Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Dubai's biggest summer shopping and entertainment festival returns with major discounts, celebrity performances, prize draws and family attractions across the emirate. Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026 runs from July 2 to August 30 under the theme "Make it a Dubai Summer." Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year's 60-day festival combines shopping promotions, live entertainment, dining experiences and staycation offers for residents and visitors.

Discounts of up to 90%

One of the biggest highlights is the Great Dubai Summer Sale, offering discounts of up to 90 percent across participating malls and retailers. Shoppers can also take advantage of DSS Daily Surprises, featuring limited-time offers announced just 24 hours before they go live. The Back-to-School shopping campaign, running from August 3 to 30, will feature promotions on school supplies, electronics, clothing and family essentials.

Chance to win cars, cash, gold and a home

Beyond the discounts, shoppers can enter multiple prize promotions throughout the festival. Customers who spend Dh300 or more can participate in the Lucky Receipt campaign for daily prizes. The DSS Mega Raffles in partnership with ENOC offer participants the chance to win a 2026 Dongfeng 007 as well as a share of Dh500,000 in cash prizes. Jewellery shoppers spending Dh500 can join the City of Gold promotion for a chance to win a share of 3kg of gold. The DSS Digital Raffle will award several Exeed vehicles across nine draws between July 2 and August 29. A new attraction this year is Win Your Home in Dubai, giving shoppers an opportunity to win one of 12 residential units from Binghatti Developers, including a grand prize of a two-bedroom apartment.

Opening weekend concerts

The festival opens with live performances across Dubai. At Dubai Hills Mall, Emirati singers Saif Al Ali and Arqam Al Abri will perform on Friday (July 3) and Saturday (July 4), respectively. Mirdif City Centre will host Iraqi singer Rahma Riad and Syrian artist Nassif Zeytoun during the opening weekend. Fans of Khaleeji music can attend Samratna by Mohamed Al Bakri at Mall of the Emirates, while families can enjoy the Assem Sukkar Spacetoon Concert at JAFZA One. Meanwhile, Dubai Opera will stage the Kuwaiti comedy Khairan Resort from July 3 to 4.

Modesh and Dana return

The festival mascots Modesh and Dana will once again visit schools and attractions across Dubai. Modesh World at the Dubai World Trade Centre will open from July 3 until August 23, featuring interactive family zones, games and shopping experiences. Families can also enter the Modesh Scholarship programme, where 10 scholarships worth Dh20,000 each will be awarded.

Dining promotions

Food lovers can enjoy Summer Restaurant Week from July 13 to August 2, with specially curated menus at participating restaurants. The popular Dh10 Dish campaign returns from August 3 to 30, allowing diners to sample signature dishes for just Dh10 at selected restaurants across Dubai. ICA/Expat Media
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