Dubai is famous for its shopping festival, DSF or Dubai Shopping Festival, a month-long shopping extravaganza. Hosted usually during the first month of every year, the DSF sees several people from around the world pouring into Dubai. What’s best is that the climate in Dubai during the time is ideal too. As the year progresses into summer, the temperature soars and a holiday in Dubai or anywhere in the Middle East seems unthinkable. However, although the temperature in Dubai during summer is really high, you can definitely think of a summer holiday in the city with Dubai Summer Surprises!
Dubai Summer Surprises 2016
The Dubai Summer Surprises was started in 1996 with an aim to promote Dubai as a summer tourist destination. This is the 20th year of DSS and like every year, this year too has a theme. This year’s theme is called “Own the Summer” and promises a lots of fun that people of all ages would definitely love. Started on July 9, this summer festival runs for 43 days, till the beginning of September.
What to Expect?
If you have not known about DSS, you would definitely want to know a lot about it. On the other hand, even if you have known about it, you would like to know what you should expect during this year’s DSS if you are planning to be in Dubai during this time.
Like every year, all the malls in Dubai are planning some great summer surprises for kids and adults alike. You would be bombarded with games, activities, events and entertainment like you have never experienced before. One of the things you must not miss is a visit to Modhesh World, especially if you have children. This is the largest seasonal indoor educational theme park and is held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This entertainment park is open till August 27, and hence it is a must to make a run for it before the last date. Like every year, this year’ Modhesh World promises lot of games and entertainment. Children have several things to look forward to including different games, rides, etc.
If you and your kids are a fan of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, you would be thrilled to know that this year the DSS has organized the Jungle Book live show. Conducted at the City Walk, this show is held between August 14 and 20 and would take you on a jungle tour where you would not be able to know what adventure awaits you at every corner or somewhere up above the huge trees.
Dubai Mall, the largest mall in UAE, is a must visit place during DSS as it offers some amazing activities and events that would be loved by people of all ages. You can get hold of DSS passes which would help you to enjoy the activities inside the Dubai Mall. The passes would give you access to Reel Cinemas, KidZania, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink and SEGA Republic. While the children enjoy the various activities hosted at the mall, you can take advantage of the various deals that the stores have to offer.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Other than the Dubai Mall, every other Mall in Dubai has something or the other planned for tourists, expats and locals. Some of the events and activities that you can look forward to during this time are the Gruffalo Adventure, Mercato Circus Fiesta, Barbie: the Athlete, Trash Pack Live Show and Workshop, Misfortune Circus, Lego Friends Workshop, Fashion Forward Summer Pop-Up, Bricks at Boxpark, etc. These events, activities and games are held in different malls of Dubai, and you are sure to have a great time in whichever mall you step into during this season.
While all the entertainment and activities seem to be meant for the enjoyment of the kids, you must know that there are lots for adults too here. You will find amazing deals on shopping and dining, and there are several entertainment programs that adults would enjoy too. Moreover, if you are lucky, you can win millions of dirham or prizes equivalent to it.
Although the summer may not seem to be the best time to visit Dubai, you must solely for the summer activities in Dubai during this time. As all the events and activities are held inside malls, you need not worry about the heat as all the indoor areas in Dubai are fully air-conditioned. You can also plan a Dubai desert safari in summer in the evening, when the temperature decreases and the heat becomes bearable. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and gear for an exciting summer holiday in Dubai.

I am Priya, travel writer by profession & I love travelling. I am foodie & lover of world food, places, culture, languages. I like adventurous tours. Favorite destinations are United Arab Emitares, Malaysia, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, US.
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