Signature events to take centre stage during Dubai Summer Surprises 2008

The Signature Events form the core of the entertainment aspect this year and consist of high-quality events that have earned the reputation of attracting thousands of visitors in previous DSS editions.

Organised in select shopping malls in Dubai, the eight events cater to visitors in all age categories.

Yousif Mubarak, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Shopping Festival Office said, "The change in the entertainment aspect during DSS will be more evident during 2008 through the eight Signature Events. Each of these events reflects the quality of entertainment offered throughout 65 days of summer festivities this year."

"The Signature Events are special because they are purely in-house events and the ideas were conceived by the DSS team. Each of the concepts were researched and studied thoroughly before implementing them and the popularity of these innovative events over the years have made them a permanent fixture in the DSS events itinerary," he added.

The Signature Events consist of the following activities.

World of Stories, (21 June - 28 June), Al Ghurair City

Organized to recreate the fantasy world of fairytales and fables, World of Stories brings actors to stage to enact the celebrated tales 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'Sleeping Beauty'.

Taking into account the huge popularity of the event during 2007, World of Stories in DSS 2008 will have one purpose-built stage, in addition to four interactive corners for children including The Mad Hatters Tea Party, and a 'meet and greet' featuring the stars of the shows.

Children have a wonderful opportunity to meet their favourite fairytale characters, talk to them, and pose with them for pictures. The shows will be held in English and Arabic.

Kids Fashion Week, (3 July - 9 July), Dubai Festival City

A glitzy fashion show by all means, the DSS Kids Fashion Week sees some of the latest trends in kids fashion from across the region and the world and some budding fashion models on the ramp.

Brands at the 2008 Kids Fashion Week include internationally renowned labels that will showcase the latest collections for the next season. As part of the event, two workshops will also be organized between the shows.

Kids Olympics Games, (11 July - 17 July), Ibn Battuta Mall

A competitive but fun-filled series of sport activities for children, Kids Olympics brings out the competition in children and their parents.

A must-watch event for all families, the 2008 edition of Kids Olympics features two arenas to accommodate competitions for children of all ages.

The competitions for this year's Games include Baby Crawling, Tricycle Race, Rattle Throwing, Baby Marathon, Spoon Race, Baby Walker, Baby Dancing Contest, Three Legged Race, Sorting Race, Stacking Race, Bulls Eye, and Remote Control Car Race.

The Collectors, (15 July - 22 July), WAFI

An exhibition of various artifacts and collectibles, visitors can find seasoned regional and local collectors and prodigies with their valuable treasures.

During DSS 2007, the displays included the jewellery collections owned previously by Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner, as well as gold and silver coins owned by Princess Diana.

The collectibles displayed this year include vintage cars, coins, stamps, and other curios. Some of the participants in the exhibition have had their names entered in the Guinness Book of World Records for their respective displays.

Min Bladi Al Emarat, (24 July - 31 July), Ibn Battuta Mall

A traditional event that focuses on Emirati heritage activities, Min Bladi has been a major crowd puller since it first featured in 2004.

Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage, the main attraction of Min Bladi is the competitions that are held to pick the best displays of local food and culture.

The event is an authentic presentation of culture in the UAE and appeals to thousands of tourists interested in a glimpse of life in the past.

Competitions featured include Popular Cuisine Contest, Best Poem Contest, Emarati Coffee Contest, Best Hand-Made Product Contest, Best Popular Dress Competition etc.

Arts Oasis, (29 July - 6 Aug), WAFI

Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Arts Oasis 2008 features resident artists from around the world display works on contemporary art.

Arts Oasis has been a favourite of art enthusiasts in Dubai because it brings together various artists in one venue. Visitors to the event this year can also acquire the exquisite sculptures and paintings.

Sheila and Abaya Fashion, (7 Aug - 11 Aug), BurJuman

A gathering of talented Sheila and Abaya designers within UAE and from around the GCC, the Sheila and Abaya Fashion is among the most glamorous shows in Dubai for local attire.

Featuring the hottest designs and the coolest trends in the world of abaya fashion, the event also hands out the best designer award on the last day of the show.

The event is famous for successfully launching local designers into the Sheila and Abaya industry that covers almost the whole of Middle East and enjoys immense popularity in the international market.

Photography Exhibition, (12 Aug - 18 Aug), Deira City Centre

An opportunity for photographers to display their creativity, the exhibition attracts some of the best talents in the country.

In 2008, the Photography Exhibition is open to all creative photographers whose entries will be judged by an eminent jury for awards.

The themes covered are varied and include nature, people, wildlife, and Dubai Summer Surprises itself.


The competition is open to photographers across UAE and the GCC.

On August 19th, a prize ceremony will be conducted to coincide with the World Photography Day.