Last Chance for Families to Make the Most of Dubai Summer Surprises Before Kids Go Back to School
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 21 August 2026: With the new school term just around the corner, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is giving families one final push to make the most of summer before backpacks and homework take over. From indoor entertainment and sports to free weekend performances and family-friendly discounts across the city, there is still plenty to pack into the last few days of the holidays.
Modesh World
The clock is ticking on Modesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre, with families having only until 23 August to enjoy the popular indoor entertainment destination before it wraps up for the summer. Open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, it’s an easy last-minute outing featuring play areas, carnival games and rides, workshops, stage shows, food trucks, and meet-and-greets with Modesh and Dana — with free entry for both children and adults.
For families looking to squeeze in some educational fun before term starts, interactive AI and robotics workshops are running for children aged eight to 13, including the AI Robotics workshop with Brainy and Bright on 22 August — a head start on STEM skills before the new school year.
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
- Price: Free entry (Payment for selected rides and attractions)
For more information, visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/modesh-world.
Dubai Sports World
Before school sports kits replace summer downtime, Dubai Sports World is entering its final week, giving families until 25 August to make the most of its 16th edition at Dubai World Trade Centre. It’s a great way to help kids burn off remaining summer energy and stay active ahead of term, with the fully air-conditioned indoor arena offering football, basketball, cricket, badminton and tennis for all ages.
- Date: Open daily until 25 August
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 12 AM
- Location: Za’abeel Halls 2–6
For prices and more information, visit dubaisportsworld.ae.
DSS Performing Arts
DSS Performing Arts continues to bring free pop-up shows to malls across Dubai – perfect for a final family outing before the school run begins. Highlights still to come include a Moon Walk show at Ibn Battuta Mall (21 August) and a grand piano performance at The Palm Jumeirah (28 August).
- Date: Every weekend until 30 August 2026
- Opening Hours: 4 PM to 10 PM
- Locations: Ibn Battuta Mall and Palm Jumeirah Mall
- Price: Free
For more information, visit https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dss-performing-arts-fest.
Modesh Summer Passport
For families looking to make the most of their last few weeks before school fees and supplies kick in, the Modesh Summer Passport offers great value across Dubai Festival City Mall’s entertainment destinations until 31 August. With 500 passports available per month, each is valid for a family of four and unlocks exclusive offers, including:
- 20% off at Game Over (Escape Rooms & Cube Challenges Arena)
- 20% off Junior Camp entry
- 35% off bowling and 25% off F&B at Ground Control
- 20% off at Like Bricks
- Buy 1 Get 1 Free gaming hour at True Gamers
- 20% off at X District
- 25% off at Fabyland
For more information, visit https://www.investindubai.gov.ae/en/events-calendar/dss-dubai-festival-city-mall.
Kids Go Free: Madame Tussauds Dubai
Squeeze in one more family day out before term starts – one child (aged three to 11) goes free with every paying adult at Madame Tussauds Dubai this summer. Located on Bluewaters Island, the waxwork museum features world-famous figures including David Beckham, Marilyn Monroe, The Rock and Shah Rukh Khan.
For more information, visit https://www.madametussauds.com/dubai/.
Kids Go Free: The Yellow Boats Dubai
Make the most of the summer with a family adventure on the water. Children aged 12 and under go free at The Yellow Boats when accompanied by an adult paying the regular price – a memorable way to see the city skyline and Palm Jumeirah before the school term begins.
For more information, visit https://www.theyellowboats.ae/.
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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