Enjoy discounts of up to 90 per cent on the opening weekend of DSS and as part of the event's Daily Surprises sale. Photo: DFRE
Enjoy discounts of up to 90 per cent on the opening weekend of DSS and as part of the event's Daily Surprises sale. Photo: DFRE
Enjoy discounts of up to 90 per cent on the opening weekend of DSS and as part of the event's Daily Surprises sale. Photo: DFRE
Enjoy discounts of up to 90 per cent on the opening weekend of DSS and as part of the event's Daily Surprises sale. Photo: DFRE

Dubai Summer Surprises starts with a bang — and savings of up to 90 per cent


Panna Munyal
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai Summer Surprises starts on Friday.

This year, the 10-week event celebrates its silver jubilee, with deals and offers across malls, entertainment venues and other leisure destinations.

Residents and tourists can look forward to shopping, saving and seeing family-friendly shows until September 4.

Ahmed Al Khaja, chief executive of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, says the annual festival gives visitors the chance to "experience the best Dubai has to offer as it caters to different tastes and age groups".

Throughout the event, shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 75 per cent across 800 brands, with 3,500 outlets in malls across Dubai participating.

However, that's not all, here are other exciting offers and performances to seek out — with even bigger prizes and savings available.

Lucky draws and cash prizes

Enter to win a 2022 Mercedes-Benz A200; raffle tickets cost Dh150. Photo: DFRE
Enter to win a 2022 Mercedes-Benz A200; raffle tickets cost Dh150. Photo: DFRE

25-Hour Sale

Kick-starting Dubai Summer Suprises on Friday and Saturday, this sale sees prices slashed by up to 90 per cent at all Majid Al Futtaim malls — that is, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me‘aisem and City Center Al Shindagha.

The group is also offering its Share rewards members a chance to enter a raffle to win one million Share points. Simply scan the receipts from a purchase worth a minimum of Dh300 on the Share application. The winning entry will be drawn on July 7.

DSS 24-Hour Hotels Surprises

A 24-hour flash sale, running between July 1 and 2, will offer holidaymakers reduced room rates and complimentary access to various amenities at 19 hotels, including Vida Creek Harbour Hotel, Vida Emirates Hills Hotel, Vida Downtown Dubai Hotel, The Address Sky View Hotel, The Address Fountain Views Hotel, The Address Downtown, The Address Dubai Marina, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Boulevard Dubai, The Palace Downtown Dubai Hotel, Armani Hotel Dubai, Ibis One Central Hotel, Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai, Ibis World Trade Centre, Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection, Edge Creekside Hotel, Jannah Hotels and Resorts Dubai Branch, Manzil Downtown Dubai and Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort.

DSS Daily Surprises

From July 3 to July 27, check out the event's social media channels @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai to stay in the know about 24-hour mega sales from brands spanning categories including fashion, beauty, home and sport. The sale will start at 10am until stocks last.

Biggest Deal of the Year

Shoppers who spend Dh500 or more at The Dubai Mall can participate in a draw to win a staggering Dh1 million cash prize throughout the duration of DSS. There will also be eight weekly draws, in which you can win an Emaar gift card worth Dh25,000. Winners will be notified via phone or email, as well as being announced on the @thedubaimall Instagram channel.

Eid Al Adha Grand Prize

Another opportunity to win Dh1 million in cash is available over the Eid Al Adha weekend on www.idealz.com, when you spend Dh50 on the website or through the Idealz app. Other prizes include: one million Emirates Skywards miles, a Tesla Model Y, an apartment in Dubai, plus smaller cash amounts ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh500,000.

DSS Omega watch week

From July 1 to 10, head to the Rivoli Prestige store in Mall of the Emirates to view a collection of Omega watches and jewellery. Those making a purchase at the store or activation stand can win Dh5,000 worth of gift vouchers or an Omega watch worth Dh30,000.

Oasis Shopping Mall x Shukran

Those spending Dh200 or more at any store in Oasis Shopping Mall can win up to 150,000 Shukran points. A total of 25 winners will be announced throughout the duration of DSS.

Mercedes-Benz mega raffle

Drive home in a 2022 Mercedes-Benz A200 (as well winning Dh25,000) by taking your chances with this raffle. To enter, buy a Dh150 ticket from Enoc and Eppco petrol stations, Zoom stores and www.idealz.com.

Mobile Fest

Pick up a smartphone worth Dh500 or more from Jumbo Electronics until July 17 for a chance to win one of 15 PlayStation 5 consoles.

Yes Rewards

Registering on the app gives you 500 points instantly and members can also participate in a raffle draw for up to five million points. To take part, link any fuel purchase at Enoc to the Yes app, then make another transaction at participating brands such as Zoom, Autopro and Tasjeel.

Weekly cash prizes at Mercato Shopping Mall

Shoppers who spend Dh200 at select outlets at Mercato Shopping Mall can win Dh10,000 every week until September 4.

Live entertainment

Shoppers will be able to see a circus show at Mercato Shopping Mall. Photo: DFRE
Shoppers will be able to see a circus show at Mercato Shopping Mall. Photo: DFRE

Mercato Shopping Mall will also host a family-friendly circus fiesta, which includes entertainers from international circuses, as well as a comedy street show.

Over at Dubai Festival City Mall, the water, fire and lights spectacle Imagine will present four free daily shows: The Pirates Tale, Hathi’s Garden, Stardancer and A Child’s Dream. The mall will also host the Modesh Singalong Adventure until July 7, where children can dance and singalong with event mascots Modesh and Dana.

The two mascots will also engage with guests at Modesh World, one of the largest indoor entertainment events in the region, which also boasts retail and F&B pop-ups. It's on until August 28 at Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2, 3 and the Arena, at Dubai World Trade Centre. Those visiting on Friday will receive 25 per cent off all rides, games and retail.

Modhesh World is a must-visit for families. Photo: DFRE
Modhesh World is a must-visit for families. Photo: DFRE

City Walk will put on breakdancing and b-boy performances every Friday, as well as sets from Arab Champion freestyler Yousef Ayman every Saturday.

At The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, visitors can watch 'Wish Upon a Star' by Fly High Fitness on Sunday. The performance blends dance, musical theatre, gymnastics and martial arts. Tickets start at Dh95.

Perhaps the most exciting performance announced thus far comes courtesy of former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, who will bring his Walls World Tour to the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday. Tickets start at Dh225; doors open at 5pm.

Visit www.mydss.ae for the full calendar of events

The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
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How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now

Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.

The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.

1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):

a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33

b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.

2. For those who have worked more than five years

c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.

Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.

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What is type-1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.

It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.

Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.

Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.

Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica

Best Agent: Jorge Mendes

Best Club : Liverpool   

 Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)  

 Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

 Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

 Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP

 Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart

Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)

Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)

Best Women's Player:  Lucy Bronze

Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi

 Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

 Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)

 Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Updated: July 01, 2022, 11:18 AM