Dubai is geared up for 65 days of summer festivities, under the theme ‘Surprising Dubai’ for Dubai Summer Surprises.
Dates: June 11 – August 14, 2009
Venue: Most shopping malls and locations in Dubai, including Modhesh World

Modhesh
DSS 2009 will also see its ever-smiling mascot, Modhesh, throughout the event. As the iconic figure of Dubai Summer Surprises, Modhesh has now evolved to become a symbol of timeless excitement and exhilaration enthralling visitors all through the year, throughout the world. Known as the 'Ambassador of Smiles', Modhesh will undertake numerous goodwill tours around the region this DSS, visiting schools and hospitals to meet children. You can also meet him personally at his dedicated home called Modhesh World.  Or you can meet him in his electronic home in cyber-space called eModhesh.

Signature Events

A series of theme-based activities and a major attraction during the summer, will have nine events this year including the Sheila and Abaya Fashion, World of Stories, Junior Chef of the Year Awards, Min Bladi Al Emarat, Arts Oasis, Kids Fashion Week, Kids Olympic Games, The Collectors, and the Photography Exhibition.

World of Stories: (12 June - 23 June)
Organized to recreate the fantasy world of fairytales and fables, World of Stories brings actors to stage to enact celebrated tales like 'Cindrella' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk'. The shows will be held in English and Arabic. A new addition this year would be presenting stories from the Holy Qur'an.

Kids Fashion Week: (16 Jul - 22 Jul)
A glitzy fashion show by all means, the DSS Kids Fashion show 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 2009 Kids Fashion Week include internationally renowned labels.

Kids Olympics Games: (23 July - 29 July)
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 2009 edition of Kids Olympics features two arenas to accommodate competitions for children of all ages.

The Collectors: (27 July - 7 August)
An exhibition of various 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 Al Emarat: (1 July - 10 July)
A traditional event that focuses on Emirati heritage activities, Min Bladi 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.

Arts Oasis: (9 July - 15 July)
A gathering of artists from around the world, Arts Oasis is an opportunity for all to meet some highly regarded and well-known resident artists and their works. Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Cultural Council, Arts Oasis 2008 will feature works themed on various cultures. The 2009 Arts Oasis will lay emphasis on the 'Go-Green' theme to highlight effects of global warming.

Sheila and Abaya Fashion: (27 June - 30 June)
A gathering of talented local Sheila and Abaya designers, 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.

Photography Exhibition: (6 August - 13 August)
An opportunity for talented photographers to display their creativity, the exhibition attracts some of the best talents in the country. In 2009, the Photography Exhibition will be open to all talented photographers whose entries will be judged by an eminent jury for the DSS 2009 Photography Award. Another highlight of this event is the participation by renowned National Geographic.

Junior Chef of the Year Awards: (8 July - 14 July)
Among the most prestigious awards in the Middle East in the hotel industry, the Junior Chef Awards are recognition of culinary 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. A spectacular culinary display lasting seven days, the Awards attract around 600 chefs from all over the GCC every year.