The Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 Opening Ceremony has been designed to not only present a spectacular beginning to the 11th edition of the event, but also to convey an important social message to its audience. The opening ceremony features a breathtaking dolphin show organized in cooperation with the Dubai Dolphinarium that is the latest addition to Dubai’s world-class entertainment projects. Through the show, DSS aims to promote awareness for the conservation of our planet and its resources. 
The dolphin show will bring with it stunning laser shows and impressive sound effects while also paying tribute to the friendly relationship between humans and dolphins.
The opening ceremony is only a hint of the quality events that visitors will see throughout another grand edition of DSS.

Show Events

Signature Events form the core of DSS activities, having gained a reputation for showcasing diverse forms of quality entertainment and taking value added shopping to the next level. Organized in some of the finest shopping malls in the region, the DSS Signature Events also offer indoor entertainment at its best. Signature Events consist of eight specially designed activities repeated annually due to their wide appeal and held in select malls throughout DSS.

	World of Stories Recreating the fantasy world of fairytales and fables, World of Stories brings actors to stage to enact the celebrated tales "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty." Taking into account the huge popularity of the event during 2007, World of Stories in DSS 2008 will have one purpose-built stage in addition to four interactive corners for children, including the Mad Hatters Tea Party, and a "meet and greet" event featuring the stars of the shows. Children have a wonderful opportunity to meet their favorite fairytale characters, talk to them, and pose with them for pictures. The shows will be held in English and Arabic.
	Kids Fashion Week A glitzy fashion show by all means, the DSS Kids Fashion Week features some of the latest trends in kids fashion from across the region and the world and some budding fashion models on the ramp. Brands at the 2008 Kids Fashion Week include internationally renowned labels that will showcase the latest collections for the next season. As part of the event, two workshops will be organized between the shows.
	Kids Olympics Games A competitive but fun-filled series of sport activities for children, Kids Olympics brings out the competition in children and their parents. A must-watch event for all families, the 2008 edition of Kids Olympics features two arenas to accommodate competitions for children of all ages. The competitions for this year’s Games include Baby Crawling, Tricycle Race, Rattle Throwing, Baby Marathon, Spoon Race, Baby Walker, Baby Dancing Contest, Three Legged Race, Sorting Race, Stacking Race, Bulls Eye, and Remote Control Car Race.
	The Collectors An exhibition of various artifacts and collectibles, visitors can find seasoned regional and local collectors and prodigies with their valuable treasures. During DSS 2007, the displays included the jewellery collections owned previously by Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner, as well as gold and silver coins owned by Princess Diana. The collectibles displayed this year include vintage cars, coins, stamps, and other curios. Some of the participants in the exhibition have had their names entered in the Guinness Book of World Records for their respective displays.
	Min Bladi Al Emarat A traditional event that focuses on Emirati heritage activities, Min Bladi has been a major crowd puller since it was first featured in In-Mall Events in 2004. 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 and appeals to thousands of tourists interested in a glimpse of life in the past. Competitions featured include Popular Cuisine Contest, Best Poem Contest, Emarati Coffee Contest, Best Hand-Made Product Contest, Best Popular Dress Competition etc.
	Arts Oasis Organized in cooperation with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Arts Oasis 2008 features resident artists from around the world displaying works of contemporary art. Arts Oasis has been a favorite of art enthusiasts in Dubai because it brings together various artists in one venue. Visitors to the event this year can also acquire the exquisite sculptures and paintings on display.
	Sheila and Abaya Fashion A gathering of talented Sheila and Abaya designers within the UAE and from around the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Sheila and Abaya Fashion is among the most glamorous shows in Dubai for local attire. Featuring the hottest designs and the coolest trends in the world of abaya fashion, the event also presents the best designer award on the last day of the show. The event is famous for successfully launching local designers into the Sheila and Abaya industry that covers almost the whole of the Middle East and enjoys immense popularity in the international market.
	Photography Exhibition An opportunity for photographers to display their creativity, the exhibition attracts some of the best talents in the country. In 2008, the Photography Exhibition is open to all creative photographers, whose entries will be judged by an eminent jury for awards. The themes covered are varied and include nature, people, wildlife, and DSS itself. The competition is open to photographers across the UAE and the GCC. On Aug.19, a ceremony will be conducted to hand over prizes to coincide with the World Photography Day.

	Kids Olympics Games Participation Form
	The Collectors Participation Form
	Min Bladi Al Emarat Participation Form
	Photography Exhibition Participation Form

Show Events

The Mega Events this year present brand new international and local events that cover a wide variety of entertainment. For art lovers there’s the Recycled Art Exhibition; for chocolate devotees there are four days dedicated to everything in chocolate. The following are events you wouldn’t want to miss at all.

Show Events

Presenting international shows has always been a distinct feature of DSS. This year, however, the number of international shows will be the highest so far, including international cartoon stage shows, dance performances by international troupes, and an array of carnivals. The aim of these shows is to cater to a diversified audience of not just visitors to Dubai but also local residents from over 200 countries.. Now that’s truly international.

Show Events

The DSS Organizing Committee has played an integral and a significant part in the planning process of each DSS edition.
Comprising of representatives of Dubai government departments, the Organizing Committee members provide valuable inputs for DSS events. The Organizing Committee Events are those organized by various government departments during DSS and focus on imparting social and cultural values to audiences.

Show Events

Named after the ever-smiling mascot of Dubai, Modhesh Fun City is undoubtedly one of the main DSS attractions. A world of its own, the massive arena is the largest indoor edutainment venue in the region. Modhesh Fun City, sponsored by Du this year, is the ultimate fun destination for children and teenagers featuring the latest games and rides, and hosting international debut cartoon shows.

Themed zones at the venue include a Heritage Zone, Arts and Crafts Zone, a Modhesh Saloon for the fashion conscious, an exclusive Modhesh Library, a Modhesh Nursery for toddlers, an Extreme Sports Zone for the adventurous, a Spiderman Zone for Spiderman fans, a Teenage Zone for billiards and snooker, and countless other fun areas.

DSS has also joined hands with some of the biggest entertainment names in the region to provide children and their families the latest and the best in entertainment. The "Toy Store" Zone, the "Magic Planet" Zone, and the "PlayStation" Zone are just examples of what Modhesh Fun City has prepared for visitors. For the first time in the history of Modhesh Fun City, an Ice-Skating Rink features as part of attractions for 2008.

Modhesh Friends Club is the ultimate children’s club in Dubai. Held during every DSS, members of the club have a fantastic time with events designed for fun and education. During the summer, members of Modhesh Friends Club go through an adventure-filled and enlightening experience and get ready to tackle a new year at school.

Experienced child behavior experts form part of the staff at Modhesh Friends Club, and over the summer the club’s little members go through an invigorating experience. Field trips in this year’s itinerary include the Wild Wadi, Magic Planet, and Ski Dubai. Social visits to hospitals are also part of the program designed for the club members.

For all the above, the Modhesh Friends Club Management has designed an attractive and reasonable fee structure for children. Accordingly, a fee of AED 1,000 is payable per month and AED 500 per week for members from the GCC. For those who would need transportation, a fee of AED 500 is applicable.

Show Events