Dubai’s ultimate program of non-stop summer fun marks its 28th edition with its most value-packed edition ever! Running until 31st August, DSS 2025 promises a summer well spent with endless ways for visitors to enjoy incredible value, from shopping and dining to playing at pocket-friendly prices.
This year’s stellar line-up of iconic and only-in-Dubai summer experiences include the first-ever editions of DSS Gahwa Beats, 10 Dirham Dish, brand-new Modesh adventures, plus the return of iconic festival favourites like Summer Restaurant Week bookable via OpenTable, Beat The Heat DXB, DSS Entertainer, show-stopping concerts, massive savings across hotels & attractions, and much more
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 has taken over the city for its epic 28th edition running until to 31st August, transforming the emirate into the ultimate summer destination with exceptional savings, endless excitement, and amazing new adventures. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the most value-packed edition of DSS promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do, see, shop, and savor. From incredible discounts to world-class gastronomy, hospitality, indoor family fun, and headline concerts, DSS delivers unforgettable moments for everyone, whether a resident, a visitor, or travelling in from across the UAE.
The jam-packed DSS calendar of events includes a mix of not-to-be-missed, brand-new DSS experiences and returning festival favourites, showcasing summer as the best-value time of year to experience Dubai across every preference and price point, with endless reasons to stay, play, shop and celebrate together.
For the first-time ever, DSS brings a brand-new shopping experience with three specially curated retail seasons designed to keep the city buzzing. Running until 17th July, Summer Holiday Offers are brimming with exclusive promotions and family-friendly deals across Dubai’s top malls. Then comes the most thrilling shopping moment of the season: the Great Dubai Summer Sale from 18th July to 10th August, featuring three weeks of unbeatable value, citywide excitement, and the biggest-ever prizes. Wrapping up DSS is the Back to School period from 11th to 31st August, giving families and students the chance to save and stock up on everything they need for the new term, plus exciting giveaways and the opportunity to win scholarships to school fees. Each shopping period has been specially curated to match the rhythm of the season, helping shoppers unlock new surprises and unbeatable value across citywide malls, attractions, hotels, as well as star-powered performances, thrilling live entertainment, diverse culinary delights, enchanting experiences with everyone’s favourite Modesh, and so much more.
The DSS Sales Season features weeks of savings, surprises, and spectacular shopping across more than 800 brands at over 3,000 retailers.
Back by popular demand, Dubai Summer Restaurant Week will be running until 13th July, inviting visitors to enjoy specially priced set menus for lunch and dinner at more than 50 of the city’s most-loved family-friendly restaurants. From neighbourhood favourites to renowned international spots, the week-long event offers the perfect excuse to gather with friends, treat the family, or sample something new, all at exceptional value. Reservations for this exclusive, limited-time opportunity are subject to availability. Diners are encouraged to book their tables today through restaurant discovery and reservation platform OpenTable, via the website and app.
Another all-new experience coming to DSS this year is DSS Gahwa Beats, celebrating Dubai’s vibrant café culture with high-energy citywide pop-ups. Taking place every Saturday through DSS, on 26th July, 2nd August, 9th August, 16th August, and 23rd August, visitors are promised great beats, amazing coffee, and unbeatable vibes at iconic venues across the city. Exact locations will be revealed closer to the time.
Making its incredible debut this DSS is the 10 Dirham Dish from 1st to 31st August, celebrating the richness of the local dining scene by offering dishes at an accessible price point of just AED 10. The initiative invites visitors to embark on a delectable journey of culinary discovery by exploring diverse cuisines and hidden gems across the city.
Beyond the jam-packed opening weekend, music lovers can enjoy the Beat The Heat DXB concert series at Dubai World Trade Centre until 13th July, featuring the region’s hottest talents across a dynamic mix of genres; from Arabic pop and indie to rap and hip-hop.
Saudi pop sensation Bader Al Shuaibi will perform his chart-toppers Bravo Aleik, Mahsoma and Wesh Aeby on 12th July. Kuwaiti artist Abdulaziz Louis will bring his smooth vocals with songs like Sukar, Shloun Ma Hebah and Weselna. Rounding out the evening, Nasser Abbas will deliver his hits Fe Shay Gher, Khat Ahmar and Olla.
DSS is the best-value time of year to enjoy Dubai’s world-class leisure scene, with exclusive summer offers at more than 100 hotels and 15 top attractions across the city. Think resident rates, family packages, free upgrades, added extras, and surprise perks designed to help friends, families, children, parents, grandparents, and every extended family member in between relax, recharge, and experience more of Dubai for less.
Of course, no DSS is complete without a little magic from Dubai’s most beloved mascots. This season, Modesh and Dana will be popping up across Dubai to delight families with school visits, mall meet-and-greets, and surprise appearances at top attractions, spreading smiles and summer spirit wherever they go. Expect playful citywide decorations, surprise giveaways, collaborations with brands like DAMAS and Bond Café, and all-new merchandise and interactive family activations throughout DSS at Modesh Store.
With thousands of things to do, see, and experience every day, DSS 2025 transforms the city into the ultimate summer playground. From unbeatable savings to only-in-Dubai moments, this is a season made for exploring, indulging, and making the most of a summer well spent.
For more information, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.
