There's so much in store

Dubai Summer Surprises starts tomorrow, bringing the best moments of retail therapy.

Dubai sizzles with the season's best deals from raffles to tax-free shopping.

Something new every day — that's what shoppers can expect of this year's Dubai Summer Surprises. Whether you're buying gifts to take home on your vacation, or are having a holiday at home and want to treat yourself with a day of retail therapy, there's plenty on offer at Dubai's malls. From fashions shows to story sessions, and even a mini version of the forthcoming Olympics, you won't be bored if you pause between stores to take a well-earned shopping break.

At the launch of this year's DSS, Ibrahim Saleh, General Coordinator of the Dubai Shopping Festival said, "The calendar of events for DSS 2008 is the single result of dedicated team efforts over the past three months. We have ensured the events are diversified, innovative, and appeal to every visitor segment. Visitors and residents in Dubai will definitely feel the change as we have planned something new every other day."

"We are embracing new international events in addition to developing our Signature events to enhance the festivities this summer."

DSS 2008

Dubai's shopping malls will be among the main venues during DSS 2008, hosting several activities and offering great
promotions and discounts on a wide range of international brands. Shoppers have a multitude of shopping options on a
wide range of tax-free goods including electronics, garments, and some of the finest jewellery collections in the region. Apart from the malls, the souqs also provide for an authentic Middle Eastern shopping experience.

The Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), an umbrella organisation, will make shopping more exciting by rewarding shoppers with fabulous prizes. The DSF Office will also be organising raffle draws. Simply put, every shopper stands the chance to win on a purchase.

The International Roaming Entertainment events include high-profile shows such as the hugely popular Power Puff Girls Show and the Ben 10 Show. Add to that the Sesame Street Show and numerous stilt parades and shoppers can be assured of an entertaining experience at Dubai's malls.

After a decade of enthralling visitors with a wide variety of entertainment, the Ten Surprises are giving way to Tens of Surprises, where numerous themed activities will be organised instead of a surprise every week. Here are just some of the events in store.

World of Stories

World of Stories at the Al Ghurair City, June 21 –June 28, is organised to recreate the fantasy world of fairytales and fables, and brings actors to stage celebrated tales such as Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. As the event was so popular last year, organisers have developed it further and four different tales will be enacted on two purpose-built stages, in addition to two story-telling corners for children and a meet-and-greet parade featuring the stars of the shows. The shows will be held in English and Arabic.

Kids fashion

The DSS Kids Fashion show, at Dubai Festival City, July 3 to 9, will see some of the latest trends in children's fashion from across the region and the world - and some budding fashion models on the ramp. Brands at the 2008 Kids Fashion include internationally renowned labels, and for the first time in a Kids Fashion edition, retailers will showcase the autumn-winter collection that will be in stores by August this year.

Kids Olympics Games

Kids Olympics at Ibn Battuta Mall from July 11 to 17 is a fun-filled series of sport activities for children that brings out the competitive spirit in youngsters and their parents.

A must-watch event for all families, the 2008 edition features two arenas to accommodate competitions for children of all ages. The games are being held in cooperation with the National Federation of Olympics in the UAE. Additionally, a torch will be carried by children through shopping malls to express solidarity with the Beijing Olympics being held this year.

The Collectors

The Collectors exhibition at WAFI from July 15 to 22 will display artifacts and collectibles, visitors can find seasoned regional and local collectors and prodigies with their valuable treasures. The collectibles displayed include cars, stamps, coins, photographs, car licence plates etc.

Min Bladi

Min Bladi at Ibn Battuta Mall form July 24 to 31, is a traditional event that focuses on Emirati heritage activities, and it has been a major crowd puller since it featured in In-Mall Events. 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.

SOCIAL VALUES

Workshops during DSS

The DSS Organising Committee that has representatives from Dubai government departments, focus on imparting social and cultural values to audiences.

The events for this year include activities such as 'Mind's Pleasure — Watani' which attracted wide media attention during DSS 2007 for its insightful debates on relevant social issues. Also included are the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, and workshops organised by the Department of Health and Medical Services.