With Dubai Summer Surprises on from June 22 until August 4, we put together a calendar for shoppers, foodies, families and activity buffs alike.
Bag a bargain
Early birds can enjoy the best bargains on the first day of DSS, as a 12-hour mega-sale kicks off. Majid Al Futtaim malls, including Mall of the Emirates and the various City Centres in Dubai, will offer discounts of up to 90 per cent from noon until midnight. Also starting on June 22 is the Weekend Destination initiative, which translates as extended opening hours, so you can shop until 2am at a different mall every Friday. Participating malls will be revealed on www.dubaisummersurprises.com. The final DSS weekend, August 2 to 4, will offer the last price cuts of the season on old and new collections at various malls.
A night at the opera
Spend an evening at Dubai Opera, which on July 3 and 4 will host The Definitive Rat Pack, acclaimed impersonators of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Or enjoy a night of Arabic comedy on July 6.
Access all areas
Save up to 60 per cent on 30 of Dubai’s best-loved attractions with the Dubai Pass, which starts from Dh399. Participating venues include IMG Worlds of Adventure, iFly and Legoland, while activities range from desert safaris, city tours and rides along The Dubai Fountain.
Be beside the sea
If you can handle the heat, head to La Mer’s Sea Breeze kiosk and get a sunbed at a DSS discounted rate, as well as 20 per cent off at restaurants including Masti, Pomme de Pain, Saj2Go and LA Rags. The beachside destination also has a 15 per cent discount on watersports such as jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, kitesurfing and canoe hire.
Musical musings
On July 13, catch a performance by Syrian musician Nassif Zeytoun at Dragon Mart 2, at 7.30pm.
Daily discount
The DSS Deal of the Day kicks off on June 23, where shoppers can snap up one incredible offer – on fashion, beauty and luxury homeware – from a specified location, revealed on www.dubaisummersurprises.com every day until August 4.
Get your skates on
Pick up the Dubai Big Ticket, which gives you access to the Dubai Ice Rink, VR Park, Reel Cinemas and At the Top at Burj Khalifa, all at 40 per cent less. The ice rink will also be offering an intensive ice-skating course for those looking to perfect their skills.
Artful acrobatics
In the evening, watch La Perle at Al Habtoor City on Sheikh Zayed Road, tickets for which are slashed by up to 50 per cent during DSS. The water-themed acrobatic show takes place in the hotel’s purpose-built aqua theatre, and features gravity-defying aerial and aquatic stunts.
Game on
Gamers can head to a custom-created zone at The Dubai Mall until July 12 and battle it out on brand-new versions of FIFA or Street Fighter on the PlayStation.
Discounted dining
Take the kids to City Walk, which has a buy-one-get-one free offer on Mattel Play Town and Green Planet. Afterwards, lunch at Lima, Galvin, Sikka or Bulgari II Cioccolato, which will be giving diners 20 per cent off their bill.
Movie and a meal
Movie buffs can enjoy 30 per cent off at Roxy Cinemas on The Beach at JBR, which includes a ticket, mocktail and three-course meal for Dh200. Book your spot at www.theroxycinemas.com.
Live performance
If you’re close to Dubai Festival City, catch a performance by Bahraini singer Hala Al Turk on the evening of August 4.
Doing it for the kids
Starting from June 28, City Walk and The Outlet Village will host Toys, a stage show for children, at various times throughout the day. Ibn Battuta Mall will put on performances of Bunny You Blew up the Carrots, featuring Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck; The Desert Adventure of Daffy Duck; and a Peter Pan show.
Star turn
American folk music singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega will be performing at Dubai Opera on July 5 at 8pm.
Snowy staycation
Plan a midweek retreat with the Majid Al Futtaim DSS Package, which features a three-night stay at Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, including breakfast, Ski Dubai tickets and discounted rates for Magic Planet. Guests will also receive vouchers that can be redeemed at Vox Cinemas, American Girl and Monsoon at the mall.
Fun workshops
Singapore-based department store Robinsons at Dubai Festival City Mall will be putting on a series of workshops throughout DSS, including a flower-arranging class, making healthy juices and creating fun lunchboxes for children, and a make-up tutorial.
Wild in the water
Head to Wild Wadi, which is slashing ticket rates for GCC residents this DSS (Dh140 for those under 3.5 feet, and Dh249 for those over). Once inside, look out for Julshan’s Burgers and Dogs, which is offering discounted food.
Beachside bargains
If you’re in the Marina or JBR area, visit The Beach to pick up beachwear and accessories from Hamac, which is offering discounts of up to 50 per cent, and then stop by for a half-price meal at Butcha Steakhouse and Grill, Poco Loco or Bianca, and finish off with a coffee at Real Madrid Café for 20 per cent off.
Animal magic
Head to the Dubai Dolphinarium inside Creek Park Gate 1, which is offering free access for one child with every adult ticket purchased.
