This year marks the 20th anniversary of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). While its January counterpart, DSF, continues to be more popular with tourists, DSS discounts are as good, if not better, and the crowds are not as crazy … yet. Avail yourself of discounts of up to 75 per cent until August 12, as Dubai's malls, stand-alone boutiques and theme parks reduce their prices. From concerts and children's shows to one-off promotions and prizes, here's a definitive guide on what to expect this DSS.
All Saints at Mall of the Emirates has 50 per cent off on select collections this DSS, while Armani Exchange boutiques across the UAE will offer discounts of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent on the brand's new spring/summer collection.
Baldinini, the luxury Italian footwear brand, sells shoes for up to Dh2,000 a pair – so now is a good chance to get up to 50 per cent off at boutiques in BurJuman, The Dubai Mall and Wafi; and up to 75 per cent off at Baldinini stores in the Outlet Mall and Outlet Village.
Confetti Dome at Festival Square in Dubai Festival City is a Crystal Maze-style glass enclosure with prizes hidden amid the swirling confetti. The mall also has a Shop. Pop. Win promotion: for every Dh250 you spend, you get one chance to pop a balloon, and a prize to follow.
Department stores Debenhams and Bloomingdale's are ideal for those who have limited time this DSS – and want to save between 30 per cent and 60 per cent on clothing and homeware.
E-shoppers, or those who want to take a break from the mall, can shop the S*uce 50 per cent sale online at www.shopatsauce.com.
Friday marks the start of the big sale at Lipsy, which is one of the womenswear brands that's offering 75 per cent off, as is Reiss. Halston has 60 per cent off.
Ghostbusters, a live show by international artists, will be held three times a day at Dragon Mart 2, and children can enjoy a meet and greet with the cast. The venue will also host special parades every weekend in July and August, with 20-minute roaming performances with themes such as Musical Colour, Alice in Wonderland and Under the Sea.
Homeware store Interiors has 50 per cent off on furniture, accessories and textiles from Italian brand Chiantese, known for its glass, brass and porcelain products; and American brands Uttermost and Global Views, which design lamps, wall art, clocks and framed mirrors.
Italian company La.i.pe Spa has been producing leather goods for half a century, which are then bought and branded by international designers, including Cromia, which is offering 30 per cent to 50 per cent off on handbags at its Wafi Mall store.
Jewellery brands don't often offer substantial discounts, but this DSS Parisian designer Luc Kieffer, famed for his chunky bracelets and rings, and Japanese brand Lamie, which has funky earring designs, are offering 50 per cent off on select collections.
Khaleeji folk singers Dalia Mubarak and Fouad Abdulwahed are putting up the second of three free-to-attend concerts this year, at City Centre Mirdif on July 21 from 8pm.
Legoland Dubai has partnered with BoxPark this DSS to put together a treasure hunt, where children can win prizes for every right brick they pull out from a wall made from Lego cabinets (with a little help from their parents, of course).
Modhesh, the friendly DSS mascot, will be back to entertain kids at the fun-and-games-filled Modhesh World (entrance fee: Dh20), which has an entire arena filled with all manner of soft toys, plus a 4-D cinema, the latest video games and a giggle-inducing House of Mirrors, all set up across six halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Natuzzi, famed as one of the best in the world for leather sofas, is offering 30 per cent off on its high-end furniture collections, as is mother company Western Furniture, both on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Outlet Village has recreated Tuscany, with an indoor activation that comprises an Italian artisan market, beautiful green spaces and piazzas filled with live music – a perfect setting to shop discounted luxury brands and participate in the Spend & Win campaign.
Parah has a part sale of 30 to 60 per cent at its Dubai Mall boutique, while those visiting Dubai Outlet Mall can get up to 75 per cent off on the Italian lingerie and swimwear brand.
Queuing will not be an issue for those who'd rather sightsee than shop, with the City Pass being offered this DSS. The Flexi Attractions Pass (Dh449) offers 50 per cent off the admission fees on three attractions, while the Unlimited Attractions Pass (Dh940) gives you VIP access to 28 sites. Choose from Aquaventure Waterpark, Bollywood Parks, Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari, Dubai Museum, Hub Zero, IMG, Motiongate, Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi, among others.
Robinsons department store at Dubai Festival City has 90 exclusive brands, some of which are offering 50 per cent off. These include: accessories from Lili Radu and Maison Vaincourt; lingerie from Mimiholiday; children's wear from Poca & Poca; menswear from Paul and Joe; and womenswear from Lavish Alice and Ports 1961.
Serta's new I-series mattresses are now available from the Dubai Furniture Manufacturing Company on Sheikh Zayed Road, which is offering Dh400 off for every Dh1,000 spent. The mattresses come with contouring and pressure-relieving memory foam and an intuitive cooling technology – ideal after a mall run.
Truckers DXB is taking part in its first DSS event this year, with Truckers Summer Warehouse, complete with food trucks, live music and fun activities within a makeshift industrial set-up at Dubai World Trade Centre, from Wednesdays to Saturdays from July 6.
Uterqüe has 30 per cent to 50 per cent off on its scarves, sunglasses, accessories and select apparel. The Spanish brand has branches in Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall.
Vrzoo's Walk Alongside Wildlife virtual-reality experience at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is part of the DSS Emaar Entertainment Summer Savings package, which also gives a family of four access to Reel Cinemas, Dubai Ice Rink and Business Plus tickets to KidZania, for just Dh550.
Watch the Transformers and Pirates of the Gulf live acrobatic shows, if you visit Ibn Battuta mall this DSS. The free-to-attend performances boast immersive music scores and special effects, and will be held thrice every day from July 6 to July 15, and July 26 to July 29, at the China Court.
Xclusive Yachts Marina is offering 50 per cent off on its air-conditioned yachts in July and August, for when you need a break from all that shopping – or want an occasion to show off your wares.
Yemeni-Emirati singer Balqees has been announced as the closing act at this year's DSS, with a free-to-attend concert at 8pm on August 4 at Mall of the Emirates.
Zayan the Label, at Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road, has 50 per cent off on its pretty and feminine ready-to-wear collection, which includes layered dresses, evening gowns and crochet skirts, with floral motifs and lacy embellishments.
