In case you didn’t notice amidst all the T20 Cricket World Cup and Euros 2024 brouhaha, another big event on Dubai’s calendars is up and running too – Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)! No need for FOMO, though!
Thankfully, the annual summer festival’s 27th edition has a line-up of fabulous events lined up for the next two months. Until September 1, you have plenty of time to check out some spectacular family experiences, free concerts, dining deals, and fun shows. We’ve created this convenient guide of all the highlights and unmissable activities which are part of Dubai Summer Surprises.
1. Beat the Heat concerts
DSS and music streaming platform Anghami’s popular indoor concert series Beat the Heat is returning for season 3. Every Friday and Saturday, from July 13 to July 20 you can attend gigs by some of the coolest bands and musicians in the region. This year, Dubai World Trade Centre is the venue that’ll host these concerts. Here’s what’s in store for your ears:
July 12: Egyptian rapper and EDM trap artist Marwan Moussa (Best African Rapper 2023) will break out the beats with Jordanian singer-songwriter Siilawy, who will keep you hooked with their award-winning music.
July 13: Sudanese rap gets repped big time with Sudanese rap sensation Soulja (Deja vu), Sudanese-Saudi artist Dafencii who is known for poetic and rhythmic rap anthems (El Maktoob, Dopamine) and Libyan-Sudanese singer-songwriter Hleem whose track Bella Cia put him on the rap music map.
July 19: Three alternative rap stars from Egypt for the price of one ticket is what you’ll get at this gig. Powerhouse performances from metalhead rap artist Abyusif, Cairo-based rapper Abo El Anwar and Moscow will kick up a musical storm. Rock out to hit singles such as Abyusif’s YA7, Abo El Anwar’s Blanco, and Moscow’s lyrical hip-hop ballads such as Monalisa.
July 20: Feast on a fusion of Arab pop, hip-hop, and rock-jazz fusion when Palestinian singer Noel Kharman, Palestinian rapper BIGSam and Jordanian composer and singer Aziz Maraka take to the stage. Kharman’s mashup of Levantine beats with modern sounds in tracks like Ya Lali and Al Forga will have you on your feet as will BIGSam’s stirring wordplay in singles such as Last Seen, Law Mara Bas. Expect Jordanian star Maraka’s biggest hits like Ma Fi Mennik and Konna Sghar.
Tickets for all five concerts start from AED 131, get them here
2. Modhesh World
Is it even DSS unless Modhesh’s sunny smiles are plastered across the city? The gleeful jack-in-the-box mascot of Dubai Summer Surprises has been entertaining a generation of kids. He’s back to do it in tow with Dana, his female counterpart, at Modhesh World. The family-friendly edutainment venue is back at the Dubai World Trade Centre until August 18. Halls 3-8 at the convention centre will transform into a colourful world of inflatable parks to bounce around on, summer camps, 20 food stalls and family-friendly entertainment.
Free entry; 10am to 10pm. Click here for more details
3. Meet Minions, Transformers, and Madagascar characters
Reel life and real lie collide at Dubai’s luxe mall this summer. As part of DSS events, Mall of the Emirates is hosting photo-ops with Despicable Me minions Kevin, Bob and Stuart. Meanwhile, Nakheel Mall will bring the Transformers franchise universe to life with activities involving the shape-shifting extraterrestrials. Sing along with the characters of Madagascar and watch a Kung-Fu Panda stage show featuring martial arts and funny sketches at City Centre Mirdiff. Find more details here
4. Free live entertainment
Besides shopping sales and bargains that are part of Dubai Summer Surprises, keep your eyes peeled for free, live entertainment. Solo pianists, cellists, guitar duos, violinists and saxophone players play 20-minute sets from 5pm onwards at City Walk’s courtyard. At Mercato Mall, free Harlequin European circus shows happen daily. Also, catch street comedy and roaming parades.