DSS 2025 Keeps the City Buzzing With Concerts, Camps, and Cool Family Fun This Week

Don’t miss the closing days of Summer Holiday Offers and Summer Restaurant Week, plus the launch of new pop-ups and indoor experiences across Dubai.

From TJ Monterde live to the final weekend of Beat the Heat DXB, this week’s line-up delivers entertainment, creativity and fitness for all.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 July 2025

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 continues to transform the city into the ultimate summer playground during its third week, offering unbeatable value, non-stop entertainment and family fun for all. This week marks the final stretch of Summer Holiday Offers, but the dynamic DSS programme of thousands of offers and things to do continues all summer with a vibrant line-up of concerts, fitness events, mall activations and cultural summer camps taking place citywide.

Final Week: Summer Holiday Offers

• Date: until 17 July
• Location: Citywide
• About: Summer Holiday Offers, the first dedicated retail season of DSS 2025 is counting down its final days with 25 to 75 percent discounts across hundreds of participating brands citywide, alongside spend-and-win activations at Mercato Mall, Majid Al Futtaim malls, Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Outlet Mall, loyalty-programme rewards from Tickit and AURA, as well as the DFRE signature Lucky Receipt promotion.

BRAND NEW THIS WEEK

Viva La Frida

• Date: 9, 13, 16, 23, 30, 31 July
• Location: TODA – Theatre of Digital Art
• About: Step into the world of Frida Kahlo with Viva La Frida, a captivating 360° immersive exhibition celebrating the iconic artist’s life and work. Held across select dates this July at Theatre of Digital Art (TODA), the experience brings her vivid self-portraits and symbolic paintings to life, each telling stories of resilience, identity, and personal triumph. Explore how Frida transformed her challenges into powerful visual narratives that continue to inspire generations.

The Laughter Factory July 2025

• Date: 11-12 July and 18-19 July
• Location: Various venues across Dubai
• About: Get ready for non-stop laughter as The Laughter Factory returns this July with a powerhouse line-up of international comedic talent. Headlining the show is Steven Briggs, followed by Kelsey De Almeida, and Maher Barwany. The world-class comedians kick-off their tour on 11 July at Mezz, The Agenda; followed by Studio One Hotel on 12 July; before heading to Radisson Hotel DAMAC Hills on 18 July and concluding on 19 July at Dukes, The Palm.

Around the World in 60 Minutes

• Date: 13 July
• Location: TODA – Theatre of Digital Art
• About: Join the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra on a magical journey with Around the World in 60 Minutes, a family-friendly concert at Theatre of Digital Art designed to inspire young minds. Featuring a lively ensemble of string and wind instruments, this interactive performance blends live music with engaging storytelling and colourful visuals. Children will travel across the globe through music, learning fun cultural facts while enjoying timeless pieces from Spain to Argentina. It’s an enriching, entertaining way for families to experience live classical music together in a welcoming, relaxed setting.

TJ Monterde Live

• Date: 13 July
• Location: Coca-Cola Arena
• About: Get ready to sing along as award-winning Filipino singer-songwriter TJ Monterde brings his Sarili Nating Mundo World Tour to Dubai, joined by special guest and wife KZ Tandingan. Tickets are on sale now from AED 199.

Summer Mall Run 2025 at Ibn Battuta Mall

• Date: 13 July
• Location: Ibn Battuta Mall
• About: Dubai Summer Surprises hosts its first-ever indoor run at Ibn Battuta Mall, inviting participants to beat the heat with a 2.5 km, 5 km or 10 km race through the air-conditioned venue. All runners receive a T-shirt and finisher medal, with age group podium prizes up for grabs. Registration is open now from AED 95.

Future Cultural Guides Summer Camp

• Date: 14 July to 18 July
• Location: Etihad Museum
• About: This two-week camp, taking place from 9 AM to 3 PM, blends history, science, culture and adventure through themed days of storytelling, crafts, games and excursions. Designed to build leadership and teamwork skills, the programme encourages children to explore how they can contribute to their communities and the Nation. Registration is AED 500 per child.

