Dubai Summer Surprises Launches First Back-To-School Carnival at Palm Jumeirah Mall
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026 is bringing families and visitors together for the first Back-to-School Carnival, a free two-day family celebration at Palm Jumeirah Mall on 7 and 8 August.
Making the most of the back-to-school season, shoppers can look forward to an entertaining line-up of live entertainment, interactive performances, and engaging experiences.
Running from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each day, the mall will transform into a vibrant celebration. The carnival will feature an exciting programme of stage shows, roaming entertainment, youth performances, and interactive experiences, including the DSS Balloon Show, First Day of School, Schoolyard Spectrum, Circus of Science, KPOP Heroes, Unlimited Magic Bag, and a spectacular DSS Finale show.
Families can also enjoy special performances by local youth dancers and choirs, creating a fun-filled celebration for children of all ages before the school term begins. On top of that, Modesh and Dana – two of Dubai’s beloved characters will be making a special appearance on August 7, delighting children and families on the day.
Here is everything that is planned in what promises to be a memorable family experience.
Friday 7 August
- 6:03 PM – First Day of School (Stage Show)
- 6:33 PM – DSS Balloon Show (Interactive)
- 7:08 PM – KPOP Heroes (Stage Show)
- 7:33PM – Unlimited Magic Bag (Roaming Act)
- 7:58 PM – Youth Dance Pop-Up (Youth Participation)
- 8:40 PM – Raffle Draw
- 9:00 PM – Schoolyard Spectrum (Stage Show)
- 9:25 PM – DSS Finale (Interactive Stage Show)
Saturday 8 August
- 6:03 PM – Unlimited Magic Bag (Roaming Act)
- 6:33 PM – DSS Balloon Show (Interactive)
- 7:08 PM – Circus of Science (Interactive)
- 7:28 PM – Youth Choir (Youth Participation)
- 7:58 PM – First Day of School (Stage Show)
- 8:40 PM – Raffle Draw
- 9:00 PM – Schoolyard Spectrum (Stage Show)
- 9:25 PM – DSS Finale (Interactive Stage Show)
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s DSS offers exceptional value across the city including a variety of promotions and shopping experiences.
Throughout the weekend, there will be a number of brands giving away prize vouchers on stage. Among those are: Trampo, an indoor trampoline and adventure park for kids, Melodica, an award-winning music and dance company, True Gamers, a popular gaming café, and Three Cuts Steakhouse, a community-based restaurant. Additionally, vouchers from Le Majlis, an all-day café and bakery with French-Emirati inspired dishes, NMC Healthcare, one of the leading hospitals and clinics, and Roasters will also be up for grabs.
Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Marsa Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Center Deira), and talabat.
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