DSS to kick off on June 19

The Dubai Shopping Festival Office announced its calendar of events for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2008, which will kick-start on June 19 and continue till August 22. The 11th edition of the DSS will witness a major shift in implementation and concept, said Ebrahim Saleh, General Coordinator of the DSF Office.

"Visitors and residents of Dubai will feel the change as we have planned something new every other day," said Saleh. "We have ensured that the events are diversified, innovative and appealing to every visitor. We are embracing new international events in addition to developing our signature events to enhance festivities this summer."

The annual Ten Surprises of the last decade are now Tens of Surprises, as numerous theme-based activities will be organised instead of a surprise every week.

The DSS has attracted a total of 13.16 million visitors from 1998-2007, and a total consumer spending of approximately Dh16 billion. In 2007, consumers spent Dh3.2 billion. The DSF Office expects an increase of 20-25 per cent in consumer spending compared to 2007 and an increase of 8-10 per cent in visitor numbers.

The inaugural year of the DSS in 1998 was organised with the aim of enhancing the economy in general and the tourism sector in particular in Dubai during the summer season. The concept proved to be a major challenge to implement with high temperatures during the season that were only overcome with advanced infrastructural facilities in Dubai.

Although families in Dubai are keen to travel abroad for vacations, DSS has succeeded in transforming the emirate into a favourite destination for summer vacations in the GCC.

This year's DSS Events

DSS 2008 Opening Ceremony (June 19)
The opening ceremonies of previous DSS editions have been a reflection of the quality events organized during summer, and keeping in line with that tradition, the opening ceremony for DSS 2008 will focus on the change in the entertainment planned and hence feature acclaimed international shows and world-class performances.

Signature Events:

Signature Events form the core of DSS activities, characterized by high-quality events based on various themes. Held in some of the finest malls in the region, the DSS 2008 Signature Events aim to provide a relaxed atmosphere for shoppers by organizing exciting and interesting activities. The various themes also mean that these activities have been planned keeping in mind the different age groups of DSS visitors.


World of Stories: (21 June – 28 June) at the Al Ghurair City

Organized to recreate the fantasy world of fairytales and fables, World of Stories brings actors to stage to enact celebrated tales like ‘Cindrella’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. Taking into account the huge popularity of the event during 2007, World of Stories in DSS 2008 will have four different tales enacted in two purpose-built stages, in addition to two story-telling corners for children and a meet and greet parade featuring the stars of the shows. The shows will be held in English and Arabic.


Kids Fashion: (3 July – 9 July) at Dubai Festival City

A glitzy fashion show by all means, the DSS Kids Fashion show sees some of the latest trends in kids fashion from across the region and the world and some budding fashion models on the ramp. Brands at the 2008 Kids Fashion include internationally renowned labels, and for the first time in a Kids Fashion edition, retailers will showcase the autumn-winter collection that will be in stores by August of this year.


Kids Olympics Games: (11 July – 17 July) at Ibn Battuta Mall

A competitive but fun-filled series of sport activities for children, Kids Olympics brings out the competition in children and their parents. A must-watch event for all families, the 2008 edition of Kids Olympics features two arenas to accommodate competitions for children of all ages. The games are being held in cooperation with the National Federation of Olympics in the UAE. Additionally, a torch will be carried by children through various shopping malls to express solidarity with the Beijing Olympics being held this year.


The Collectors: (15 July – 22 July) at WAFI

An exhibition of various artifacts and collectibles, visitors can find seasoned regional and local collectors and prodigies with their valuable treasures. The collectibles displayed include cars, stamps, coins, photographs, car licence plates etc.


Min Bladi: (24 July – 31 July) at Ibn Battuta Mall

A traditional event that focuses on Emirati heritage activities, Min Bladi has been a major crowd puller since it featured in In-Mall Events. The main attraction of Min Bladi is the competitions that are held to pick the best displays of local food and culture. The event is an authentic presentation of culture in the UAE.


Arts Oasis: (29 July – 6 Aug) at Mall of the Emirates

A gathering of artists from around the world, Arts Oasis is an opportunity for all to meet some highly regarded and well-known artists and their works. Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Cultural Council, Arts Oasis 2008 will feature works themed on various cultures. Arts Oasis has been a favourite of art enthusiasts in Dubai because it brings together various art styles together in one venue.


Sheila and Abaya Fashion: (7 Aug – 11 Aug) at BurJuman

A gathering of talented local Sheila and Abaya designers, the Sheila and Abaya Fashion is among the most glamorous shows in Dubai for local attire. Featuring the hottest designs and the coolest trends in the world of abaya fashion, the event also hands out the best designer award in association with co-sponsors, Swarovski, through the Swarovski Arab Creation Award.


Photography Exhibition: (12 Aug – 19 Aug) at Deira City Centre

An opportunity for talented photographers to display their creativity, the exhibition attracts some of the best talents in the country. In 2008, the Photography Exhibition will be open to all talented photographers whose entries will be judged by an eminent jury for the DSS 2008 Photography Award.


Mega Events

The Mega Events form part of the main attractions during DSS and include some of the highlights of past DSS editions. By doing so, the DSF Office has ensured that each mega event is an attraction on its own. Taking into account the huge popularity of some events during previous editions of DSS, these activities have been incorporated into the Mega Events for 2008.