Archaeology Adventures Summer Camp

• Date: 14 July to 25 July
• Location: Al Shindagha Museum
• About: This hands-on camp introduces children aged 6 to 12 to archaeology and heritage through themed workshops, discovery games and interactive sessions in a real museum setting. Running from 8.30 AM to 2.30 PM (Monday to Thursday) and 8.30 AM to 12.30 PM (Friday), activities include artefact restoration, badge challenges and history exploration. Registration starts from AED 500 per child.

Dubai Municipality Summer Camp

• Date: until 31 July
• Location: Children’s City, Creek Park
• About: Running Monday to Thursday from 7.30 AM to 2 PM, this summer camp invites children to learn new skills through fun, hands-on activities. Designed to make the most of the summer break, the programme blends creativity, education and play. Registration is AED 860 per child.

ENDLESS MODESH FUN

Modesh Splash Park

• Date: until 31 August
• Location: Dubai Festival City, Bay Avenue
• About: Enjoy a family-friendly water zone inspired by the iconic Modesh World at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall. A major highlight of this year’s DSS, this all-new exclusive pop-up will give little ones of all ages a chance to explore water slides, splash zones, adventure zones and interactive games. This must-visit summer pop-up opens daily at 4pm with the fun lasting all the way to midnight.

Modesh Summer Pass

• Date: until 30 August
• Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
• About: New for DSS 2025, the Modesh Summer Pass at Dubai Festival City Mall runs until 30 August, inviting families to take part in a stamp-and-win adventure that brings extra fun and rewards to a day out at the mall. At each participating activity station, children can collect stamps by completing fun games and activities, and once the pass is filled, they’ll be entered into a draw to win a gift card. While there, families can also stop by the Modesh Store, stocked with all-new merchandise, interactive activations, and playful souvenirs to take home a piece of the summer fun.

Modesh & Dana at ROXY Cinemas

• Date: until 31 July
• Location: ROXY Cinemas across Dubai
• About: ROXY Cinemas is rolling out a blockbuster line-up of family fun with Modesh and Dana in the spotlight. Little ones can collect stamps in the Modesh and Dana Summer Passport, earning prizes for every three or five family films watched. Surprise vouchers will be hidden under select cinema seats as part of the Lucky Seat activation, while families visiting on weekends can spin the Modesh and Dana prize wheel for a chance to win snacks, merchandise and more. For film-themed fun beyond the screen, the duo take over the T-Rex restaurant at Riverland with a special Modesh-themed meal combo, before settling in for a screening of Jurassic Park. Later in the month, they return to the big screen with a series of playful pre-show videos created for the release of Fantastic Four. They will also be on the move across the city with the Smurfs, surprising families on the Dubai Metro with cinema giveaways, and visiting Smurfs Village at MOTIONGATE™ for even more themed adventures. Ladies Night also returns to ROXY Cinemas this summer with a DSS twist, featuring Dana, themed photo ops, special gift bag giveaways in partnership with Rituals, and meals included within the ticket prices.

Modesh & Dana in Osteria Mario

• Date: until 31 August
• Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
• About: Families can stop by Italian restaurant Osteria Mario every weekend from 11 July to 31 August, where little ones can take part in a pizza-making masterclass to decorate their own pizza in the shape of Modesh. The experience also includes Modesh & Dana-themed face painting and creative colouring stations featuring exclusive character designs.

Modesh & Dana Appearances

• Date: 11 to 13 July
• Location: Various malls across Dubai
• About: Meet Dubai’s favourite characters for surprise giveaways, photo ops and family-friendly fun with appearances at Me’aisem City Centre and The Outlet Mall on Friday, 11 July; Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Festival City Plaza on Saturday, 12 July; and Al Barsha City Centre on Sunday, 13 July.

