Summer is just around the corner and Dubai is preparing yet again to play host to some exciting summer time activity – The Dubai Summer Surprises 2012. The Dubai Summer Surprises is one of the region’s most awaited summer entertainment and shopping fiesta and it is back again on its 15th edition this summer. The event promises to draw huge crowd from across the globe from June 14th to July 14th.

After the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) the DSS is one of the most looked forward to event and visitors throng the sun drenched beaches and golden sands to tan away and enjoy the evenings in the malls where amazing discounts on par with the DSF discounts are on offer. The DSS gives travelers a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience of shopping, entertainment, winning and lifestyle in addition to Modhesh World, the regions biggest indoor edutainment venue.

The festival is one of the highlights of the city’s summer calendar with GCC residents and other tourists flocking to the city looking for bargains in the over 6,000 stores participating in this annual event. This shopping festival is also heavily geared towards families with each mall undertaking a programme of events for children of all ages. Mall-based events and international character shows are entertainment highlights of DSS.

In addition to the shopping bonanza, a part of Dubai Summer Surprises has nothing to do with shopping and everything to do with fun! Modhesh World features the festival mascot, the smiling yellow character named Modhesh. This huge entertainment space is divided into different themed zones. Toddlers, kids, and teenagers will all find plenty to do and discover here – from playgrounds and soft toy areas to the latest video games and a 4D cinema. Modhesh World is a child’s dream come true.

Exploring Dubai could be exciting in Summer. The regions best shopping deals, world-class family entertainment, giveaways worth millions of Dirhams and a choice of Middle East’s finest Spas await the earnest visitors during the DSS. Around 50 Luxury Malls put out the best shopping promotions for shoppers while hosting entertainment shows throughout summer including some highly acclaimed international shows, concerts and exhibitions.

What’s more, every shopper is rewarded for shopping with an opportunity to win prizes and giveaways throughout DSS. To top it all, visitors can choose from numerous spas to avail discounted rates for various health and wellness treatments.

A peek at the summer time activities in Dubai

Arabian Travel Market 2012 the most popular travel and tourism event in the region will be held from the 30th April to 3rd May 2012. This 4 day event will be held in the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre , Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Admission is free for pre registered trade visitors and non registered visitors can still attend the event by paying a fee of AED 100 in the venue. Arabian Travel Market is the travel and tourism event unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Tourism destinations from the Middle East and around the world showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, breathtaking tourism attractions and new airline routes.

For those professionals and enthusiasts keen about exploring the various development in Sound technology – PALME Middle East is the event to attend. PALME has established itself as the region’s largest trade show for professional audio, lighting, music, entertainment, audio visual and systems integration solutions. This event is also being held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. For participating in the three day event to be held from 1st – 3rd May 2012, visitors must pre-register on the event website. And if you are involved in the event industry, the Middle East EVENT Show is an exhibition you cannot miss. Held on the same venue for the same duration, the Event Show is the perfect sourcing and networking platform for MICE, events and entertainment suppliers to connect with buyers in the Middle East.

The Dubai Press Club will be organizing Arab Media Forum, a well- established forum for journalists and media professionals to debate, discuss, and deliberate upon issues that are relevant to daily life. The forum is held between 8th – 9th May 2012.

On 11th May 2012, the Dubai Autodrome will play host to Dubai Kartdrome Endurance Championship 2012. Run since 2004, The Dubai Kartdrome Championship is a mainstay of the UAE motorsport calendar. The event has been dubbed as “extreme racing,” requiring stamina, concentration, speed, consistency and probably most importantly team work – all this under the duress of hard fought competition over a 12-hour period. The challenge will culminate in a winning team. The objective is to provide new challenges to teams and create a competitive environment for teams to race at the highest level. The emphasis is on attracting a mix of pro, semi-pro and corporate teams to the series.

From 22nd to 24th May 2012 Automechanika 2012 the leading trade exhibition for automotive components, accessories, garage and garage equipment will be held in Dubai. Last year over 17,000 trade visitors from 130 countries came to Dubai to see, examine and experience products or services showcased by over 1,100 exhibiting companies at Automechanika. This will be held at the Dubai Convention & Exhibition Center and entry is free for those registering online.

The Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre will also play host to Airport Show 2012 one of the world’s leading events devoted exclusively to airport construction, operations, technology and services. The show is open to visitors and general public and admission is free.

Click here for more information:

Being home to 195 nationalities, there is no dearth of festivities in Dubai throughout the year and Easter is one of the much celebrated Festivals. Easter which falls in the first week of April is a great time be outdoors as the weather is still cool and pleasant and supports outdoor activities including desert safaris, Dune bashing, Dhow Cruises, Camel racing, sky diving, surfing, hot air balloon rides and a whole lot more fun activities.

