It's that time of year again

For the next 64 days, expect plenty of shop sales, prizes worth millions of dirhams, and entertainment for the whole family with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2009.

Thanks to the credit crunch, there's no doubt that the 12th edition of the festival, which kicked off yesterday and continues until August 14, has been eagerly awaited by retailers and hoteliers hoping to make the most of an increase in spending. Emirates Business brings you its pick of events to look out for.


DUBAI SHOPPING MALLS GROUP RAFFLES

June 11 to August 14, Various Dubai Malls

Around 4,000 retail outlets are expected to participate in this year's DSS with offers of up to 75 per cent on a wide range of brands. Look out for the various raffles, which are offering grand prizes and shopping vouchers worth millions of dirhams.

MODHESH WORLD

June 11 to August 14, Modhesh World

Modhesh Fun City at the Airport Expo has undergone a massive makeover, and is now officially called Modhesh World. With tickets priced at a bargain Dh15 for children, there is plenty for the little ones to do, including getting up close and personal with their favourite yellow friend. For specific activity timings, check www.mydsf.com.

DILLYDALE DANCE-A-THON! MR MEN AND LITTLE MISS SHOW

June 11 to July 1, Burjuman

Based on the original books by Roger Hargreaves, this show blends physical humour with verbal wit, featuring popular characters including Mr Bump and Little Miss Sunshine.

HER HIGHNESS SHEIKHA FATIMA BINT MANSOOR BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN'S THIRD BIRTHDAY PARTY

June 13, Modhesh World

Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour, the granddaughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai celebrates her third birthday on June 13.

BIG BRANDS CARNIVAL

June 17 to June 21, Dubai World Trade Center

Bag a bargain thanks to big discounts happening this month at the DWTC.

BEAT THE HEAT ACTIVITIES

June 18 to August 14, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina

DSS takes to the outdoors where visitors will have access to numerous activities, such as a beach games area and a sporting zone.

JUMEIRAH GIANT CHARITY CAKE SALE

June 26, Mercato Mall

The Jumeirah Giant Charity Cake Sale is always a hit with visitors. Back for its sixth year, profits made from cake sales – baked by one of the Jumeirah Group's acclaimed hotels – will be donated to the Dubai Autism Center.

SHEILA & ABAYA SHOW

June 27, Burjuman

The latest designs in modern sheila and abaya fashion takes place this month at high-end fashion hotspot, Burjuman.

MIN BLADI AL EMARAT

July 1 to July 10, Dubai Marina Mall

Dedicated to teaching visitors about the UAE, there's plenty of sites to offer and shows to watch, including the heritage oasis, hospitality tent, and traditional shows.

BOB ARNO

July 3, Safinah Ballroom, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The world's only legal pickpocket demonstrates his spectacular brand of classic thievery with his show entitled, The Art of the Steal. Tickets start from Dh250.

Call: 050 327 0371

KEANE LIVE IN DUBAI

July 8, Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah

The UK?trio – comprising Tim Rice-Oxley,Tom Chaplin, and Richard Hughes – plays its first gig in the region next month. Expect plenty of hits, including Somewhere Only We Know, Everybody's Changing, Is It Any Wonder and Spiralling. Tickets Dh220. Call: 04 433 4911

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2

July 8 to July 18, Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre, Mall of the Emirates

No, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens aren't making their way to the emirate, but this live production is still based on Disney's hit movie. High School Musical 2 follows lovebirds Troy and Gabriella, as well as the rest of the Wildcats who are spending the summer working at the Lava Springs Country Club. However, things start going wrong for the couple when Troy agrees to sing with Sharpay at the club's annual talent show. Tickets start from Dh149. Call: 050 281 4677

MIDDLE EAST JUNIOR CHEF OF THE YEAR 2009

July 11 to July 14, Oasis Center

Who will walk away with the coveted title this year? All shall be revealed at the Oasis Center next month.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the daily Emirates Business 24|7 newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here