Dubai Summer Surprises Weekly Itinerary: Start-Studded Concerts, Family Entertainment, and Pop Culture Take Centre Stage from 18 to 23 August
From Bollywood actor Sunil Grover and the season finale of Beat The Heat to the final days of Modesh World and Dubai Sports World, discover what’s happening across Dubai this week
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 August 2026: As Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) enters another exciting week, residents and visitors can look forward to a packed line-up of entertainment, family-friendly activities, sports and dining experiences taking place across the city from 18 to 23 August. Families can make the most of the final days of Modesh World, while music fans can enjoy major live performances from Aziz Maraka, Big Sam, Lege-Cy, Tarek, Mohamad Tarkan, and India’s comedy superstar and Bollywood actor Sunil Grover. From the JPEX Entertainment Exhibition celebrating Japanese pop culture to the Palm Jumeirah Indoor Run Series, The Roast x Ripe Market, and the final week of Dubai Sports World, Dubai Summer Surprises offers plenty of ways to make the most of the summer before the festival concludes on 30 August.
Modesh World
Families have until 23 August to make the most of Modesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre, before the popular indoor entertainment destination wraps up for the summer. Open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, it features play areas, carnival games and rides, workshops, stage shows, food trucks, and opportunities to meet Modesh and Dana, with free entry for both children and adults.
Families can also take part in interactive AI and robotics workshops designed for children aged eight to 13, including AI Robotics workshop with Brainy and Bright on 22 August. Meanwhile, Esaad Card holders can also receive 20% extra credit when topping up their Modesh World Playing Card.
- Date: Open daily until 23 August
- Opening Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM
- Location: Sheikh Saeed Halls 1-3, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
- Price: Free entry
For more information, visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/modesh-world.
JPEX Entertainment Exhibition
JPEX Entertainment Exhibition is returning to Dubai World Trade Centre from 20 to 23 August, inviting hardcore Japanese history enthusiasts, cultural fans, and Otaku for three days of anime screenings, live performances, food, anime, manga, cosplay, trading card games, and workshops, bringing together creators, artists, businesses, and fans under one roof.
Founded by a group of Emiratis in 2018, JPEX Entertainment Exhibition is a shared passion for Japanese culture and tradition. It serves as a gateway to Japanese entertainment, anime, voice actors, collectables, and culture in the heart of Dubai.
- Date: 20 to 23 August 2026
- Opening Hours: from 4 PM to 11 PM on Thursday and Friday; 11 AM to 11 PM on Saturday and Sunday
- Location: Hall 6, JPEX Entertainment Exhibition
- Prices: From AED 85 per person
For tickets and more information, visit https://jpex.me/.
Sunil Grover Live at Coca-Cola Arena
One of India’s most celebrated comedians and Bollywood actor Sunil Grover is performing live at Coca-Cola Arena on 21 August for a show packed with laughter and crowd-pleasing entertainment. Reprising his famous characters such as Gutthi, Dr. Mashoor Gulati, and Rinku Bhabhi, the evening promises hilarious impersonations, witty jokes, and audience interaction.
For nearly three decades, Sunil has delighted millions of fans across television, films, and live performances with his impeccable comic timing, sharp observational humour, and spot-on impressions of some of India’s biggest celebrities.
- Date: 21 August 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: Coca-Cola Arena
- Price: Starts from AED 125
For tickets and more information, visit https://coca-cola-arena.com/comedy/2057/sunil-grover-live.
Beat the Heat Season 5 featuring Aziz Maraka, Big Sam and Lege-cy live
Headlining the season finale of Dubai’s hottest concert series, Beat The Heat Season 5 is Jordanian singer-songwriter Aziz Maraka, celebrated for his signature fusion of rock, jazz, and Arabic pop. Joining him is Lebanese hip-hop star BigSam, whose heartfelt lyrics and chart-topping tracks have earned him devoted fans across the region.
Completing the lineup is Egyptian rapper Lege-Cy, one of the most exciting new voices in Arabic hip-hop, bringing his high-energy blend of rap and trap to the stage. Together, the three artists promise an unforgettable night packed with infectious beats, crowd favourites, and electrifying performances.