Recycled Art Exhibition: (July 3 – July 17) at Reef Mall

An exceptional exhibition by all means, the Recycled Art Exhibition is a display of sculptures and fixtures using various recycled materials. Watch creativity unfurl as materials obscure as metal pieces, cans, and waste paper are transformed into brilliant works of art.


Chocolate events: (July 3 – July 6) at Al Ghurair City

For all those who crave the sight, smell, and taste of chocolate, there can be no better opportunity than this. Chocolate events feature some of the finest pastry chefs in Dubai display their talent in creating sculptures, fountains, and everything possible out of chocolate.


Jumeirah Group Cake Auction: (July 1) at The Mercato

The Jumeirah Cake Auction was a massive hit during DSS 2007 with almost 3000 cakes sold out in just four hours. The main feature of the event is that sale proceeds of the reasonably priced cakes are given to charity organisations. This is a rare opportunity for cake lovers to go all out and feast on some amazing dessert.


Junior Chefs Award: (June 26 – July 2) at Times Square Centre

Among the most prestigious awards in the Middle East in the hotel industry, the Junior Chefs Award is recognition of talent across the region. The jury for the Awards include Master Chefs from around the world. During the event, multi-national chefs battle it out to showcase their finest preparations in numerous categories.


Dubai Fashion Fiesta: (July 24 – July 27) at Dubai World Trade Centre

Launched to bring together designers, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts, Dubai Fashion Fiesta or DFF attracts wide media attention due to the inclusion of high profile participants. The larger aim of the fashion extravaganza is to contribute in promoting Dubai as the fashion hub in the region. Participants during 2007 included Lloyd Klein, Satya Paul, Sa Soie, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Aida Korman, and Deepika Gihani.


Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra: (June 20) at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre

A get together of extremely talented youngsters, the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra is known for its rendition of Western classical music. The majority of the performers are students from many of Dubai’s schools.


Disney High School Musical: (July 10 – July 26) at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre

Billed a community event, the Disney High School Musical takes cue from the Emmy Award-winning American television film by the same name. Known for its brilliant soundtrack, the Disney High School Musical event during DSS 2008 will include participants from Dubai who will go through rigorous training to present Dubai’s very own Disney High School Musical show.


Oliver! the Musical: (June 21 – June 23) at the Madinat Theatre

Based on the character by Charles Dickens, Oliver! the Musical will run for three days and feature a combination of songs and exceptional theatre display. The Musical will feature a competition of sorts when children from various schools in Dubai are trained to act in the Musical. A must-see event for the whole family.

Other attractions

Spa Packages – relax in the region’s finest spas: Visitors longing for some of Dubai’s summer retreats can head to the finest spas in the region. About 25 spas in Dubai will collaborate with the DSF Office to offer refreshing and relaxing spa treatments to visitors. Visitors can choose from specialized treatments to discount packages. After an overwhelming response last year, the DSS Spa Packages return in 2008 with refreshing options to stay cool this summer.

With three out of four internationally acclaimed Middle East spas in Dubai, the city is right on path in becoming the spa hub in the region. Some of the best spa specialists in the industry and a truly surreal ambience make Dubai’s spas every visitor’s ultimate relaxation experience.

Shopping in Dubai – win with every purchase: Dubai’s shopping malls, known for their expansive size and architectural detail, will be one among the main venues during DSS 2008, hosting several DSS activities and offering unbelievable promotions and discounts on a wide range of international brands. Shoppers to Dubai have a multitude of shopping options on a wide range of tax-free goods including electronics, garments, and some of the finest jewellery collections in the region. Apart from the malls, the souks in Dubai also provide for an authentic Middle Eastern shopping experience.

The Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), an umbrella organization for Dubai’s malls, will make shopping more exciting by rewarding shoppers with unbelievable prizes throughout DSS 2008. The DSF Office will also be organizing its own exciting raffle draws throughout DSS. Simply put, every shopper stands the chance to win on a purchase.

Modhesh Fun City:  The largest indoor edutainment venue in the Middle East, Modhesh Fun City is the focal point of entertainment during DSS. Spanning thousands of square metres, this vast complex hosts every possible entertainment activity, from international debut shows to edutainment activities for children of all ages.

The venue is divided into several zones, each dedicated for a specific activity. DSS 2008 will see the introduction of new zones in addition to the already existing zones like the Arts and Crafts Zone, Sports Zone, Sand Zone, Lego Zone, Games Zone, Car Driving Zone, Toddler Zone and Heritage Zone. Visitors to Modhesh Fun City will see a host of new additions to the already expansive entertainment venue. Some of these new additions will be the highlights of Modhesh Fun City this year.

The main stage at Modhesh Fun City routinely hosts Middle East debuts of international cartoon shows. These shows give children a chance to interact with their favourite cartoon characters, including Modhesh, and enjoy a summer vacation of fun and education. The Fun Fair, a world of fun rides and exciting games, is a perfect addition to the facility.


Modhesh Friends Club Modhesh Friends Club is the ultimate children’s club in Dubai. Held during every DSS, members of the club have a fantastic time with events designed for fun and education. During the summer, members of Modhesh Friends Club go through an adventure-filled and enlightening experience and get ready to tackle a new year at school.

While the fun part is definitely fulfilled, the education part is also taken care of in an extremely organized and efficient way. Experienced child behaviour experts form part of the staff at Modhesh Friends Club and over the summer, the club’s little members go through an invigorating experience and come out refreshed and prepared for the coming academic year.