Dubai: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 has officially begun! The 28th edition of the highly anticipated summer festival transforms Dubai into an exciting destination for 66 days, running from 27th June to 31st August 2025. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), there are thousands of exceptional offers and countless activities to do, see, and explore across the city, providing more ways than ever to experience a well-spent summer in Dubai..Summer Vibes: Make the most of the hot months with Gulf News.A new and exciting addition to DSS this year is a retail experience featuring three themed shopping seasons, designed to keep the city buzzing with excitement throughout the summer. Alongside these innovative shopping concepts, visitors can look forward to spectacular headline concerts, diverse live entertainment, world-class gastronomy, and much more.The excitement kicks off with Summer Holiday Offers, running from 27th June to 17th July. This initial wave of flash sales and mega raffles boasts exclusive promotions, incredible deals, and family-friendly offers across more than 800 brands at over 3,000 outlets citywide. Shoppers can enjoy generous discounts ranging from 25 per cent to a massive 75 per cent at hundreds of participating brands. Keep an eye out for exciting spend-and-win activations at Mercato Mall, Majid Al Futtaim malls, Dubai Festival City Mall, and Dubai Outlet Mall. Plus, loyalty programme rewards from Tickit and AURA, and the popular DFRE signature Lucky Receipt promotion are all part of the fun. What’s on this opening weekend: The first week of DSS 2025 is bursting with incredible events and experiences:Free Concerts and Family FunOpening Weekend Concerts (27th & 28th June): Get ready for an action-packed weekend of free live entertainment. Tonight, Festival Square at Dubai Festival City Mall will host America’s Got Talent quarter-finalist dance crew Sabrina and Arab pop artist Reina Khoury. Tomorrow, 28th June, catch Emirati singer Abri & the Band and singer-songwriter Noel Kharman. Over at City Centre Mirdif tomorrow, Jordanian indie rock band Jadal and Syrian vocalist Al Shami will take the stage, complemented by roaming entertainers all weekend.Modesh & Dana Appearances (28th & 29th June): Meet Dubai’s beloved characters, Modesh and Dana, for surprise giveaways, photo opportunities, and family-friendly fun at Ibn Battuta Mall on 28th June and The Outlet Mall on 29th June.Live Music & PerformancesJazziyat Feat. Banah Live (Tonight, 27th June, Dubai Opera): Regional pop sensation Jazziyat and Lebanese vocalist Banah promise an electrifying opening-night performance. Tickets start from AED 132.Miami Band & Mutref Al Mutref (Tomorrow, 28th June, Coca-Cola Arena): Don’t miss this Khaleeji-pop double-bill featuring Kuwaiti star Mutref Al Mutref alongside Dubai’s very own Miami Band. Tickets are available from AED 150.A Tribute To Adele (27th & 28th June, Theatre by QE2): Helen Ward-Jackson brings her acclaimed Adele tribute show to Dubai, featuring stunning vocals and stagecraft. Tickets from AED 120.We Call It Ballet (Tomorrow, 28th June, Zabeel Theatre): A modern dance spectacular combining contemporary choreography with immersive set design. Tickets from AED 139.Adonis Live (3rd July, Dubai Opera): Lebanese indie pioneers Adonis will perform their signature sound and fan favourites for one night only. Tickets from AED 175.Comedy NightsAtul Khatri Live (Tonight, 27th June, Dubai College): Veteran Indian stand-up comedian Atul Khatri kicks off the weekend with his trademark wit. Tickets from AED 119.Jeeveshu Ahluwalia (29th June, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray): Punjabi comedy star Jeeveshu Ahluwalia brings his fast-paced wit and viral sketches. Tickets from AED 130.Pinoy Comedy Mixtape (29th June, Dubai World Trade Centre): An all-star showcase of Filipino comedians promises a night of laughter. Tickets from AED 125.Sports & Retail ExperiencesDubai Hills Mall Indoor Run Powered By Skechers (Tomorrow, 28th June, Dubai Hills Mall): Stay active this summer with indoor mall runs for all ages and abilities. Choose from 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, or 10 km routes. Registration starts from AED 50.Interiors Warehouse Sale (28th June to 5th July, Dubai World Trade Centre): A limited-time warehouse sale offering premium furniture and home accessories from prestigious brands.Shop and win throughout DSS 2025Beyond the thrilling opening weekend, DSS offers an array of long-running promotions and experiences:Mega raffles & prizesSlide Into Summer Surprises (27th June – 31st August, Mercato Mall and Town Centre Jumeirah): Spend AED 200 for a chance to win AED 10,000 cash in weekly draws and a Jetour T1 SUV in the grand prize draw.Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffles (27th June – 30th August, participating outlets): Enjoy up to 70% off on diamond and pearl pieces, 50% off on gold jewellery making charges, and a chance to win 12-gram gold bars weekly.DSMG DSS Campaign (27th June – 31st August, participating DSMG outlets): Spend AED 200 for a digital raffle coupon to win one of nine brand-new Nissan Magnite cars.Lucky Receipt (27th June – 17th July, participating retailers citywide): Spend AED 300 or more at 10 participating brands for a chance to win one of 10 exciting daily prizes, including premium electronics, luxury watches, and exquisite jewellery.DSS Win A SOUEAST S06 With Dubai Outlet Mall (27th June – 31st August, Dubai Outlet Mall): Spend AED 200 or more for a chance to win a brand-new SOUEAST SO6 car.Spend and Win a Polestar 4 LRSM at DFCM (27th June – 31st August, Dubai Festival City Mall): Spend AED 300 or more to enter a draw for a new ‘Polestar 4 LRSM’ and win instant weekly prizes.Visa Jewellery Program (27th June – 30th August, Dubai Jewellery Group participating outlets): Visa cardholders get instant cashback on diamond and pearl jewellery, plus a chance to win a share of AED 175,000 in jewellery vouchers.SHARE Millionaire (27th June – 31st August, Majid Al Futtaim Malls): Spend AED 300 or more and scan receipts with the SHARE app for a chance to win one of four prizes of 1 million SHARE points (worth AED 100,000).Win With Tickit Rewards App (27th June – 31st August, participating brands citywide): Earn points for a chance to be one of five winners to take home AED 10,000 each in Tickit points.Shop. Win. Drive – DSS 2025 (27th June – 31st August, Dubai Festival Plaza): Spend AED 200 or more for a chance to win one of six brand-new SUVs or be among 20 lucky winners of AED 5,000 cash prizes.Ongoing ExperiencesJurassic Café by VOX Cinemas (Until 23rd July, Mall of the Emirates): Embark on a prehistoric journey with themed stations, interactive elements, and a bespoke dino-culinary menu.The Messi Experience (Until 31st August, Dubai Festival City Mall): Football fans can immerse themselves in Lionel Messi’s world with interactive games, photo ops, skill challenges, and exclusive merchandise.DSS Entertainer (27th June – 31st August, Citywide): Unlock over 7,500 buy-one-get-one-free offers across hotels, dining, attractions, fitness, and beauty for AED 195.Summer at City Walk (1st July – 31st August, City Walk): Enjoy Coffee Raves, live entertainment, basketball activations, special dine-out deals with talabat, retail offers, and business lunch promotions.Cool Off this Summer at The Beach, JBR! (1st July – 31st August, The Beach, JBR): Discover exclusive in-app dine-in deals with talabat, win elevated meal experiences by spending AED 250 or more at Pavilion restaurants, and stand a chance to win AED 50,000 across five draws with TICKIT. A season of sales will continue throughout the summer, with DSS sales bringing the best bargains across more than 800 top brands at over 3,500 stores, offering discounts of up to 75 per cent.