Dubai is blessed with an excellent beachfront and a beautiful weather through April, which makes nearly every single day ideal for a trip to the beach. Dubai’s beaches offer scuba diving, jet skiing, paragliding, snorkeling and fishing. Although many of Dubai’s beaches are reserved for guests of its sprawling hotels and resorts, anyone can enjoy these beautiful beaches free. The most popular free beaches being Jumeirah open beach and Mumzar beach which have showers, toilets and shelters—a good choice for families.

Most of the main beaches in Dubai run along Jumeira Road. The beaches in Dubai have soft white sand and year-round sunshine, and the waters are warm. Jet Skiis could be rented on either side of the Jumeira Beach Hotel. The Mumzar beach park, which has a very nominal entry fee is equipped with barbecue sites and playgrounds with showers and toilets.

Beach going and outdoor activities isn’t the only thing to do in Dubai during Easter! There are loads of amazing entertainment programs and events happening in Dubai during Easter, both indoors and outdoors.

April starts off with the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure Expo (DEAL), a one day event exclusively for those in the Leisure and events industry on 1^st April 2012, followed by Middle East’s largest bridal and fashion exhibition – The Bride Show which is a 4 day event from the 4^th to the 7th April. On its 15^th edition this year, the Bride Show will feature more than 350 exhibitors and over 16,000 visitors.  This prestigious event is a unique and glamorous shopping experience with thousands of ideas for that perfect wedding day. This has attracted people not only from the region but from all parts of the globe.  This year, The Bride Show Dubai will feature more new and exciting products than ever before showcasing hundreds of trendy, contemporary and elegant dresses from well-established international design houses.

On 7^th April the the Dubai World Trade Centre will prepare to host the most fashionable event of the year – Dubai Fashion Week Fall/Winter.

The Dubai Fashion week is a fashion trade event aimed at bringing together major advocates of the fashion industry by providing them a single platform. DFW is overseen by fashion and industry experts comprising of an advisory board. The week enables local and regional designers and fashion houses to present their collection to global and regional buyers, media, fashion professionals and the general public.

Even as the fashionistas will be walking the ramp showcasing the finest in fashion, world famous band – The Eagles will be enthralling audiences as they appear in concert on April 12 at 7he Sevens Stadium in Dubai. This marks the first-ever Middle Eastern performance in the bands 40-year history. Eagle fans from across the globe are expected to be here in Dubai, to watch them live!.

On Friday 13^th April 2012, the Red Bull X fighters will strike again in Dubai. The extended World Tour 2012 will kick off in Dubai (UAE) on 13 April. Events in California (12 May/USA), Istanbul (16 June/TUR), Madrid (20 July/ESP) and Munich (11 August/GER) will follow, before the World Tour will stop in Australia for the 2nd down-under tour-final. Created back in 2001, the Red Bull X-Fighters event has grown to become the biggest and most respected freestyle motocross tour on the planet, featuring the world’s best riders throwing down mad tricks in stunning locations across the globe. The best FMX riders in the world are set to step it up once again and push the sport forward as they visit Dubai.

The Gulf Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) – the region’s leading education & training Event will be held from Thursday 19^th April to Sunday 22^nd April 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event focuses on bringing higher education options from around the world to students in the Middle East. This year GETEX will feature 5 distinct sections to the exhibition: General Education, Higher Education, Business Schools, Vocational Education and Professional Development. In addition to this, the teaching community will benefit from a conference called The Global Ed Tech Forum hosted by ISTE in association with GETEX. The event is expected to attract 500 of the best education providers from over 35 countries to exhibit at the event making it by far the region’s leading Education & Training Event.

Fans of cult entertainment & popular culture in the Middle East will have a reason to rejoice as Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) the first-of-its-kind popular culture festival will be held on 20^th and 21^st April 2012. The event gives fans an opportunity to meet acclaimed celebrities and artists. Visitors can also watch exclusive film previews, participate in exciting competitions and purchase limited edition collectibles. MEFCC also encourages the interaction of people who share common interests across the region.

April will draw to a close with the grand travel and tourism event the Arabian Travel Market 2012. Arabian Travel Market is the travel and tourism event unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Tourism destinations from the Middle East and around the world showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, breathtaking tourism attractions and new airline routes.

Besides all these fantabulous events, there are also exclusive Easter celebrations happening in different pockets of Dubai. Blessings Babies Eggs Fun at Al Areesh Club, Dubai Festival City, Easter Bunnies at Riot Studio at Hayya! Meadows, Ranches Easter Bazaar in the Grand Lobby, Arabian Ranches Golf Clubhouse, Easter with Zaytoun at the Zaytoun, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City,  Easter Brunch at  Senses, Gold Swiss-Belhotel Dubai, Easter Buffet at Bastakiya Restaurant, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Benjamin Bunny’s Easter Celebration at The Palace – The Old Town and Hamleys Chocolate Bunny Hunt at Hamleys, The Dubai Mall.

