Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has unveiled  a fun-filled calendar of events for the 18th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises, which will kick off on July 23 with a line-up of unique events and the most number of retail promotions in the region that is set to further enhance Dubai’s position as a year-round family tourism destination.

Under an exciting slogan”45 days Of Summer”, DSS 2015 is offering residents and visitors from around the world the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of events, from international celebrity appearances and shows to world premieres featuring internationally renowned children’s cartoon  characters, in addition to the summer promotions that will reward shoppers with millions of drihams worth of prizes.

Among the celebrities who will arrive in Dubai to celebrate DSS are Jaden and Willow Smith, Nancy Ajram and Arab teen star Hala Turk while global entertainment concepts such as Bugs Bunny, Tweety & Sylvester, Power Rangers, “Sonic the Hedgehog” and Gumball  will be launching their world premieres  during this year’s family extravaganza.

DFRE chief executive Laila Mohammed Suhail said: "Every year, we strive to offer our visitors and residents something new and exciting. For the 18th edition of DSS we have raised the bar further in terms of innovative events including appearances and acts by global and regional celebrities, who will perform under our DSS Starz series, in addition to world premieres by much loved children’s entertainment characters."

“Since its inception in 1998, DSS has capitalized on Dubai’s rapid development and growing prosperity to become a summer festival that has set a retail benchmark in the region and played a major role in transforming the challenging summer into a fruitful and lucrative season across Dubai’s main sectors”.

“With its focus on families and children, DSS has no doubt helped position Dubai as the place to be for the perfect summer holiday and would add to the efforts that are being made to realise Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020. All this would not have been possible without the strong support of our partners in the private sector, a level of collaboration that is further evident in the number of retail promotions that will be run this summer in Dubai”.

DFRE’s Strategic Partners for 2015 are Emirates, AW Rostamani Group, Al Futtaim Group, Emaar Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Paris Gallery,  Enoc/Eppco, Nakheel (Ibn Battuta Mall), Dubai Duty Free,  Al Zarooni Group, Meraas Holding, and Etisalat while MasterCard is the Key Sponsor of DSS 2015.

The key event s lined up for DSS 2015 include:

