Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced the return of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026, inviting residents and visitors to “Make it a Dubai Summer” with what promises to be the most value-packed edition of the annual festival. Running from 2 July to 30 August 2026, the 60-day celebration will bring together shopping, entertainment, dining, family attractions, hotel offers, and rewarding experiences across the city.

Designed to keep excitement high throughout the season, DSS 2026 will feature a phased retail calendar packed with major sales, exclusive promotions, and citywide activations. Among the highlights is the Great Dubai Summer Sale, offering discounts of up to 90 per cent, flash deals, and special offers from leading brands across Dubai.

From 3 to 30 August, the Back to School campaign will provide shoppers with attractive offers on school supplies, fashion, electronics, and student essentials. The season will also introduce the first-ever Back-to-School Carnival on 7 and 8 August, transforming shopping malls into family-friendly entertainment destinations.

One of the most anticipated additions this year is the "Win Your Home in Dubai" initiative, launched jointly by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and Dubai Chambers. Shoppers spending AED 500 or more at participating outlets will have the opportunity to win one of 12 residential units from Binghatti Developers, including 11 studio apartments and a grand prize of a two-bedroom apartment. The first winner is expected to be announced during DSS 2026.

Entertainment will be a major attraction throughout the festival. The popular Beat the Heat DXB concert series will return with its biggest edition yet, while the Miami Musical Show will take place at Coca-Cola Arena on 28 August, marking its first performance outside Kuwait. Additional events and performances will be revealed as part of the complete DSS programme.

Malls across Dubai will also host the new DSS Performing Arts Fest, bringing themed performances, roaming entertainers, and community-focused activities to visitors throughout the season.

Families can once again enjoy Modesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre, while opening weekend celebrations will transform several shopping destinations into immersive entertainment hubs. The city’s dining scene will also come alive with the return of Summer Restaurant Week from 13 July to 2 August, followed by the much-loved 10 Dirham Dish promotion from 3 to 30 August.

For fitness enthusiasts, Summer Mallathons will offer indoor activity experiences during the warmer months, while August will feature a range of Back to School celebrations, including live performances, themed installations, and family entertainment across participating malls.

Alongside the extensive programme of events and activities, visitors can also look forward to added value through exclusive offers at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues across the city.

With a mix of retail rewards, dining experiences, live entertainment, family attractions, and exciting promotions, Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 is set to deliver another memorable summer season for residents and tourists alike. Further details about the complete event calendar will be announced in the coming weeks.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, marking a significant milestone for the brand as it enters Continental Europe for the first time. The launch further strengthens Taj’s international presence and aligns with IHCL’s strategy of expanding into leading global gateway cities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “Established in 1903, Taj is a legendary symbol of timeless hospitality. Recognised as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2025, it is a unique collection of 150+ hotels across 15 countries offering an unrivalled fusion of Indian hospitality and world-class service. The opening of Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt marks Taj’s debut into Continental Europe, in line with our international strategy to grow our presence in key gateway cities of the world. We are delighted to reopen this iconic landmark following its extensive renovations and bringing the warmth of Tajness to Frankfurt.”

Located at one of Frankfurt’s most historic addresses, the 126-key hotel combines heritage charm with contemporary luxury. The property has been extensively renovated and reintroduced with a renewed focus on comfort, elegance, and personalised hospitality.

Guests can enjoy a range of dining experiences, including Bombay Brasserie, known for its authentic and eclectic Bombay and Indian cuisine. The hotel is also home to the iconic Jimmy’s Bar, popular for its live piano performances and signature cocktails, while the Lobby Bar offers a relaxed setting with fine teas, coffees, and pastries throughout the day.

Commenting on the opening, Mr. Simon Lutz, Partner at Peakside Capital and owner of the hotel, said, “We are delighted on the opening of Taj Hessischer Hof. This will be a landmark, bringing together the hotel’s rich legacy with Taj’s world-renowned luxury hospitality to Frankfurt.”

Mr. Boris Schran, Partner at Peakside, added: “We are very pleased that the legendary Hotel Hessischer Hof, with its long tradition as a five-star hotel close to the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, is now reopening its doors as a Taj Hotel.”

The hotel also features Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, offering wellness experiences inspired by Ayurveda and focused on balancing the mind, body, and soul. Guests have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, while business and event travellers can make use of three spacious venues designed for meetings, private gatherings, and corporate events.

Adding to its premium offerings, the property houses The Chambers, Taj’s exclusive members-only business club, providing a private space for networking, business interactions, and social engagements.

Mr. Albert Mayr, General Manager, Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, said, “Taj Hessischer Hof draws from its aristocratic provenance which has been thoughtfully reimagined for today’s traveller. We are proud to reintroduce this living legacy blending European heritage with the essence of Indian hospitality and look forward to welcoming our guests.”

Located in Germany’s financial hub, Frankfurt is known for its blend of business, culture, and history. The city is home to attractions such as Römerberg, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Palmengarten, and the museums along the River Main, making it an important destination for both leisure and business travellers.

As luxury travel continues to evolve, discerning travellers are increasingly seeking experiences centred on privacy, authenticity, and meaningful connections rather than traditional notions of excess. Responding to this shift, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is redefining the Maldivian getaway through its philosophy of slow luxury, where guests are encouraged to embrace unhurried island living and immersive experiences.

Located in the tranquil South Malé Atoll, the resort offers a setting where expansive ocean views, intuitive hospitality, and thoughtfully curated experiences come together to create a deeper sense of relaxation and connection. Designed for travellers who value presence over packed itineraries, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO presents a refined interpretation of luxury that prioritises time, space, and personal wellbeing.

At the centre of the guest experience is the resort’s signature INDULGENCE™ Plan, which allows visitors to enjoy a seamless and all-encompassing island escape. Guests can begin their mornings with leisurely Champagne breakfasts at THE PALMS before exploring a variety of experiences including snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, wellness treatments at ELE | NA Elements of Nature Spa, private villa relaxation, and sunset cruises across the Indian Ocean.

Dining forms a key part of the resort’s slow luxury philosophy. Culinary experiences range from Far Eastern specialities at TRADITION PEKING and heritage-inspired cuisine at TRADITION INDOCEYLON to contemporary Maldivian flavours at LONU. One of the resort’s most distinctive attractions remains M6m, its renowned underwater restaurant, where guests can enjoy contemporary seafood dishes while surrounded by panoramic views of marine life beneath the ocean’s surface.

Commenting on the evolving preferences of luxury travellers, Mei P. Pun, General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, said that "Modern luxury is increasingly defined by the ability to be fully present. She noted that travellers are seeking experiences that restore, inspire, and create opportunities for genuine connection, with the resort’s immersive dining, wellness offerings, and ocean-inspired experiences designed to deliver exactly that".

Accommodation at the resort reflects the same commitment to understated elegance and tranquillity. The beachfront Earth Villas are nestled amid lush tropical gardens, while the overwater Wind Villas offer uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and spacious private decks suspended above the lagoon. For guests seeking greater exclusivity, the Earth Pool Pavilion and THE OZEN RESIDENCE provide enhanced privacy, generous living spaces, and bespoke luxury.

Rather than positioning itself around fleeting travel trends, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO presents slow luxury as a timeless way of experiencing the Maldives. Through its combination of personalised service, immersive experiences, world-class dining, and serene surroundings, the resort offers travellers an opportunity to reconnect with the simple pleasures of time well spent.

As affluent Indian travellers increasingly prioritise transformative journeys over conventional vacations, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to position itself as a destination where luxury is measured not by abundance alone, but by the freedom to linger, reflect, and fully embrace the beauty of island life.