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Sound of Music, a sing-along show staged during the Dubai Summer Surprises at the Al Ghurair Centre in Deira. Image Credit: Atiq-ur-Rehman/Gulf News

Dubai: Shopping along with entertainment is drawing residents and tourists to the malls across the emirate during this Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

Residents said they are not only hunting for good bargains and trying to make the most of shopping discounts during the festival, it is also enjoyable for the children who can go in for numerous entertainment activities.

“I don’t usually allow my kids to watch television at all times. I prefer them playing with other children, and interacting with other people. That’s why I don’t want us sitting at home all the time. Since this mall is near our home, I always take my family there and allow my kids to roam around, witness various activities and play in the children’s area. Plus, I get to look for good discounts and shop for us,” said Aribah Kamal, who was shopping with his family members Amber and Abeer and Aribah at the Al Ghurair Centre.

Not only Dubai residents, tourists from across the region said discounts and the lively atmosphere created during the festival attracted them to Dubai during this time of the year. A visiting tourist from Iran, Babak Zaheed with son Bardia Zaheed, commented, “We always come to Dubai on vacation for summer. We schedule it almost every DSS. The discounts are amazing. The mall is very lively; nothing to ask for but more and more discounts.”

Some of the shoppers said they availed of the opportunity to buy at discounted prices and stock up so as to give gifts to family and friends later. Filipino couple Sarah and Rhady Gabriel said: “DSS is the best time for us to buy gifts for family and friends. We’re stocking up since we need to bring homecoming gifts to them. Discounts this year save us a lot of money.”

Children can look forward to entertainment and edutainment activities across 18 malls which are participating in the DSS.

At Modhesh World in the World Trade Centre, children can explore their creativity in the Lego Zone, enjoy educational and entertaining shows in the Science Planetarium, see historic landmarks in the Panasonic Zone or even go for sand play.

There is also a RaceRoom for those who love racing cars and the ones who want to shop can visit the Modhesh World Souq.