For this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza are set to become the season’s most vibrant destinations, offering visitors an exciting calendar of live entertainment, engaging activations, and chances to win big. Running from 27 June to 31 August, DSS 2025 will see both malls participate in the citywide summer celebration with family-friendly events, immersive experiences, and exclusive shopping rewards.
Whether you are after high-energy performances, creative kid’s zones, or summer-long prize campaigns, these destinations promise something for everyone.
Dubai Festival City Mall is set to come alive from the very first day of Dubai Summer Surprises, with a dynamic lineup of events and activations designed to delight and reward visitors all summer long.
- Opening Weekend Concerts & Parade: From 27 June to 28 June, head to Festival Square for live performances from regional talent including Reina Khoury and Noel Kharman. A colourful roaming parade with dancers and entertainers will fill the space from 6:00PM –10:00PM.
- Spend & Win: Shoppers who spend AED 300 or more can enter to win instant prizes and a Polestar 4 LRSM car in the grand draw at the end of DSS. Entry is easy: validate receipts and join the excitement. For instant wins, visit the activation stand located between COS & Zara on the Ground Floor.
- House of Pops Ice Cream Giveaway: Every Saturday from 27 June to 31 August, Blue Rewards members can enjoy complimentary House of Pops treats by redeeming their in-app voucher at the designated stand.
- The Messi Experience: Experience the legacy of football icon Lionel Messi in the region’s first-ever immersive attraction dedicated to his incredible journey. With nine themed zones, AR tech, and skill challenges, this is a must-visit for fans of all ages open from 12:00PM – 10:00PM- book tickets on The Messi Experience Dubai – Immersive Interactive Journey – Platinumlist.net
- ModeshSplash Park at Festival Bay: From 1 July to 31 August, South Side of Festival Bay will transform into a splash-filled water zone for families, featuring water slides, splash games, and endless outdoor fun for kids, brought to life by Modesh World.
- IP Characters Parade: From 5 July to 3 Aug, families can meet Bluey, CoComelon, andBlippi in daily parades happening five times a day from 4:00PM – 9:00PM.
- Photo Opportunities with Modesh& Dana: Strike a pose with Dubai’s favourite characters at themed photo zones throughout the mall, running from 27June to 31 August.
- DSS Run: On 31 August, from 5:00AM – 8:00AM, Dubai Festival City Mall will host the DSS Run, an indoor community fitness event featuring 10km, 5km, and 2.5km race options. Open to all ages and fitness levels, participants can enjoy the race in the comfort of an air-conditioned environment. Finishers will receive medals, with podium prizes for top performers across age groups.
Festival Plaza is bringing DSS energy to Jebel Ali and surrounding communities with a rewarding campaign and family-focused offers:
- Win. Drive: From 27 June to 31 August, shoppers who spend AED 200 or more and scan their receipts via the dedicated QR code will enter a draw to win one of several brand-new SUVs or a share of AED 100,000 in cash prizes. With multiple draw dates throughout the season, the excitement lasts all summer long.
- Family-Friendly Shopping & Dining: Festival Plaza offers everyday essentials and big-name anchors like IKEA, Lulu Hypermarket, and ACE, along with over 20 dining options.
- Community Lifestyle Hub: Shoppers can enjoy newly launched concepts like Champs fitness centre, Festival Plaza Design Hub, and wellness clinics, all under one roof.
- Creative Summer Activities: Festival Plaza is also home to exciting seasonal programmes like the Global Art Summer Camp, where kids can enjoy creative sessions starting at AED 600 for 5 sessions, AED 1200 for 10 sessions, and AED 2400 for 24 sessions,perfect for keeping young minds inspired throughout the break.
- Champs Summer Camp: From 30 June to 22 August, children aged 6 to 14 can join the Champs Summer Camp at Festival Plaza. Held Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the camp offers a variety of fun and active sessions including basketball, padel, football, karate, frisbee, and games.
