Signature Events – entertainment while you shop
Signature Events form the core of DSS activities, characterized by high-quality events based on various themes. Held in some of the finest malls in the region, the DSS 2008 Signature Events aim to provide a relaxed atmosphere for shoppers by organizing exciting and interesting activities. The various themes also mean that these activities have been planned keeping in mind the different age groups of DSS visitors.

•  World of Stories: (21 June – 28 June) at the Al Ghurair City
Organized to recreate 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' featuring the stars of the shows. Children have a wonderful opportunity to meet their favourite fairytale characters, talk to them, and pose with them for pictures. The shows will be held in English and Arabic.

•  Kids Fashion: (3 July – 9 July) at Dubai Festival City
A glitzy fashion show by all means, the DSS Kids Fashion Week sees 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 also be organized between the shows.

•  Kids Olympics Games: (11 July – 17 July) at Ibn Battuta Mall
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: (15 July – 22 July) at WAFI
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: (24 July – 31 July) at Ibn Battuta Mall
A traditional event that focuses on Emirati heritage activities, Min Bladi has been a major crowd puller since it 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: (29 July – 6 Aug) at WAFI
A gathering of artists from around the world, Arts Oasis is an opportunity for all to meet some highly regarded and well-known artists and their works. Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, Arts Oasis 2008 will feature works themed on various cultures. Arts Oasis has been a favourite of art enthusiasts in Dubai because it brings together various art styles together in one venue.

•  Sheila and Abaya Fashion: (7 Aug – 11 Aug) at BurJuman
A gathering of talented Sheila and Abaya designers within UAE and from around the GCC, 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 hands out 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 Middle East and enjoys immense popularity in the international market.

•  Photography Exhibition: (12 Aug – 18 Aug) at Deira City Centre
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 Dubai Summer Surprises itself. The competition is open to photographers across UAE and the GCC. On August 19 th , a prize ceremony will be conducted to coincide with the World Photography Day.

The Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), an umbrella organization for Dubai’s malls, will make shopping more exciting by rewarding shoppers with unbelievable prizes throughout DSS 2008. The DSF Office will also be organizing its own exciting raffle draws throughout DSS. Simply put, every shopper stands the chance to win on a purchase.

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 tied-up 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.

Mega Events

The Mega Events form part of the main attractions during DSS and include some of the highlights of past DSS editions. By doing so, the DSF Office has ensured that each mega event is an attraction on its own. Taking into account the huge popularity of some events during previous editions of DSS, these activities have been incorporated into the Mega Events for 2008.

•  Recycled Art Exhibition: (July 28 – August 11) at Reef Mall
An exceptional exhibition by all means, the Recycled Art Exhibition is a display of sculptures and fixtures using various recycled materials. Watch creativity unfurl as materials obscure as metal pieces, cans, and waste paper are transformed into brilliant works of art.

•  Chocolate events : (July 23 – July 26) at Al Ghurair City
For all those who crave the sight, smell, and taste of chocolate, there can be no better opportunity than this. Chocolate events feature some of the finest pastry chefs in Dubai display their talent in creating sculptures, fountains, and everything possible out of chocolate.

•  Jumeirah Giant Charity Cake Sale : (July 11) at Mercato
The Jumeirah Giant Charity Cake Sale was a massive hit during DSS 2007 with almost 3000 cakes sold out in just four hours. The main feature of the event is that sale proceeds of the reasonably priced cakes are handed over to the Dubai Autism Centre. This is a rare opportunity for cake lovers to go all out and feast on some amazing dessert.

•  Junior Chefs Award: (June 26 – July 2) at Times Square Center
Among the most prestigious awards in the Middle East in the hotel industry, the Junior Chefs Award is recognition of talent across the region. The jury for the Awards include Master Chefs from around the world. During the event, multi-national chefs battle it out to showcase their finest preparations in numerous categories.

•  Dubai Fashion Fiesta : (July 25 – July 27) at Dubai World Trade Centre
Launched to bring together designers, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts, Dubai Fashion Fiesta or DFF attracts wide media attention due to the inclusion of high profile participants. The larger aim of the fashion extravaganza is to contribute in promoting Dubai as the fashion hub in the region. Participants during 2007 included Lloyd Klein, Satya Paul, Sa Soie, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Aida Korman, and Deepika Gihani.

•  Disney High School Musical: (July 23 – July 26) at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre – Mall of the Emirates
Billed a community event, the Disney High School Musical takes cue from the Emmy Award-winning American television film by the same name. Known for its brilliant soundtrack, the Disney High School Musical event during DSS 2008 will include participants from Dubai who will go through rigorous training to present Dubai 's very own Disney High School Musical show.

•  Oliver! the Musical: (June 20 – June 21) at the Souk Madinat Theatre
Based on the character by Charles Dickens, Oliver! the Musical will run for three days and feature a combination of songs and exceptional theatre display. The Musical will feature a competition of sorts when children from various schools in Dubai are trained to act in the Musical. A must-see event for the whole family.

•  Enrique Iglesias: (August 22) at Dubai Festival City
nrique Iglesias needs no introduction as a performer. A multi-million record selling Spanish artist, the musician will enthrall audiences in DSS 2008 at the Dubai Festival City on August 22 with the rendition of some of his most noted hits. The event also supports the Dubai Orphans Day and proceeds from ticket sales will be used to help children in Darfur . Don't forget to reach early for this show with a cause.

International Entertainment:
Consisting of well-known international shows and performers from around the world, the International Roaming Entertainment events include high-profile shows like 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.

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

The events for this year include activities like “Mind's Pleasure - WATANI” that 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 organized by the Department of Health and Medical Services.