DSS: Dubai’s biggest surprise every summer

DSS: Dubai’s biggest surprise every summer

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) celebrates its 15^th anniversary this year. Taking place from June 14^th to July 14^th, the city will witness a 31-day-long season of fun activities for kids, entertaining in-mall shows, prizes, hotel and spa offers, the return of Modhesh World and plenty of other surprises sure to make a summer vacation in Dubai unforgettable. In this issue, Aviamost takes you through the biggest summer extravaganza in the region.

With Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the biggest summer event in the region being just around the corner, this city blossoms into one of the most happening spots you would like to be. Over the years, DSS has been providing residents and tourists of the emirates the ultimate summer entertainment and shopping fiesta. So, whether you are a tourist or resident, whether you come with friends or family, whether you are here for business or leisure, DSS has something that you would not want to miss.

During DSS, Dubai’s sun drenched beaches and golden sand dunes vie alongside world class infrastructure to give travelers a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience of shopping, entertainment, winning and lifestyle. Launched in 1998, the yearly festival has transformed the city’s image on the tourist map of the world. Under the supervision of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, the DSS has become one of the major reasons why Dubai is the preferred summer destination in the Middle East and is one of the biggest summer events in the region today; it has attracted 2.2 million visitors and registered a consumer spending of AED 3.37 billion since it’s launching.

Fabulous discount shopping

Dubai’s shopping scene becomes the haven for bargain discounts. May it be for fashion, accessories, gadgets, furniture, jewelry – name it, and you’ll have it on a discount this DSS. Around 50 luxury malls put out the best shopping promotions for shoppers while hosting entertainment shows   throughout the DSS. Summer shopping can’t be as exciting and rewarding as in Dubai during the DSS. With more than 6000 retail outlets participating and discounts of up to 70%, shoppers can rest assured that brands of their choice can be bought at throwaway prices. Every shopper is rewarded for shopping with an opportunity to win prizes and giveaways throughout DSS. Shopping rewards take centre stage every DSS with millions up for grabs in the form of raffles prizes that include cash, gold, and cars.

Amazing family entertainment

The city comes alive with highly-acclaimed international shows, concerts, and exhibitions. The local DSS character Modhesh roaming around malls and greeting shoppers with his sunny smiles. DSS’ famous mascot Modhesh first appeared in a TV ad in 2000, jumping out of a gift box presented by a father to his two kids and revealing the sunny smile that has come to symbolize the summer festival’s spirit of fun and entertainment. Modhesh’s appearance underwent a change in the 2001 edition to become the form we’ve grown to know and love ever since. Modhesh became a registered trade mark, usable under specific terms and conditions, in 2007.

Also, there are marching bands, stilt walkers and carnival characters that parade through the malls and create a festive celebration of the season. Moreover, shopping malls feature famous shows of the likes   of Spongebob and Friends, clowns and musicians, book reading and many more events planned to delight both children and parents. Over the years DSS has hosted the largest concentration of international and regional shows anywhere in the Middle East – including famous cartoon icons such as Hello Kittie, Ben 10 and Powerpuff Girls. If you get tired of walking and shopping, catching these entertaining shows will be totally worth it.

On the other hand, it is not surprising that families throng to the biggest treat for children during DSS the Modhesh World. Spread across 37,000 sq m at the Airport Expo Dubai, Modhesh World is synonymous with unlimited fun and entertainment for the whole family, all under the comfort of a massive air-conditioned venue. Here, you can expect more than forty themed zones with attractions that include a huge fun fair, a scooter zone, the ModheshMagicalForest, a 4D cinema display, an inflatable zone, magic planet zone, and a mini zoo, in addition to numerous other entertainment areas. Modhesh World has welcomed more than 5 million visitors – both adults and kids – since its opening in the year 2000.

Much-awaited signature events

Aside from the exciting discount shopping and family entertainment experience, this huge summer festival also showcases the much-awaited fashion shows to shoppers, one of the must-see shows being the Sheila and Abaya Fashion. This glamorous event usually held at a luxurious shopping mall is filled with stunning designs and beautiful creations. If you happen to be at the mall, try checking out this fashion show because it showcases the local and regional designers who highlight their designs of traditional dresses.

Another fashion show that charms the entire family takes place during the Kids Fashion Week that is dedicated to young fashionistas. The growing market of children’s clothing is celebrated in a display of   colorful, practical and cool designs on the kids clothing scene. Your kids will surely love the glitz and the glam as this mini fashion week features global trendy creations, and provides inspiration for your little one’s summer wardrobe.

DSS is a collector’s dream. Every year the quirky Collector’s Event brings in strange and fascinating collections of items from around the world – from vintage sunglasses to classic cars, ancient swords, priceless jewellery, stamps, currency and more.Shoppers are fascinated with its Collector’s Exhibition featuring amazing wares, artifacts and record breaking collections of local, regional and international participants. From fashion and jewelry, to coins and cars, extending to the weird and wonderful, elegant and beautiful, every collectable is a unique and surprising addition to the display.

Retrospective culture and heritage

If you want to take a moment to reflect   on culture and heritage, then don’t worry, DSS has got it covered. DSS is a great time to learn more about Emarati culture. Every year DSS hosts the Min Bladi Al Emarat signature event, bringing together Bedouin tents, camels, falcons, henna painting, displays of oud and dhow-making materials, traditional vessels, spices and more.

Shoppers are sure to be amazed with the showcase of Emirati heritage especially the signature event Min Bladi Al Emarat. This exhibition, usually staged in major shopping malls as well, gives a fascinating insight into the age old UAE Bedouin, marine and mountain traditions. The unique Emirati culture and handicrafts are displayed in this authentic presentation. Featuring activity corners such as a heritage oasis, hospitality tents, traditional shows, and competitions, visitors get a   rare and privileged insight into the history of Dubai and its surrounding Emirates.

Relaxing spa packages

One of the growing attractions during DSS are the amazing Spa Packages offered by the city’s top spas with irresistible discounts on a wide range of spa treatments with amazing discounts, two-for-one offers and pampering complimentary extras on a number of treatments and therapies including body scrubs, rasul mud baths, reflexology sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, Moroccan baths, Swedish and Thai massages, beautifying and detoxifying treatments, and numerous other specialized therapies catering to both men and women. DSS has served up a selection of some of the most indulgent spa treatments and packages at some of the city’s most prestigious spas at up to 50% off.

Other DSS fun facts

Since it began in 1998, DSS has welcomed more than 22 million visitors from around the world. That’s equal to almost half the current population of the entire GCC.

Kids get the most out of DSS, enjoying fun activities, prizes and gifts that bring the summer festival’s slogan ‘Big Fun for Little Ones’ to life.

“Surprise!” is probably the most oft-repeated word during every DSS? Each year the festival outdoes itself in putting the ‘Surprise’ into Dubai Summer Surprises in various forms including shopping raffles and instantaneous discounts punctuating the day for thousands of happy visitors.

The opening ceremony of each and every DSS has a unique stunt that reflects the diverse entertainment attractions this event offers to everyone.

Summer sales reach a whole new level during DSS with more than 6,000 participating outlets spread across Dubai’s stunning malls offering great sales and discounts on everything from clothes to shoes, jewellery, gadgets, homeware, electronics and much more.

You can get an up-to-the-minute round up of all the exciting events and activities at DSS this year by visiting www.dubaicalendar.ae.