer.

At this stage, they have confirmed that they will meet their fans at The Dubai Mall on 13 August, and will also take part in Kids Fashion Fest, one of the main events of DSS 2015.

DSS Starz - Hala Turk at Modhesh World

16 August, Modhesh World Stage

Come and meet your favourite teen star Hala Turk, winner of many contests including first place at an innovative children's festival.

Hala has three songs to her credit in a hugely popular children's album released in July 2011.

During this year's DSS, Hala will be making an appearance at Modhesh World this summer to entertain families from around the world.

DSS Starz - Nancy Ajram at Modhesh World

24 August, Modhesh World Stage

Arab superstar, Nancy Ajram will perform at a concert that will promote both, DSS and Modhesh World.

Nancy will be singing all her favourite songs dedicated to children.

DSS Starz - Zendaya

31 August, Live Concert, Mall of the Emirates

The talented actress, singer and dancer, Zendaya is a triple treat who not only stars as KC Cooper, on Disney Channel's top rated show ‘KC Undercover', but is billed as a co-producer as well.

She will be coming to Dubai during DSS to meet her UAE fans.

Zendaya captured the hearts of audiences – kids and families alike – when she danced her way to the finals in season sixteen of ABC's ‘Dancing with the Stars'.

How to entertain?

Kids Fashion Fest

13 July until 22 August, Fashion Catwalk, The Dubai Mall

Kids Fashion Fest is back this DSS and promises to wow families with a range of catwalk-related activities.

This annual spectacular will feature kids and youths walking the ramp as expert models.

Following the huge success at the previous successful editions, Kids Fashion Fest is going regional this year with a model search among talented children.

The event will witness the participation of the international icons Jaden and Willow Smith in a concert and a styling session that focuses primarily on the Dubai collection, with signature MsFts pieces incorporated.

The Amazing World of Gumball DSS World Premiere

23-29 July ,Dubai Festival City Mall

Take a trip to the Summer Camp with Gumball and be a part of his big surprise for his best friend Darwin at the live show at DSS World Premiere.

Learn how to build a special toy with Gumball and friends, as the team embark on a tricky journey to make sure Darwin has a wonderful birthday.

Tweety and Sylvester in ‘Night-time Capers' DSS World Premiere

29 July-7 August 2015, Mirdif City Centre

Another stage show that will be held for the first time in Dubai and specially written and produced for DSS.

Sylvester is hungry and as always he dreams of his favourite meal, Tweety.

He does everything he can to lure Tweety out of his cage, but as always, Tweety is one step ahead.

There will be three shows a day, each of 20 minutes duration. A 20-minute meet and greet session with one of the show characters will follow every stage show.

Children can also participate in fun workshops featuring Tweety and Sylvester.

Kids Pop-Up Summer Market

30 July to 15 August, Festival Square, Dubai Festival City Mall

The Kids Pop-Up Summer Market will have a children's theme and a selection of sellers who are members of ‘Little Majlis', the online marketplace, and the organisers of the event.

Participants will sell a range of products including children's clothing, toys, homewares and décor, jewellery accessories and more.

Many of the products available are handmade and made in UAE.

Cartoon Network Fiesta

30 July-5 August, Ibn Battuta Mall

Teen sensation Ben Tennyson aka Ben Ten is back in town for DSS 2015, with Grandpa Max and his alien fighting friends from Ben 10 Omniverse.

The team's latest adventure kick starts at the Plumber's Academy and features a 30-minute live action show, stunt acrobatic scenes, multimedia show and a meet and greet session with Ben, Rook or Rook and one of his alien transformations.

Joining them for the Meet and Greet session would be the Power Puff Girls (three shows a day, each of 30 minutes duration).

Bugs Bunny in ‘Wun Wabbit Wun' DSS World Premiere

8-17 August, Deira City Centre

A stage show never before seen in Dubai and specially written and produced for DSS.

It's ‘wabbit' season and Elmer Fudd is determined to catch his prize rabbit, Bugs Bunny, who, however, has other ideas.

Through a classic chase and an original, choreographed character sequence, children are bound to be at the edge of their seats for this one.

The mall will host three shows a day, each of 20 minutes duration.

Kids can also participate in workshops and a 20-minute meet and greet session with one of the show characters that will follow every stage show.

Arts & Crafts with Lloyd Warbey (Disney's Art Attack)

12-15 August, Dubai Festival City and Modhesh World, Dubai World Trade Centre

Lloyd Warbey best known presenter from Disney's popular art show Art Attack, comes to Dubai with an inspirational show meant to tease the little ones' creativity.

Presented across two locations, Lloyd will host five interactive workshops at Dubai Festival City Mall, followed by a similar performance at Modhesh World.

Dora The Explorer Live on stage DSS Premiere

18-24 August, Dubai Festival City Mall

Dora, the world's most popular explorer is up for yet another exciting adventure and brings with her the colourful Animalitos including Bunny, Butterfly, a family of turtles and a mystical dragon.