*Cartoon Network Fiesta
July  30 to August 5, Ibn Battuta Mall
Teen sensation Ben Tennyson aka Ben Ten is back in town for DSS 2015, with Grandpa Max and his alien fighting friends from Ben 10 Omniverse. The team’s latest adventure kick starts at the Plumber’s Academy and features a 30-minute live action show, stunt acrobatic scenes, multimedia show and a Meet and Greet session with Ben, Rook or Rook and one of his alien transformations. Joining them for the Meet and Greet session would be the Power Puff Girls(three shows a day, each of 30 minutes duration).
*Dora The Explorer Live on stage DSS Premiere
August 18 to  24, Dubai Festival City Mall
Dora, the world’s most favourite explorer is up for yet another exciting adventure and brings with her the colourful Animalitos including Bunny, Butterfly, a family of turtles and a mystical dragon. The fun team promises to entertain with a live stage show and a Meet and Greet session with Dora and friends after every stage show. As a special surprise, Diego teams up with Dora too, for the first time in the UAE.
*DSS Starz - Jaden &Willow Smith in Dubai
August 13 &15,The Dubai Mall- Fashion Catwalk
Talented teen sensations Jaden and Willow Smith are taking to the stage this summer for the first time in the region. Promising their Middle East fans a series of exciting appearances across the city as part of Dubai Summer Surprises – DSS Starz program, the Smiths' will be spending quality time in Dubai and enjoying some of the best attractions while visiting iconic landmarks that the city has to offer. At this stage, they have confirmed that they will meet their fans at The Dubai Mall on 13 August, and will also take part in Kids Fashion Fest, one of the main events of DSS 2015.  
*DSS Starz - Nancy Ajram at Modhesh World
 August 24, Modhesh World Stage   
Arab superstar, Nancy Ajram will perform at a concert that will promote both Dubai Summer Surprises and Modhesh World. Nancy will be singing all her favorite songs dedicated to children, bringing smiles on their faces.
*DSS Starz - Hala Turk at Modhesh World
August 16,  Modhesh World Stage
The show will be a big opportunity to the fans to meet their favourite teen star Hala Turk, winner of many contests including first place at an innovative children’s festival. Hala has three songs to her credit in a hugely popular children’s album released in July 2011. During this year’s show, Hala will be making an appearance at Modhesh World to entertain families from around the world.
*‘Kids Fashion Fest’
July 13 to August 22, Fashion Catwalk, , The Dubai Mall
Kids Fashion Fest is back this DSS, and promises to  wow families with a range of catwalk-related activities. One of the most adorable events of Dubai Summer Surprises 2015,  this annual spectacular will feature kids and youths walking the ramp as expert models. Following the huge sucesss at the previous successful editions, Kids Fashion Fest is going regional this year with a model search among talented children . The event will witness a big surprise with the participation of the international icons Jaden and Willow Smith in a concert and a Styling Session that focuses primarily on the Dubai collection, with signature MsFts pieces incorporated.
*Kids Pop-Up Summer Market
July 30 to August 15, Festival Square, Dubai Festival City Mall
The Kids Pop-Up Summer Market will have a children’s theme and a selection of sellers who are members of “Little Majlis”, the online marketplace, and the organisers of the event. Participants will sell a range of products  including children’s clothing, toys, homewares and décor, jewellery accessories and more. Many of the products available are handmade and made here in UAE.
*Modhesh World
July 9 to August 29, Dubai World Trade Centre Hall 1-8
“Every step is a new adventure’ at Modhesh World this year. Hosted by Modhesh, the ever-smiling mascot of Dubai, the themed family indoor edutainment destination will celebrate its biggest ever edition in its history, over  an area of 34,000 sq. m  at Dubai World Trade Centre and featuring the most number of attractions at an indoor entertainment destination of  its kind in the region.  Families and children can expect numerous attractions from games to rides, thrilling adventures to interactive experiences, artistes and performers from across the world.
*Dubai Summer Concerts
July 23 and 24, Sheikh Rashid Hall – Dubai World Trade Centre
Five renowned music artists from the Arab world will perform live giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy an amazing summer. Diana Haddad, Nawal Kuwaitiya and Abdallah Ruwaishid will perform on July 23, followed by Hussein Al Jasmi and Kadim Al Saher the next day.
*Bugs Bunny in “Wun Wabbit Wun” DSS World Premiere
August 8 to 17, City Centre Deira
A stage show never before seen in Dubai and specially written and produced for Dubai Summer Surprises. It’s ‘wabbit’ season and Elmer Fudd is determined to catch his prize rabbit, Bugs Bunny, who, however, has other ideas, through a classic chase and a completely original, highly choreographed character sequence. The mall will host three shows a day, each of 20 minutes duration. Kids can also participate in fun workshops and a 20-minute Meet & Greet session with one of the show characters that will follow every stage show.
*Tweety & Sylvester in “Night-time capers” DSS World Premiere
July 29 to August 7, City Centre Mirdif
Another stage show that will be held for the first time  in Dubai and specially written and produced for the summer festival.  Sylvester is hungry and as always he dreams of his favorite meal, “Tweety‟! He does everything he can to lure Tweety out of his cage, but as always Tweety is one step ahead. Find out what happens this DSS. There will be three shows a day, each of 20 minutes duration. A 20-minute Meet & Greet session with one of the show characters will follow every stage show. Children can also participate in fun workshops featuring Tweety & Sylvester.
*Power Rangers Super Megaforce  DSS World Premiere
August 20 – 26, The Dubai Mall, Star Atrium
The mighty Power Rangers will feature in some adrenaline-pumping sessions at the Dubai Mall from the Power Rangers Stage Show and Power Rangers Bootcamp Academy to an exclusive display of Power Rangers Memorabilia Exhibition for die-hard fans.
*Sonic the Hedgehog, Connecting Families, DSS World Premiere
August 30 to September 5, Ibn Battuta Mall
A fun-packed family entertainment awaits all Sonic enthusiasts where families must team up to fight obstacles against the clock, on a custom-built Sonic themed course. Families beating all odds against record timings will be rewarded with exciting prizes. The session would also feature a Meet and Greet photo opportunity with Sonic the Hedgehog.
*The Amazing World of Gumball DSS World Premiere
July 23 to 29, Dubai Festival City Mall
Take a trip to the Summer Camp with Gumball and be a part of his big surprise for his best friend Darwin at the live show at DSS World Premier. Learn how to build a special toy with Gumball and friends, as the team embark on a tricky journey to make sure Darwin has a wonderful birthday.
*Stories of SpongeBob  - Live on Stage
August 27 to September 2, Dubai Marina Mall
Take a deep dive with the much-loved yellow sea sponge, SpongeBob Squarepants and his pals as they rock the stage with a mind-blowing 25 minute live stage show, thrice daily and also  get to meet SpongeBob up and real close after every show in an exclusive Meet &Greet session.
*8-Bit in the City
July 23 to September 5, City Walk
A video game theme based campaign for all ages, aimed at celebrating the summer and playing host to thematic games, complete with décor, activation and merchandising area. A not-to-be missed activity for hardcore multi-player online gamers.
*Blocks at Boxpark
July 23 to September 5, Boxpark
Children’s favourite, Lego gets real with its building blocks at the Boxpark to introduce, for the first time in the UAE, exclusive play space comprised of lifelike rectangular spaces to build up kids’ imaginations. The space features state-of-the-art installations, graphics and activations.
*Blaze the Show
August 20 to 22, Ductac - Mall of the Emirates
DSS 2015 steps up the tempo this summer up with an adrenaline-pumping dance and break dance show, featuring sixteen of the world’s best dancers on stage. A first in the Middle East, the 90-minute interactive stage show promises to get the audience up and dancing all along.
*Swan Lake Acrobatic Ballet By The Great Chinese State Circus
September 3 to 5, Sheikh Rashid Hall, DWTC
A beautiful blend of music and poetry woven to showcase classical dance at its best, the Great Chinese State Circus’ version of Swan Lake is a fine fusion of traditional Chinese Acrobatics and Peking Opera. Lauded globally for their seamless acrobatic feats and dazzling dance performance, the Great Chinese State Circus have already showcased their acts to 106 cities and 1.5 million visitors.
*Circus Fiesta
First day of Eid Al Fitr until August 29, Mercato Mall
The Fiesta showcases daily, live circus shows featuring African Circus- 36 acrobats performing breathtaking feats; Color Circus- a comic version of the real deal; Kids European Circus- little performers from the circus school entertain with a dazzling act and mind-blowing choreography; Kids Circus Workshops- learn the ropes and get ready to see the act up and close like never before with Meet and Greet events, face painting and Acrobatics workshops; and Roaming artistes.
*Arts & Crafts with Lloyd Warbey (Disney’s Art Attack)
August 12 to 15, Dubai Festival City and Modhesh World, Dubai World Trade Centre
Lloyd Warbey best known presenter from Disney's popular art show Art Attack, comes to Dubai with an inspirational show meant to tease the little ones’ creativity. Presented across two locations, Lloyd will host 5 exclusive and interactive workshops at Dubai Festival City Mall, followed by a similar performance at Modhesh World.
*Madagascar Live!
August 28 to 30, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre
Get Ready to ‘Move it, move it’ with the zany animal bunch from Madagascar in a DSS exclusive live theatrical show based on the blockbuster animation and bringing alive their fun-filled escapades. Celebrate the friendship of Alex the lion and friends, go crazy with King Julien and dance the Madagascar way to the world’s most popular song.
*Dubai Sports World
Sheikh Saeed Halls, Dubai World Trade Centre
June 21 to August 29
The Middle East’s largest indoor sporting venue is celebrating its landmark fifth outing with an action-packed 10-week schedule of sports, tournaments, academies and activities that is designed for both serious athletes and sporting novices of all ages. The multi-purpose Dubai Sports World 2015 is organised in partnership with Dubai Sports Council.