- Date: 22 August 2026
- Time: 8:30 PM
- Location: Hall 8, Dubai World Trade Centre
- Price: Starts from AED 105
For tickets and more information, visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/107435/beat-the-heat-dxb-season-5-with-big-sam-leg-cy-and-aziz-maraka-live-at-the-dwtc.
Beat The Heat DXB Season 5 featuring Tarek and Mohamad Tarkan
Closing Beat The Heat DXB Season 5 with a night full of nostalgia, memories, and the songs that shaped a generation, Tarek and his son Mohamad Tarkan will take the stage at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing to life some of the most beloved Spacetoon songs that generations grew up watching, singing, and still know by heart today.
Blending Tarek’s iconic voice with Mohamad’s fresh energy, father and son come together for a special live performance that connects generations through music, from childhood memories to a whole new generation of Spacetoon fans.
- Date: 23 August 2026
- Time: 8:30 PM
- Location: Hall 8, Dubai World Trade Centre
- Price: Starts from AED 105
For tickets and more information, visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/107738/beat-the-heat-dxb-season-5-ft-tarek-and-mohamad-tarkan-live-at-dwtc.
The Roast x Ripe Market
The Ripe Market returns to Mina’s Kitchen at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, bringing together local businesses, community experiences, and family-friendly activities. The seasonal pop-up features homegrown vendors, live music, a dedicated kids’ zone and, alongside The Roast by Bubbalicious, featuring traditional British roast favourites and free-flowing beverages, starting from AED 315 per adult.
Guests can browse a selection of local brands and discover unique products from UAE-based businesses, while enjoying a relaxed Sunday atmosphere designed for the whole family.
- Date: 23 August 2026
- Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
- Location: Mina’s Kitchen, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
- Prices: Starting from AED 315 for adults, AED 175 for kids six to 12 years old, and free for kids below 6 years old
For more information and booking, visit https://www.destinationminaseyahi.com/experiences.
Palm Jumeirah Indoor Run Series
Palm Jumeirah Mall is back this weekend, inviting runners of all ages and abilities to take part in an indoor run on 23 August as part of Dubai Summer Surprises. Participants can choose from 2.5km, 5km and 10km race categories and enjoy a fully air-conditioned course, complete with lively music, water and aid stations, and convenient mall parking. The event will also offer exciting rewards, with the overall winner receiving prize vouchers worth over AED 15,000.
- Date: 23 August 2026
- Time: 7:00 AM
- Location: Level 2, Palm Jumeirah Mall
- Price: AED 125 per person
For tickets and more information, visit https://www.premieronline.com/event/palm_jumeirah_mall_indoor_run_series_2/2_8649.
Dubai Sports World
Dubai Sports World is entering its final week, giving residents and visitors until 25 August to make the most of its 16th edition at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The fully air-conditioned indoor sports arena offers a wide range of activities, from football, basketball and cricket to badminton and tennis, providing plenty of ways for sports and fitness enthusiasts of all ages to stay active through the summer.
- Date: Open daily until 25 August
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 12 AM
- Location: Za’abeel Halls 2-6, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
- Price: Entrance and use of the gym are free. Sports facilities are paid.
For prices and more information, visit https://www.dubaisportsworld.ae/.
Dubai Summer Surprises will continue to bring the city to life until 30 August, with more exciting experiences, offers and entertainment still to be announced. Residents and visitors are invited to explore the latest DSS line-up, discover new favourites, and enjoy a summer filled with memorable moments across Dubai.
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.
For more information, visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dss.
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NOTES TO THE EDITOR
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About Dubai Summer Surprises 2026
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 (DSS) takes place from 3 July to 30 August 2026. The annual festival is one of Dubai’s most anticipated summer events, bringing residents and visitors a citywide programme of retail offers, family entertainment, dining experiences, hotel deals, attractions, raffles and summer activations. DSS highlights Dubai’s position as a leading summer destination, while supporting the city’s retail and tourism sectors through a diverse calendar of experiences that connect shoppers, families, businesses and visitors across the emirate.
About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE)
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.
For further information, please contact:
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
+971 600 55 5559
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