RETURNING FESTIVAL FAVOURITES

Beat The Heat DXB Concert Series

• Date: 11-13 July
• Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
• About: The UAE’s coolest indoor concert series returns, bringing the best of Arabic and indie music for its final weekend from 11 to 13 July. The final weekend of the concert series brings high-energy sets from Soulja, Montiyago and Mo Ali on 11 July, followed by a Khaleeji-pop finale from Bader Al Shuaibi, Abdulaziz Louis and Nasser Abbas on 12 July, and concluding with BigSam, Akhrass, and Lana Lubany on 13 July. Alongside live performances, the indoor festival promises immersive experiences and family-friendly fun for ages 10 and up, all under one roof and all in one ticket. Plus, 6 lucky winners will drive home with a Nissan of your choice for 2 whole months! Tickets are on sale now from AED 105.

Summer Restaurant Week

• Date: until 13 July
• Location: Over 65 restaurants citywide
• About: Dine around Dubai for less with exclusive two-course lunches for AED 95 and three-course dinners for AED 150 at more than 65 casual dining restaurants. Running for 10 days only, this DSS dining favourite returns to once again spotlight local gems and global cuisines, all with over 30 per cent in savings. Participating highlights include Taqueriah Freedah, Arabian Tea House, Harrumanis, Bistro des Arts, Khadak, Couqley, The Ninth Cut, and more. Book now exclusively via OpenTable.

DSS Entertainer

• Date: Valid for three months from purchase
• Location: Available citywide
• About: Unlock over 7,500 BOGO offers across hotels, dining, attractions, fitness and beauty for AED 195, perfect for families and visitors looking to maximise their DSS savings from day one. Valid for three months from the date of activation, residents and visitors can enjoy exclusive savings throughout the summer and beyond.

Bikeera Saturday Al Qudra Community Ride

• Date: Weekly until August 30
• Location: Al Qudra Cycling Track
• About: Join the Bikeera community for weekly 6 AM cycling sessions along the 86 KM Al Qudra track. Designed for endurance, connection and sunrise views, the desert ride is split into two pace groups, 37km/h and 34km/h, and open to cyclists of all levels. Registration is required.

Bel Remaitha Summer Camp

• Date: until 31 August
• Location: Nad Al Hamar
• About: Keep little ones active and entertained all summer long with engaging camps across the city. From sports and swimming to creative workshops and team games, DSS summer camps offer fun-filled schedules for every age and interest. Highlights this week include Bel Remaitha Summer Camp, running daily with taekwondo, football, swimming, basketball, water games and more for kids aged 4 to 13. Morning and evening sessions available, with prices starting from AED 100 per day.

Hotel Offers

• Date: Until 31 August
• Location: Hotels and resorts citywide
• About: Enjoy unbeatable summer value with exclusive DSS hotel deals across Dubai. Families can take advantage of exclusive promotions at selected hotels, including JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, where up to two children can stay, dine and play free of charge. UAE and GCC residents can unlock up to 30 per cent off on staycation packages, with perks like complimentary breakfast, dining discounts and resort credit at top properties including Park Hyatt Dubai, Banyan Tree Dubai, Anantara Downtown and more.

Spa Offers

• Date: Until 31 August
• Location: Various locations citywide
• About: Some of Dubai’s most luxurious spas are offering exclusive summer deals for residents and visitors, designed to relax, recharge, and refresh – whether choosing from soothing massages and revitalising facials or full-day wellness packages. Participating destinations include The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Kempinski Central Avenue, Swissôtel Spa & Sport at Swissôtel Al Ghurair, among many others. Whether for a solo escape or a pampering day out with friends, these limited-time spa offers make it the perfect season to unwind in style.

Attraction Offers

• Date: Until 31 August
• Location: Attractions citywide
• About: Make the most of summer with unbeatable deals at top attractions across the city. Children can enjoy complimentary entry at leading destinations including AYA Universe, The Green Planet, Madame Tussauds, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Motiongate Dubai, Neon Galaxy and Dubai Crocodile Park. From indoor adventures to outdoor thrills, DSS 2025 brings families unforgettable experiences with unbeatable value.

Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat.

For more information, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok.