Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25 June 2026: The wait is nearly over as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026 returns for its highly anticipated 29th edition from 2 July to 30 August 2026. Over 60 action-packed days, and built around the spirit of “Make it a Dubai Summer”, the emirate will offer a vibrant summer calendar filled with unbeatable deals, exciting entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s festival will offer exceptional value across the city, featuring thousands of promotions, must-see attractions, shopping opportunities, dining experiences, and family-friendly activities. From spectacular raffles and exclusive retail offers to world-class hospitality, culinary experiences, indoor attractions, and live performances, DSS 2026 promises a season of memorable moments and endless possibilities for everyone enjoying the summer in Dubai.
DSS 2026 will feature a retail programme packed with major sales, exclusive offers, and rewarding shopping experiences, including two curated shopping seasons: Great Dubai Summer Sale with citywide offers and discounts of up to 90% and Back to School promotions on essentials, fashion, electronics, and technology.
Speaking on the unveiling of the full DSS 2026 programme, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Dubai Summer Surprises continues to play a vital role in enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for tourism, retail, and family entertainment. With DSS 2026, we are proud to present another exceptional programme that brings together world-class shopping, exciting experiences, and outstanding value for residents and visitors alike. Through a carefully curated calendar of retail campaigns, entertainment, gastronomy, hospitality offers, and family-friendly activities. DSS creates memorable moments across the city while supporting economic growth and strengthening Dubai’s vibrant retail and tourism sectors. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience a summer filled with rewards, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.”
DSS OPENING WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS: 2 to 5 JULY
DSS 2026 kicks off with a spectacular opening weekend programme of exclusive live concerts, immersive entertainment experiences, and visually striking decorations and performances across participating malls, featuring musicians, dancers, interactive acts, and share-worthy moments designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
Dubai Hills Mall will host free live performances by Emirati artists, including Saif Al Ali on 3 July, renowned for blending traditional Emirati and Arabic music with contemporary global influences, and Arqam Al Abri on 4 July, celebrated for his distinctive fusion of soul, R&B, neo-soul, and Khaleeji music. Meanwhile, Mirdif City Centre will welcome acclaimed Iraqi pop singer Rahma Riad on 3 July and Star Academy winner Nassif Zeytoun on 4 July, bringing a vibrant programme of live music to shoppers and visitors.
Adding to the excitement, Samratna by Mohamed Al Bakri will take place on 3 July at the New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, offering audiences an intimate live Khaleeji music performance featuring soulful Gulf melodies and timeless Arabic compositions. In addition, the Assem Sukkar Spacetoon Concert will be held on 4 July at the JAFZA One Convention Centre, delivering a nostalgic live experience celebrating the iconic Spacetoon theme songs that shaped generations across the Arab world.
Theatre fans can also secure tickets for the must-watch production Khairan Resort, a light-hearted Kuwaiti comedy taking place at Dubai Opera from 3 to 4 July.
No DSS would be complete without the signature charm of Dubai’s most beloved mascots. This season, Modesh and Dana will appear across the city, bringing joy to families through school visits and surprise appearances at leading attractions, spreading smiles and summer spirit wherever they go.
Throughout the summer, families can once again enjoy Modesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre from 3 July to 23 August, alongside a host of opening-weekend celebrations and family-focused experiences. Designed as a single, integrated family experience spanning key zones including the Fun Zone, Modesh Market, and Family Zone, alongside free access to event grounds, workshops, and performances.
Additionally, the Modesh Scholarship allows shoppers to win one of 10 scholarships, each worth AED 20,000, when shopping at participating malls across the city.
Alongside returning favourites, DSS 2026 introduces new experiences and more rewarding ways to shop across the city. The all-new DSS Luxe Edition debuts as a curated programme of elevated shopping and lifestyle experiences, featuring exclusive previews, personalised services, luxury pop-ups, premium hospitality, and special brand activations.
The Back-to-School Carnival will also bring family-friendly entertainment, live performances, and interactive shows across the city from 7 to 8 August, creating an exciting countdown to the new school year.
Championing local talents, SME Pop-ups will showcase homegrown brands across key retail destinations. The DSS Performance Arts Fest will bring immersive, theme-driven entertainment to select malls over three weekends from 24 July to 16 August, featuring live shows, parades, dance performances, acrobatics, aerial acts, and interactive experiences.
