Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2024 said it has delivered on its promise to make summer the best time to be in the emirate with exceptional value for everyone.

The epic celebration featured a calendar brimming with multiple things to do, see, experience, and explore across 65 fun-filled days.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the annual summer festival (June 28 to September 1) offered reduced prices, promotions, and exclusive savings for all – be it friends or families, couples or solo travellers, residents or visitors, seeking pocket-friendly value or thrilling adventures.

New surprises could be unlocked every single day across world-class shopping, raffles exclusive retail promotions, enthralling family entertainment, star-studded performances, electrifying events, magical movie experiences, gastronomic excellence, deals at top hotels and attractions, and grand raffles and mega-prize competitions.

The summer season culminated in a flurry of winnings, with more prizes awarded than ever before in DSS history. A jaw-dropping AED 50 million worth ($13 million worth) of mega prizes and remarkable rewards across 20 grand raffles and exclusive retail promotions were won by 3,455 lucky shoppers.

Winners took home brand-new cars, dazzling jewellery, whopping cash prizes, and much more.

The entertainment lineup this season was nothing short of phenomenal. From emerging regional musicians to A-list superstars, comedy stars, and literary artists, this year’s DSS calendar of nearly 60 live performances marked the city’s most dynamic and diverse summer line-up ever.

Dazzling opening weekend concerts kicked off the summer celebrations with renowned performers and DJs, followed by an epic celebration of regional Indie music at the return of the Beat the Heat DXB festival.

The city continued to shine with energetic musical performances, laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy, and mesmerising literary events throughout DSS, in a thrilling showcase of the city’s rich cultural diversity.

Continuing the spectacular programme of citywide entertainment, residents and visitors enjoyed a dazzling season of exceptional cinema thanks to Movie Magic at Roxy Cinemas across the city.

A packed calendar of nearly 20 film premieres, special screenings, celebrity meet-and-greets, fun kids activities, competitions, and prize giveaways brought something for all ages, with brand-new experiences unveiled every day.

Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene received a special spotlight this DSS with two summer-exclusive culinary experiences serving up gastronomic treasures at astonishingly affordable prices.

The launch of Sizzling Summer Eats and the highly anticipated return of the incredibly popular Summer Restaurant Week brought together nearly 200 top dining destinations and renowned restaurants, taking foodies on an exquisite journey to savour creative culinary gems, inventive menus, traditional local cuisine, Instagram-worthy fine-dining hotspots, and every bite in between.

Families, friends, couples and residents enjoyed pocket-friendly getaways and unforgettable days out while at a record-breaking 364 citywide hotels and attractions, while maximising on their summer savings with endless offers, exclusive packages, and free things to do.

The annual favourite Kids Go Free promotion, along with exclusive offers for couples and residents, helped everyone discover more exhilarating experiences than ever before at incredibly affordable prices.

Brand-new for 2024, the exclusive DSS Entertainer unlocked maximum value this summer with access to over 7,000 buy-one-get-one-free offers across a superb selection of Dubai’s best dining, attractions, water parks, beauty, and fitness experiences.

The incredible offers are still valid for three months from the date of activation, redeemable every day of the week and available to share with up to three friends.

Spanning 10 weeks, the summer’s most exclusive offers and brilliant bargains could be found across more than 800 big-name brands at over 3,500 stores throughout the city.

Exclusive promotions like the DSS 12-Hour Sale, 34 days of the DSS Daily Surprises, and seasonal offers for Back-To-School supercharged the city with even more extraordinary discounts, while the DSS Final Sale brought shoppers one last chance to score big with discounts of up to 90% off.

Electrifying mall celebrations brought even more fun-filled ways to stay entertained this summer, with 22 mall activations including live family shows, roaming performers, unique and immersive activations, educational workshops, and lots more keeping the whole family entertained.

Shoppers also spotted the Dubai’s favourite character Modesh and Dana at 50 shopping destinations during a 10-week tour of Dubai as part of Modesh’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Everyone from families and friends to recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities gathered at Dragon Mart, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City Mall to embark on a quest for a fitter future.

In its landmark 25th anniversary edition, Modesh World, one of the region’s largest indoor entertainment zones, concluded its most exciting edition ever with a jam-packed calendar of more than 700 live performances, enchanting theatrical shows, and enriching educational workshops, as well as 170 exhilarating rides and attractions, including 100 thrilling arcade games and VR experiences.

Grand celebrations for the milestone 25th anniversary captured the hearts of families across the city throughout 58 fun-packed days this season. Specially curated themed zones were spread over an astounding 22,000 sqm, bringing non-stop opportunities for wonder, delight, and joy for children of all ages.

Dubai Summer Surprises 2024 was supported by Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Dubai Holding Asset Management (Al Seef, Bluewaters, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airlines, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, and Mall of Emirates), Merex Investment (Citywalk and The Beach, JBR), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach, Nakheel Mall, and The View at The Palm), and talabat. – TradeArabia News Service