This year marks the 20th anniversary of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). While its January counterpart, DSF, continues to be more popular with tourists, DSS discounts are as good, if not better, and the crowds are not as crazy … yet. Avail yourself of discounts of up to 75 per cent until August 12, as Dubai's malls, stand-alone boutiques and theme parks reduce their prices. From concerts and children's shows to one-off promotions and prizes, here's a definitive guide on what to expect this DSS.
All Saints at Mall of the Emirates has 50 per cent off on select collections this DSS, while Armani Exchange boutiques across the UAE will offer discounts of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent on the brand's new spring/summer collection.
Baldinini, the luxury Italian footwear brand, sells shoes for up to Dh2,000 a pair – so now is a good chance to get up to 50 per cent off at boutiques in BurJuman, The Dubai Mall and Wafi; and up to 75 per cent off at Baldinini stores in the Outlet Mall and Outlet Village.
Confetti Dome at Festival Square in Dubai Festival City is a Crystal Maze-style glass enclosure with prizes hidden amid the swirling confetti. The mall also has a Shop. Pop. Win promotion: for every Dh250 you spend, you get one chance to pop a balloon, and a prize to follow.
Department stores Debenhams and Bloomingdale's are ideal for those who have limited time this DSS – and want to save between 30 per cent and 60 per cent on clothing and homeware.
E-shoppers, or those who want to take a break from the mall, can shop the S*uce 50 per cent sale online at www.shopatsauce.com.
Friday marks the start of the big sale at Lipsy, which is one of the womenswear brands that's offering 75 per cent off, as is Reiss. Halston has 60 per cent off.
Ghostbusters, a live show by international artists, will be held three times a day at Dragon Mart 2, and children can enjoy a meet and greet with the cast. The venue will also host special parades every weekend in July and August, with 20-minute roaming performances with themes such as Musical Colour, Alice in Wonderland and Under the Sea.
Homeware store Interiors has 50 per cent off on furniture, accessories and textiles from Italian brand Chiantese, known for its glass, brass and porcelain products; and American brands Uttermost and Global Views, which design lamps, wall art, clocks and framed mirrors.
Italian company La.i.pe Spa has been producing leather goods for half a century, which are then bought and branded by international designers, including Cromia, which is offering 30 per cent to 50 per cent off on handbags at its Wafi Mall store.
Jewellery brands don't often offer substantial discounts, but this DSS Parisian designer Luc Kieffer, famed for his chunky bracelets and rings, and Japanese brand Lamie, which has funky earring designs, are offering 50 per cent off on select collections.
Khaleeji folk singers Dalia Mubarak and Fouad Abdulwahed are putting up the second of three free-to-attend concerts this year, at City Centre Mirdif on July 21 from 8pm.
Legoland Dubai has partnered with BoxPark this DSS to put together a treasure hunt, where children can win prizes for every right brick they pull out from a wall made from Lego cabinets (with a little help from their parents, of course).
Modhesh, the friendly DSS mascot, will be back to entertain kids at the fun-and-games-filled Modhesh World (entrance fee: Dh20), which has an entire arena filled with all manner of soft toys, plus a 4-D cinema, the latest video games and a giggle-inducing House of Mirrors, all set up across six halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Natuzzi, famed as one of the best in the world for leather sofas, is offering 30 per cent off on its high-end furniture collections, as is mother company Western Furniture, both on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Outlet Village has recreated Tuscany, with an indoor activation that comprises an Italian artisan market, beautiful green spaces and piazzas filled with live music – a perfect setting to shop discounted luxury brands and participate in the Spend & Win campaign.
Parah has a part sale of 30 to 60 per cent at its Dubai Mall boutique, while those visiting Dubai Outlet Mall can get up to 75 per cent off on the Italian lingerie and swimwear brand.
Queuing will not be an issue for those who'd rather sightsee than shop, with the City Pass being offered this DSS. The Flexi Attractions Pass (Dh449) offers 50 per cent off the admission fees on three attractions, while the Unlimited Attractions Pass (Dh940) gives you VIP access to 28 sites. Choose from Aquaventure Waterpark, Bollywood Parks, Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari, Dubai Museum, Hub Zero, IMG, Motiongate, Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi, among others.
Robinsons department store at Dubai Festival City has 90 exclusive brands, some of which are offering 50 per cent off. These include: accessories from Lili Radu and Maison Vaincourt; lingerie from Mimiholiday; children's wear from Poca & Poca; menswear from Paul and Joe; and womenswear from Lavish Alice and Ports 1961.
Serta's new I-series mattresses are now available from the Dubai Furniture Manufacturing Company on Sheikh Zayed Road, which is offering Dh400 off for every Dh1,000 spent. The mattresses come with contouring and pressure-relieving memory foam and an intuitive cooling technology – ideal after a mall run.
Truckers DXB is taking part in its first DSS event this year, with Truckers Summer Warehouse, complete with food trucks, live music and fun activities within a makeshift industrial set-up at Dubai World Trade Centre, from Wednesdays to Saturdays from July 6.
Uterqüe has 30 per cent to 50 per cent off on its scarves, sunglasses, accessories and select apparel. The Spanish brand has branches in Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall.
Vrzoo's Walk Alongside Wildlife virtual-reality experience at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is part of the DSS Emaar Entertainment Summer Savings package, which also gives a family of four access to Reel Cinemas, Dubai Ice Rink and Business Plus tickets to KidZania, for just Dh550.
Watch the Transformers and Pirates of the Gulf live acrobatic shows, if you visit Ibn Battuta mall this DSS. The free-to-attend performances boast immersive music scores and special effects, and will be held thrice every day from July 6 to July 15, and July 26 to July 29, at the China Court.
Xclusive Yachts Marina is offering 50 per cent off on its air-conditioned yachts in July and August, for when you need a break from all that shopping – or want an occasion to show off your wares.
Yemeni-Emirati singer Balqees has been announced as the closing act at this year's DSS, with a free-to-attend concert at 8pm on August 4 at Mall of the Emirates.
Zayan the Label, at Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road, has 50 per cent off on its pretty and feminine ready-to-wear collection, which includes layered dresses, evening gowns and crochet skirts, with floral motifs and lacy embellishments.
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
The biog
Family: wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren
Reads: Newspapers, historical, religious books and biographies
Education: High school in Thatta, a city now in Pakistan
Regrets: Not completing college in Karachi when universities were shut down following protests by freedom fighters for the British to quit India
Happiness: Work on creative ideas, you will also need ideals to make people happy
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test Thursday-Monday at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
Company%20Profile
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
ENGLAND WORLD CUP SQUAD
Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
Results
2pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: AF Thayer, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: AF Sahwa, Nathan Crosse, Mohamed Ramadan.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,000m, Winner: AF Thobor, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: AF Mezmar, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
4pm: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup presented by Longines (TB) Dh 200,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Galvanize, Nathan Cross, Doug Watson.
4.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Ajaj, Bernardo Pinheiro, Mohamed Daggash.
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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ANDROID%20VERSION%20NAMES%2C%20IN%20ORDER
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Top Hundred overseas picks
London Spirit: Kieron Pollard, Riley Meredith
Welsh Fire: Adam Zampa, David Miller, Naseem Shah
Manchester Originals: Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sean Abbott
Northern Superchargers: Dwayne Bravo, Wahab Riaz
Oval Invincibles: Sunil Narine, Rilee Rossouw
Trent Rockets: Colin Munro
Birmingham Phoenix: Matthew Wade, Kane Richardson
Southern Brave: Quinton de Kock
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