The fun team will entertain with a live stage show and a meet and greet session with Dora and friends after every stage show.

As a special surprise, Diego teams up with Dora too, for the first time in the UAE.

Power Rangers Super Megaforce DSS World Premiere

20–26 August, The Dubai Mall, Star Atrium

The mighty Power Rangers will feature in some adrenaline-pumping sessions at the Dubai Mall from the Power Rangers Stage Show and Power Rangers Bootcamp Academy to an exclusive display of Power Rangers Memorabilia Exhibition for die-hard fans.

Blaze the Show

20-22 August, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates

DSS 2015 steps up the tempo this summer up with an adrenaline-pumping dance and break dance show, featuring sixteen of the world's best dancers on stage. A first in the Middle East, the 90-minute interactive stage show promises to get the audience up and dancing all along.

Stories of SpongeBob Live on Stage

27 August-2 September, Dubai Marina Mall

Take a deep dive with the yellow sea sponge, SpongeBob Squarepants and his pals as they rock the stage with a 25-minute live stage show, thrice daily and also get to meet SpongeBob up and real close after every show in a meet and greet session.

Madagascar Live!

28-30 August, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

Get Ready to ‘Move it, move it' with the zany animal bunch from Madagascar in a DSS exclusive live theatrical show based on the blockbuster animation and bringing alive their fun-filled escapades.

Celebrate the friendship of Alex the lion and friends, go crazy with King Julien and dance the Madagascar way to the world's most popular song.

Sonic the Hedgehog, Connecting Families DSS World Premiere

30 August-5 September, Ibn Battuta Mall

A fun-packed family entertainment awaits all Sonic enthusiasts where families must team up to fight obstacles against the clock, on a custom-built Sonic themed course.

Families beating all odds against record timings will be rewarded with prizes.

The session would also feature a meet and greet photo opportunity with Sonic the Hedgehog.

Swan Lake Acrobatic Ballet By The Great Chinese State Circus

3-5 September, Sheikh Rashid Hall, DWTC

A blend of music and poetry woven to showcase classical dance at its best, the Great Chinese State Circus' version of Swan Lake is a fine fusion of traditional Chinese Acrobatics and Peking Opera.

Lauded globally for their seamless acrobatic feats and dazzling dance performance, the Great Chinese State Circus have already showcased their acts to 106 cities and 1.5 million visitors.

What else can I do?

Modhesh World

Until August 29, Dubai World Trade Centre Hall 1-8

‘Every step is a new adventure' at Modhesh World this year.

Hosted by Modhesh, the themed family indoor edutainment destination will celebrate its biggest ever edition in its history, over an area of 34,000 sqm at Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring the most number of attractions at an indoor entertainment destination of its kind in the region.

Families and children can expect numerous attractions from games to rides, thrilling adventures to interactive experiences, artistes and performers from across the world.

8-Bit in the CITY

23 July to 5 September, Citywalk

A videogame theme based campaign for all ages, aimed at celebrating the summer and playing host to thematic games, complete with décor, activation and merchandising area.

A not-to-be missed activity for hardcore multi-player online gamers.

Blocks At Boxpark

Until September 5, Boxpark

Children's favourite Lego gets real with its building blocks at the Boxpark to introduce for the first time in the UAE, an exclusive play space comprised of lifelike rectangular spaces to build up kids' imaginations.

The space features state-of-the-art installations, graphics and activations.

Dubai Sports World

Sheikh Saeed Halls, Dubai World Trade Centre

Until 29 August

The Middle East's largest indoor sporting venue is celebrating its landmark fifth outing with an action-packed 10-week schedule of sports, tournaments, academies and activities that is designed for both serious athletes and sporting novices of all ages.

The multi-purpose Dubai Sports World 2015 is organised in partnership with Dubai Sports Council.

Circus Fiesta

First day of Eid Al Fitr until 29 August, Mercato Mall

The Fiesta showcases daily, live circus shows featuring African Circus' 36 acrobats performing breath-taking feats.

Kids circus workshops will allow young ones to learn the ropes and get ready to see the act up and close like never before with meet and greet events, face painting and acrobatics workshops; and roaming artistes.

DSS Spa and Leisure Promotions

23 July- 5 September, Participating Outlets

With all the fun activities lined up for DSS, there's always time to relax at the diverse array of participating spa and leisure outlets.

The world-class spas will offer a range of spa rituals, discounted wellness treatments and complimentary pamper offerings.

Shop-A-Surprise

23 July - 5 September, Participating retail outlets

This DSS campaign is designed to create several activations and promotions that feature the ‘surprise' element to enhance the overall shopping experience with memorable moments.

Participants will include well-known retail groups, beauty stores and department stores.

Pixels in the City

Until September 5, Citywalk

A video game theme based campaign for all ages, aimed at celebrating the summer and playing host to thematic games, complete with décor, activation and merchandising area. A not-to-be missed activity for hard-core multi-player online gamers.
Source: Emirates 24/7