DSF excitement to stay till year end.  A look at some of the major activities happening in Dubai within Feb-March.

Dubai is one place where the fun just does not seem to end. It only gets better with every passing year. The 17th Edition of Dubai Shopping Festival which was held between 5th Jan to 5th Feb saw a huge turnout of tourists from across the globe. It seems that the figures are set to increase as 2012. This year is going to be a festive one for Dubai with activities planned till the year end.  Laila Suhail, CEO of the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, reveals that with more surprises and events planned through the year the excitement is here to stay. Global village Dubai’s most popular open-air cultural entertainment and shopping venue is open for tourists and residents to visit till the 3rd of March.

February proves to be a great month for tennis fans in Dubai and also for visitors. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2012 will be held from 20th Feb to 3rd March at Aviation Club Dubai. This year the championship celebrates its 20th anniversary. Staged at the Dubai Tennis Stadium in Garhoud the tennis championship will have non stop events commencing with $2 million WTA event to the $2 million ATP tournament.  The Aviation Club, which has picturesque surroundings and the hugely popular Irish Village and Century Villages, will be a perfect venue for the prestigious event.  The Aviation club offers an extensive range of dining, recreational and entertainment facilities including multi gym and famous Akaru-Spa so visitors can not only enjoy the sport, but also relax and rejuvenate.

Backstage – Dubai’s community theatre group will be staging a drama – “The Mouse That Roared” from 1st to 3rd March 2012.  Directed by Philip Apaza it is a satirical look at 1960s cold war environment. The play offers a hilarious look at superpowers and the politics that surround them. The event is to be held at the Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

On 2nd March, the worlds best polo teams will be battling it out to win the prestigious Dubai Polo Gold Cup. This 10 day event held under the Patronage of Dubai ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is played at the stunning Dubai Polo Club It is a premier competition of the year and leading players from Argentina, England and the UAE are to take part.

The Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature – Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, bringing people of all ages together will be held this year from 6th to 10th March at the InterContinental Hotel, Festival City.  Known famously as LitFest, the event is a great opportunity for UAE residents as well as tourists and visitors to meet renowned authors, writers, speakers and thinkers. It provides the chance to attend literary discussions, listen to readings, participate in workshops, and experience the exciting Fringe and children’s events.  The event which is in its fourth edition this year is a not-to-be-missed event.

The King of Romance – Engelbert Humperdinck one of the most celebrated artists in the history of romantic ballads, rock’n’roll and dance genres will be in Dubai on the 7th March.  He is going to be performing in UAE for the first time. Humperdinck’s world- known hit “Release Me” has enjoyed a tremendous success hitting the Top Ten in the Billboard Dance charts. The event will be held at the Joharah Ballroom, Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

There is a bigger treat awaiting music lovers and die-hard fans of Duran Duran. The highly successful British band Duran Duran famed for hit songs including “Hungry like the wolf”, “Save a prayer” and “A view to kill” will be performing live in Dubai on 8th March at the Seven’s, Dubai.

Commercial Vehicles Middle East Show a high level conference that discusses modernization, optimization and future plans for heavy and light ‎commercial vehicles will be held from 11th to 13th March at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai.

On 13th March 2012, Public Relations professionals from around the globe will come together at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai to discuss the latest trends in the communications industry.  The Public Relations World Congress (PRWC) a biennial event that brings together global PR professionals to brainstorm on the latest trends and challenges in the communications industry will see the participation of over 500 delegates. The Congress will be held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Taste of Dubai, the food lovers favorite food festival will be held from the 15th – 17th March 2012 at the Dubai Media City Amphitheater. This culinary fest will bring together the city’s highly acclaimed restaurants, prestigious celebrity chefs, premium beverage brands, gastronomic exhibitors and an incredible entertainment stage playing host to live international acts.

The sixth edition of Art Dubai, a leading contemporary art fair in the MENASA region, will be held from 21st to 24th March 2012. This year Art Dubai will feature 74 galleries from 31 countries, in addition to a new programme of artists’ and curators’ residencies, commissioned projects, performative tours, workshops, the unveiling of the works by Abraaj Capital Art Prize winners and the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum.

March ends with one of the most spectacular and world famous events ever– The Dubai World Cup known as the  world’s richest horse race.  The racing event which is to be held at the Meydan Racecourse on 31st March 2012 is expected to draw over 50,000 race lovers from across the globe. The Meydan Grandstand has the capacity to accommodate 60,000 spectators and features the world’s first five-star trackside hotel with unparalleled levels of luxury, comfort and technology. It is a premium racing destination and a pride of Dubai.