Dad Will Smith kicked off his 2014 here, celebrating the new year. Now the Smith siblings, Jaden and Willow Smith, are heading to Dubai to help celebrate the annual Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). The two performers will make appearances across the city starting with a kids fashion show at The Dubai Mall on August 13.
The official DSS celebrations will start on July 23 and continue for 45 days, organiser Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said.
Other celebrities who will make appearances include Lebanese superstar 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 the festival.
“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,” said Laila Mohammed Suhail, the CEO of DFRE.
Here is the DSS 2015 Calendar of Events
Cartoon Network Fiesta
30 July - 5 August, 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
18 - 24 August, 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
13 &15 August,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
24 August 2015, 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
16 August 2015, Modhesh World Stage
Come and meet your favorite 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 Dubai Summer Surprises, Hala will be making an appearance at Modhesh World this summer to entertain families from around the world.
‘Kids Fashion Fest’
July 13 - 22 August, 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
9 July - 29 August, 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
23, 24 July, Sheikh Rashid Hall – Dubai World Trade Centre
Five renowned music artists from the Arab world will perform live this Dubai Summer Surprises, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy an amazing summer. Diana Haddad, Nawal Kuwaitiya and Abdallah Ruwaishid will perform on 23 July, followed by Hussein Al Jasmi and Kadim Al Saher on the next day.
BUGS BUNNY in “Wun Wabbit Wun” DSS World Premiere
8 – 17 August, 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
29 July – 7 August 2015, City Centre Mirdif
Another stage show that will be held for the first time in Dubai and specially written and produced for Dubai Summer Surprises. 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
20 – 26 August, 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
30 August – 5 September, 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
23- 29 July ,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
27 August-2 September, 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
23 July - 5 September, 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
23 July - 5 September, 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
20 - 22 August, 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 -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
1st day of Eid Al Fitr until 29 August, 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)
12-15 August, 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!
28 - 30 August, 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
21 June – 29 August
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.
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