Raffles, sales, LOTS of events – Dubai Summer Surprises began this week and doesn’t finish until August 12….

Now in its 20th year (yes, really), Dubai Summer Surprises has just begun for 2017. It runs from now until August 12, and basically means six weeks of sales, deals and events to keep us all entertained through the city’s hottest months. There’s a lot going on and it can be tricky to figure out what is where, so we’ve put together this guide to the basics of DSS in Dubai…

THE SALES

The standard sales

As part of DSS, most major retailers across Dubai will be running sales. So what are the discounts? Well, the offers range from 30% to 75% off, and you’ll find them everywhere from Mall of the Emirates to Dubai Festival Centre. These sales will run every day of DSS up until August 12 (and the stock is likely to rotate in most shops).

Mid-week bargains

Every Monday to Wednesday of DSS there will be 72 hours of sales – this means that most retailers participating in Dubai Summer Surprises will add even more discounts to already discounted items, but only on these three days. So basically, if you’re keen to bag a bargain over Dubai Summer Surprises, head to the mall mid-week. The exact details of the sales will be revealed every week on the Sunday on DSS’ social channels.

 The Grand Finale Sale

At the end of DSS there will be a final clearance sale. And yes, sure, this will probably be made up mostly of the stock that didn’t get sold throughout the six weeks of sales, the good news is that you’ll find the very best discounts over these three days. So if you’re a committed, sharpen-your-elbows sale shopper, get to the malls between Thursday August 10 and Saturday August 12. But if you don’t like busy malls, then definitely avoid the big shopping centres over this weekend.

The Friday Surprise

Every Friday there will be a surprise flash sale at a retailer as part of DSS, these offers will start as the particular shop opens on a Friday and will end when stocks run out. How do you know what the sale is each week? Well, it’s a surprise right up until the day, and DSS says it will be announced on their social media channels, so check back on their Facebook for updates.

THE RAFFLES

Dragon Mart 2

For every Dhs200 you spend you’ll get the chance to win one of three Nissan Patrols. There will also be ‘scratch and win’ cards given out for smaller prizes too.

Mirdiff City Centre

For every Dhs300 you spend you’ll get the chance to win a Range Rover Sport 2017. Swanky!

Wafi Mall

If you spend Dhs200 at Wafi Mall, Khan Murjan Souk or the Pyramids from now until August 12, you’ll be in to win one million Etihad Guest Miles (which will go a long way towards flights, upgrades and more).

Mercato Mall & Town Centre Jumeirah

Spend Dhs200, and get a ticket to enter a raffle to win one of three prizes: a GMC Yukon Denali car, a four-night family trip for four people to Mauritius or jewellery valued at Dhs25,000.

Deira City Centre 

Spend Dhs400 at any fashion store and be entered into the daily draw to win 100,000 open reward points for flydubai.  Spend Dhs200 and be in to win a kilo of gold (we’d love to add to our bullion collection). 

Mall of the Emirates 

Spend Dhs650 or more at MOE and be in to win one of the DAILY prizes of Dhs10,000. We like those odds.

A DEAL…

Cheap platinum movie tickets

We love the Director’s Lounge at The Roxy Cinemas: a reclining lazy boy, a blanket and fewer punters to annoy you/talk on the phone throughout the movie etc. The good news is that tickets for the VIP cinema are Dhs99 from now until August 31 (platinum cinema tickets across the city are usually about Dhs120 to Dhs130). There’s a Roxy in City Walk and at The Beach opposite JBR. 

THE MALL EVENTS

City Walk

There will be an ‘Under The Sea’ show and workshop space in City Walk throughout DSS to keep the little ones entertained, it will be open from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends. You’ll find a treasure hunt, workshop and live magic shows there.

BOXPARK

You’ll find a world of LEGO at this strip mall – think loads of bricks and sculptures, as well as prizes, promotions and workshops.

Dubai Festival City

The mall is hosting Dubai’s biggest indoor confetti dome (yes, actually) – just show your receipts from your purchases, and go into the dome to grab at prizes. We’re in. 

Ibn Battuta Mall

There will be a ‘Discover The Solar System’ set up by Discovery Channel at this one-storey mall. It’ll be a chance to journey through the cosmos and learn about the solar system. Little explorers can make their own space mobile too. 

The Outlet Village

This discount mall will have a zone that’s kitted out like a Tuscan Village, with entertainment and shopping deals. 

Mercato Mall

There will be a BMX show, a circus and more performances throughout the six weeks at this Jumeirah mall. There will also be workshops and face painting. 

Mall of the Emirates

From July 16 to July 22 there will be live gaming tournaments with FIFA. Spend Dhs300 in the mall for a chance to participate, if you’re a great gamer you could win a spot in an international tournament. Also, Emirati singer Balqees will take to the stage at MOE on August 4th at 9pm (the concert is free to attend). 

Dragon Mart 2

This new mall will be hosting free Kung Fu classes for kids (head here for details and timings).

THE OTHER EVENTS

Modhesh World

DSS’ famous yellow mascot Modhesh has his own ‘world’ throughout DSS. It’s made up of six air-conditioned halls in Dubai World Trade Centre that are full of entertainers, experiences and shows for kids. There are even experienced caregivers that can look after little ones if parents need to scoot somewhere else for a few hours.

Halls 1 to 6, Dubai World Trade Centre, until August 12. 10am to 10pm (midnight on weekends). Entry is Dhs20. More info on website.  

Trucker’s Summer Warehouse

You’ll find 14 homegrown food trucks serving street food at Hall 8 of the Dubai World Trade Centre throughout the month. There will also be an arts and crafts market here and carnival games to boot. Remember, there’s also food truck spot Hangry Hanger at Warehouse Four in Al Quoz (you can read more about that here).

Hall 7, Dubai World Trade Centre, 4pm to 11pm, Wednesday to Saturday until September 2. Dhs10 entry. More info on website.

Dubai Sports World

Remember, the great indoor sports facility – with a free gym! – is open throughout Dubai Summer Surprises. Read more about that here.

See a full list of DSS events here.

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