The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is an annual festival event that was launched in the summer of 1998 by the Dubai government in order to promote Dubai as a family holiday destination. The summer travel event focuses on fun, knowledge, and entertainment for kids during the yearly summer vacation and attracts families year after year.

The Dubai Summer Surprises lasts for 10 weeks and normally runs during the months of June to September. The weeks of the DSS are divided into themes called surprises and named according to the activities being held during that period. The different surprises are organised by various government departments, in association with the shopping malls, hotels, and sponsoring companies. The last themed promotion is always the Back-2-School Surprises.

The Dubai Summer Surprises mascot is named Modhesh (pronounced Mud-hish or Moe-desh), after the Arabic word for amazing, incredible and unexpected. One of the popular areas of the DSS, is the Modhesh Fun City, which can be found at the Dubai International Airport Expo and is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and has an entry fee of Dhs. 5 per child and Dhs. 10 per adult.

The festival summer event is organized and handled by the Dubai government departments and the DSS Office. The event is promoted in the GCC by means of organised road shows, in order to attract visitors within the region. The event is sponsored by a number of hotels and hotel apartments, which offer a variety of discounted packages for visitors. The official slogan for the event is "Big Fun For Little Ones"

List Of Dubai Summer Surprises,2006

Organized by : Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department
Second Week : 29 June – 05 July 2006

Ranging from childhood conferences, painting and creativity contests, snake oasis and digital photography, the DSS organizers have lined up a thrilling week that will cheer all family members, especially the participating children in various arts activities.

Organized by : Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Third Week : 06 - 12 July 2006

The Food Surprises that is budgeted at Dh4 million, will begin with a spectacular opening ceremony. High tech sound, light and laser will animate an eight-minute cartoon show on international cuisine.

Organized by : Department of Health and Medical Services
Fourth Week : 13 - 19 July 2006

Beach Volleyball, Telematches, Marathons, Waiters Races, Mothers Races, Skating Competitions, Treasure Hunts and beach games will feature in this excitement pack week.

Organized by : Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Fifth Week : 20 - 26 July 2006

Contests involving cartoon characters will be conducted during the whole days of the week for children of all ages. Children will also keep themselves busy and enjoying with three different workshops that the team of the cartoon surprises has prepared for them.

Organized by : Dubai Police
Sixth Week : 27 July - 02 August 2006

Nature Surprises makes its debut this year and focusses on environment protection and the enormous gifts of nature.

Organized by : Land Department
Seventh Week : 03 - 09 August 2006

The week aims at giving children a better understanding of the world around them.

Organized by : Dubai Municipality
Eighth Week : 10 - 16 August 2006

Several flowers-inspired events will include contests for best flower wedding sets, mall decorations with flowers, fashion shows for kids, and many workshops at different malls.

Organized by : Dubai Customs
Ninth Week : 17 – 23 August 2006

Highlights will include Arabian hospitality tents, handicraft exhibitions, exhibition on musical instruments and another on rowing boats.

Organized by : Department of Economic Development
Tenth Week : 24 August - 01 September 2006

There will be special shows of a play called 'Princess Verda and Lazy Aboud' at the Modhesh Fun City which carries the message that children must pay attention to their lessons in school.

Besides the above 10, the other Dubai Government departments and establishments participating and organizing different DSS activities are Dubai Media Incorporated, Real Estate Department, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai e-Government, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Civil Defence.