DSS PROMOTIONS
The Big Sale
July 23 to August 1, Dubai World Trade Centre
This is a new initiative of DSS that will offer residents and tourists looking for a value-for-money shopping experience the opportunity to avail themselves of great bargains and deals from famous brands covering a wide range of merchandise.
DSS Spa & Leisure Promotions
July 23 to September 5, Participating Outlets
With all the fun activities lined up for  DSS, there’s always time to relax at the diverse array of participating spa and leisure outlets. The world-class spas will offer a range of spa rituals, discounted wellness treatments and complimentary pamper offerings.
*Shop-A-Surprise
July 23 to September 5, Participating retail outlets

This DSS campaign is designed to create several activations and promotions that feature the ‘surprise’ element to enhance the overall shopping experience with memorable moments. Participants will include well-known retail groups, beauty stores and department stores.
*His and Her’s
July 25 to September 10, Participating malls
Shoppers spending over Dh200 at any retail outlet of participating malls can win 12  cars in this promotion run in collaboration with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group. 2 cars will be given away per week as prizes at weekly draws, one for you and another for your loved one.. One can also win by spend Dh100 and above at the F & B outlets of the participating malls to receive a raffle coupon for the weekly  draw.
*Back to School
September 1 to 10, Participating malls
To step up the excitement during the summer, Dubai Shopping Malls Group has brought in a special promotion, the “Back to School” campaign for kids from September 1 to 10, during which 10 lucky children will be awarded school tuition of up to Dh50,000 each. To participate in the raffle, one has to purchase merchandise worth over Dh200 at any of the retail stores or spend Dh100 and above at the F & B of the participating malls to receive a raffle coupon.-TradeArabia News Service