Sponsored: Your guide to a better summer through DSS…

The huge up-to-90-percent-off savings, wildly entertaining activations, extravagant give-aways and unique experiences of the Dubai Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) festival, are without a doubt one of the best parts of a UAE Summer.

And this year, they’ve raised the bar once more. There’s an almost uncountable number of ways to put a smile on your face with 2021’s edition of the DSS, but these are seven of our favourites.

Water way to cool down

legoland-waterpark-dubai.

There’s no debate. Waterparks are some of the coolest places to chill out in the summer and they rarely come as neatly-stacked as Legoland Waterpark. Epic group and individual thrill rides, floating-brick-filled lazy river rapids where you can ‘build-your-own-raft’, a splash safari for little ones and a big ol’ wave pool for the rest of us. Everything, as the song goes, is awesome.

And uniquely for this DSS, Splash Fest is a collection of block-rocking offers and entitlements available at the park throughout August. Including, 20 per cent off admission when you book online at least one day in advance; kids can eat free at Waves Bistro after 5pm (with every paying adult); there’s 50 per cent off the cost of the park’s luxurious cabanas; get unlimited free gulp refills when you buy two kids souvenir bottles for Dhs80 (valid only on day of purchase); and after 4pm, there are also savings to be had on ice cream scoops — they’re just Dhs10 each.

It’s all about U

There are opportunities to double up on points earned and dramatically cut the cost of leisure activities with one of the city’s biggest and best loyalty programmes, U By Emaar. When you book through the app you can save 20 per cent on stays; up to 30 per cent on play experiences; earn 100 per cent extra points on dining and shopping.

Participating partners include Address Hotels and Resorts, Armani Hotel Dubai, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Rove Hotels, At.Mosphere, Dubai Marina Mall, Reel Cinemas, KidZania and more. If you live in Dubai and you haven’t already, we strongly urge you to download the app now.

Drop, shop and roll

Mall of the Emirates has collaborated with Kids YouTube sensation, CocoMelon to create a super convenient and highly engaging ‘drop and shop’ pop-up. This ‘first of its kind’ partnership means that parents will be able to indulge in some peaceful retail therapy, happy in the knowledge that their kids are in the care of their favourite edutainment stars. Available from July 29 to August 7 in the Central Galleria of Mall of the Emirates.

Salaam dunk

World-renowned basketball stunt team, ‘the Crazy Dunkers’ will be showing off their elite balling skills and acrobatic four metre-high ‘nothing-but-netters’, free for the spectating public at City Centre Deira this DSS. You can catch a special, choreographed performance by the six-Guinness World Record holders between August 1 and 4, with player meet and greets opportunities after the show. visitdubai.com

Going for gold

Those wanting to cash in on some cut-price bling can enjoy a gold rush this DSS. A collection of 41 jewelry stores will be offering deals including discounts of up to 75 per cent on diamond jewellery, pearls and watches. There are also opportunities to save on ‘making charges’. Some retailers will be offering free gifts with purchases, and those spending over Dhs500 will be entered into a raffle where 15 lucky winners will go home with Dhs10,000 each in gold and jewelry vouchers.

Miles and miles of prizes

Between August 4 and 7, Emirates Skywards Everyday app is offering you the opportunity to earn Tier Miles on ‘Everyday’ spends at over 1,500 outlets across the UAE. Tier Miles are of course the ones that can help get you in the lounges. Those with the Emirates Skywards Everyday app will be able to earn one tier mile for every Dhs5 spent at a participating partner and for every Dhs50, individuals will have an entry into a prize draw to become one of four lucky members to win 250,000 Skywards Miles.

Modhesh World

Everyone’s favourite animated spring is back with his famous indoor fun park — Modhesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre. Until August 28, families can enjoy all the fun of a climate-controlled fair, with huge world class thrill rides, arcades, amazing dining options, pop-up markets, prizes, interactive gaming and a whole lot more.

Images: Provided