By Muna Al Sumaiti, Consulting Editor- Lifestyle, Travel, Fashion & Beauty, EmiratesReporter.com
DUBAI, 21 August 2026: With the new school term just days away, Dubai families are making a final dash to enjoy what is left of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the city’s flagship summer festival. From indoor theme parks and sports arenas to free weekend performances and discounted family outings, organisers say there is still plenty on offer before backpacks and homework take over.
Modesh World’s Final Countdown
Time is running out at Modesh World, the festival’s popular indoor entertainment hub at Dubai World Trade Centre, which closes its doors for the summer on 23 August. Open daily from noon to 10pm, the venue offers free entry to children and adults alike, with play areas, carnival games and rides, workshops, stage shows, food trucks, and meet-and-greets with festival mascots Modesh and Dana.
Parents looking to combine fun with learning can take their children, aged eight to 13, to interactive AI and robotics workshops running at the venue, including an AI Robotics session with Brainy and Bright on 22 August, giving youngsters a head start on STEM skills before term begins. Esaad cardholders can also claim 20 per cent extra credit when topping up their Modesh World playing card.
Sports Arena Enters Final Week
Dubai Sports World, now in its 16th edition, is also winding down, with its air-conditioned indoor arena at Za’abeel Halls 2 to 6 open until 25 August. The venue offers football, basketball, cricket, badminton and tennis for all ages, giving children one more chance to burn off summer energy before school routines resume. It is open daily from 8am to midnight.
Free Performances Continue Across the City
DSS Performing Arts is keeping up its programme of free pop-up shows in malls across Dubai through the final weekends of the festival. Upcoming highlights include a Moon Walk show at Ibn Battuta Mall on 21 August and a grand piano performance at Palm Jumeirah Mall on 28 August, with shows running from 4pm to 10pm every weekend until 30 August.
Passport Offers Family Discounts at Festival City
At Dubai Festival City Mall, the Modesh Summer Passport continues to offer discounted access to the mall’s entertainment venues until 31 August. With 500 passports issued each month, each is valid for a family of four and includes offers such as 20 per cent off at Game Over escape rooms, 20 per cent off Junior Camp entry, 35 per cent off bowling and 25 per cent off food and beverage at Ground Control, 20 per cent off at Like Bricks, a buy-one-get-one-free gaming hour at True Gamers, 20 per cent off at X District, and 25 per cent off at Fabyland.
Kids Go Free at Two Popular Attractions
Families can also take advantage of two “kids go free” offers before the holidays end. At Madame Tussauds Dubai on Bluewaters Island, one child aged three to 11 goes free with every paying adult, with the waxwork museum featuring figures including David Beckham, Marilyn Monroe, The Rock and Shah Rukh Khan. Separately, The Yellow Boats Dubai is offering free rides for children aged 12 and under when accompanied by a full-paying adult, giving families a last chance to view the Dubai skyline and Palm Jumeirah from the water.
Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 runs from 3 July to 30 August and is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The festival is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai, alongside Strategic Partners including Al Futtaim Malls, Al Zarooni Group, AW Rostamani Group, DHAM, Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim and talabat.
ABOUT MUNA AL SUMAITI:
With more than 14 years of experience in the UAE media industry, Our Consulting Editor, Muna Al Sumaiti, has worked closely with some of the country’s most recognized media brands, including Dubai TV, Sama Dubai, Dubai One, Al Bayan, Emarat Al Youm, Dubai Radio, Noor Dubai, Emirates 24/7, and Dubai Post. Her extensive background in media, marketing, partnerships, audience engagement, and brand development has made her a respected name in the industry. She is also the Founder of RSV Communications, a UAE-based consultancy specializing in strategic communications, reputation management, and brand growth.
