A summer of surprises begins today

Spread across 65 days till August 14, DSS 2009 features bigger venues, new events, and a host of attractions for children and families.

The highlight of June 11 is the Opening Ceremony that takes place in Mall of the Emirates in a twelve-hour long event marked by steep shopping discounts, raffle draws with prizes worth thousands of dirhams every hour, and spectacular giveaways throughout the day. A host of shows are also being organized to entertain shoppers at the Mall.

Laila Suhail, CEO of DSF Office, said:

"The DSF Office team was presented with a huge challenge in organizing DSS 2009 especially with concerns about the impact of the economic crisis. Nevertheless, this iconic summer event is here and our cooperation with private sector entities will see that visitors and residents have an unbeatable summer holiday in Dubai."

"The core concepts of DSS remain the same but we have put an innovative touch to every concept be it shopping, family entertainment, winning, or even leisure. This edition has been the result of extensive research based on feedback from visitors of last year's DSS and we are sure that the difference will be visible," she added.

Attractions in the coming week
World of Stories (June 12 - June 23) Mercato

A huge hit with children every year, World of Stories focuses this year on one main story as a central theme, with Alice from Alice in Wonderland, taking visitors through a magical experience. To be staged in three shows at 5pm, 6:35pm, and 8pm, Alice Adventures follows a magical journey where Alice slips into a dream where she meets several characters from various other stories such as the Fairy Godmother, Mary Poppins, Cheshire Cat, Aladdin, Robin Hood, Little Red Riding Hood and SnowWhite. All shows will be staged in English and Arabic.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatma Bint Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Birthday
(June 13 - Modhesh World - 4pm to 10pm)

DSS welcomes all in Dubai to the biggest birthday party this summer to celebrate the birthday of Her Highness Sheikha Fatma bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Children can meet their favourite cartoon characters, and watch some amazing stage shows specially organized for the occasion, in addition to a massive cake cutting ceremony.

Mr. Men and Little Miss Show
(June 11 - July 1) BurJuman

Based on the original Mr. Men and Little Miss books created by Roger Hargreaves, the Mr. Men Show is an inspired re-imagining of this classic property which has sold in excess of 100 million copies worldwide. The first and only animated show to bring sketch comedy to young children, The Mr. Men Show blends physical humour and verbal wit and features all the popular characters such as Mr. Bump, Mr. Rude, Mr. Happy, Mr. Grumpy, and Little Miss Sunshine herself.

The 15-minute show will also be followed by a meet and greet session for children to pose for photographs. Show timings are Thursday to Friday (05:30pm /07:30pm/ 09:30pm), Saturday to Wednesday (06:15pm / 08:10pm). There will be no shows on Tuesdays.

House of Illusions
June 11 - Dubai Festival City

The centrepiece for DSS at Dubai Festival City, a key sponsor of the summer event this year, the House of Illusions dinner show is an attraction not to be missed. Held at the Spiegel Tent, one of the world's most famous venues that dates back to 1920s Europe, this family show runs five night per week through DSS and brings together illusions, surprises, comedy and live music served together with a three-course family meal.

It will also feature one of the world's most celebrated illusionists, Van Buren, who will appear in Dubai for the first time after having performed in many venues around the world. Show timings are (Friday - Saturday (01:00pm/ 06:30pm), Wednesday - Thursday (06:30pm/ 09:15pm), and Tuesday (06:30pm).

Modhesh World
(June 11 - Aug 14)
Airport Expo Dubai

Celebrating its tenth year this DSS, what was formerly known as Modhesh Fun City has undergone a massive conversion, and will now be officially called Modhesh World. Envisioned to raise the standard of indoor entertainment to the next level, Modhesh World aims at providing an exhilarating experience with exciting new concepts, more educational interactive exhibits, and spectacular events featuring regional and international shows.'

In an effort to reach out to more children and their families, Modhesh World has reduced entry fees this year for the children's tickets. Modhesh World doors open at 10.00 am - 10 pm on weekdays and from 10 am - 12 pm weekends, 3 pm - 12 pm on Fridays.

DSS 2009 Spa Packages

From June 11 to August 14, 34 spas will offer over 50 special DSS spa experiences, including great discounts of up to 68% on selected premium products and services. Featured treatments draw on a wide range of therapeutic traditions from across the world such as Ayurveda, Tai Chi, aromatherapy, Oriental Hammam and traditional Swedish massage techniques, and include luxurious treatments inspired by royal rituals such as the 'Cleopatra Bath' - a pampering floral milk bath that promises to leave your skin as creamily soft as the famed Egyptian beauty, and the 'Royal Javanese Lulur Ritual' - a skin softening treatment administered to Balinese princesses 40 days before their wedding.

Dubai Shopping Malls Group Raffle

This summer, add an element of surprise to your shopping. With massive promotions in over 4000 retail outlets, the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, a key sponsor of DSS 2009, is organizing yet another of its renowned shopping raffles. Shoppers could also be among one lucky winner every week to receive a full refund purchases.

Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre Joint DSS 2009 Promotion

Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre, members of the Majid Al Futtaim Group - a key sponsor of DSS 2009, are coming together for the first time ever in a joint promotion to give visitors the chance to win prizes. Shoppers also instantly win a 'Double the fun' voucher every time they redeem their raffle coupons.

Surprising CineStar Promotion

CineStar Cinemas brings an exclusive summer promotion for movie buffs during the twelfth edition of Dubai Summer Surprises. Called the 'Surprisingly Golden Experience', the promotion offers spa vouchers, movie ticket upgrade to Gold Class, and a grand prize where a total of four winners will be chosen for spa packages at Park Hyatt and at the Atlantis. When booking Gold Class tickets online on www.cinestarcinemas.com for weekday shows, movie enthusiasts can enter into a daily draw to win a spa package courtesy of DSS.

Three such prizes will be given away every week until the end of the summer extravaganza. Additionally, ten cinema goers will be surprised everyday with a free upgrade to the VIP or Gold Class cinemas when purchasing a normal movie ticket. The 'lucky seats' will have envelopes with free upgrades and free entry tickets to Modhesh World - the biggest attraction during DSS 2009. The offer is made available on weekdays for movies before 6pm.

Shows and performers

While Dubai's malls put out fabulous shopping offers, shoppers will also be entertained by numerous performers and stage shows throughout. Shows include the Cube International Juggling, Unicycle Parades, Stilt Walkers, Acrobat Shows, Argentinean Dancing Gauchos, and the famous Egyptian Tannoura show.