The heat is on...

The heat is on...
By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Feature Writer GULF NEWS Published: June 19, 2008, 00:04

There's no better time to be in Dubai than now. Starting today, the annual extravaganza Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 presents its myriad entertainment options.

FOR THE SOUL ....

Amara DSS 2008 Spa Packages

The Summer Ritual

Validity: June 19 to August 22
Cost: Dh890
Duration: 2 hours
Contact: 04 6021234
With the mercury rising, there's no better way to cool off than standing under an artificially induced rain-shower in a private terraced garden. This is followed by rose-petal bath for your feet and hands. A body polish using peppermint is then administered. The package also includes a full-body massage, a reflexology massage and a phyto-aromatic facial to cleanse and revive your complexion. The offer allows you a full day use of the swimming pool, lounges and gymnasiums.

The Spirit of Summer

Validity: June 19 to August 22
Cost: Dhs790
Duration: 1hr 45 mins
This package begins on a similar note like the first two steps described above. But here the signature treatment starts with Aleppo Soap, whose recipe dates back to 8th century Syria. A “kese mitt” is used in your private outdoor rain shower to slough away dead skin, leaving you clean and refreshed.This prepares you for a full-body massage with oil of frankincense, amber, myrrh and sandalwood, replete with the rich Perfumes of the Orient.


FOR THE KIDS ....

Modhesh Fun City, the largest indoor edutainment venue in the region, has included a host of new zones for this year's 11th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

Spread over more than 30,000 square metres at the Airport Expo Dubai, Modhesh Fun City has 30 zones and for the first time in the history of DSS, an ice skating rink.

Some of the new zones for 2008 include the Toy Store Zone, the Magic Planet Zone and the PlayStation Zone. For Spiderman fans there's an exclusive Spiderman zone, apart from the Heritage Zone, Arts and Crafts Zone, a Modhesh Saloon for the fashion conscious and an Extreme Sports Zone for the adventurous.

Modhesh Fun City will be open to visitors from June 19 to August 22. The venue is open from 10am to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday, from 3pm to midnight on Friday and from 10am to midnight on Thursday and Saturday. The entry tickets cost Dh20 and includes numerous free games and rides.


MALLS, MOVIES AND MORE ....

IBN BATTUTA MALL

June 19-26 (Kung Fu Panda)
This mall will screen some of the most popular children's classics of this generation during the next nine weeks at discounted ticket rates. The movie fest will start off with Kung Fu Panda. A special combo deal is being offered for this Angelina Jolie-Jack Black-Jackie Chan starrer. At Dh55, a combo deal comprising a movie ticket with jumbo popcorn, drinks and chocolates is up for grabs.

MODHESH PARTY

June 26
If your knowledge of DSS is knee-deep, than this party is a must-attend. Competitions ranging from DSS quiz to hula hoop will be held on June 26.

The party begins at 5pm and is free for all.

DEIRA CITY CENTRE

June 19-25
Shoppers visiting Deira City Centre during the DSS extravaganza will have the opportunity to take a walk on the wild side by watching some cool hip-hop choreography.

This week, a group of UAE-based dancers will entertain the crowd with their hip-hop freestyle choreography. They will play three sets a day until June 25. Fans wanting to catch their cool moves will have the opportunity to see them repeat their performances between July 24 and 30. It's not just the activities that you can look forward to this summer.

Customers who spend Dh300 in any of the outlets will be entered into a weekly draw to win Dh25,000, and a prize of Dh500,000.

MALL OF THE EMIRATES

June 19-28
DSS celebrations at Mall Of The Emirates will kick off with Aquasync, a demonstration of synchronised swimming by a team who are known by the same name. The performance will be an act of water-borne ballet which combines choreographed movements and athletic leaps into a specially constructed pool. The show will underline how elegant and artistic the body can be when supported by the medium of water.

AL GHURAIR CITY

JUNE 21-28
Your favourite bedtime stories come alive this summer. Head to Al Ghurair this week to watch a group of talented actors enact fairy tales including Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood. Watch out for their costumes and music too.

SAHARA CENTRE, SHARJAH

June 26
Starting next Thursday, the Shaolin Troupe will put together a martial arts show to demonstrate their observations of agile animal movements and physical endurance.The show will be featured from 6pm to 8 pm.


TRY YOUR LUCK HERE ....

Dubai Summer Surprises Grand Raffle
This DSS, you have the chance to win a 2009 model BMW X5 and Dh100,000. Five lucky draws will be conducted over the next several weeks. Raffle coupons are available in 80 locations including select fuel stations of Emarat, Eppco, and Enoc, in addition to kiosks at Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, BurJuman, Baniyas Street, Al Fahidi Street, Gold Souq and Modhesh Fun City.

THE STAR ATTRACTION ...

We promised to give you the weekly highlights so as not to flood you with the details of events that are weeks away, But this one is a deal-breaker. When news reached us that Enrique Iglesias will be in Dubai for a concert this August, we couldn't wait to share the tidbits of the grand finale with you. Though the details of the ticket rates and the venue are yet to be finalised, this will give you ample time to gear up for the big night.