Dubai Summer Surprises to kick off with a 12-hour flash sale on June 21

The term "gone in a flash" seems to have been coined for the annual sales – Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises – that Dubai is known for, which tend to kick-start with a mega discount. This year's DSS is no different, and will begin on Friday, June 21, with a whopping 90 per cent discount across all Majid Al Futtaim malls. That means you pay a mere 10 per cent of the price for a whole host of items at Mall of the Emirates and the various City Centres - in Deira, Mirdif, Me’aisem Al Shindagha - and My City Centre Al Barsha.

The 12-hour flash sale is from noon to midnight. Also, as part of the DSS launch, shoppers who spend Dh300 or more will have a chance to win a mall gift card worth Dh50,000. These malls will also offer up to a 75 per cent discount for the entire six-week duration of DSS, until August 3.

The flash sale takes in nearly 120 brands across categories such as fashion, jewellery, homeware and electronics. Here are the ones we are most excited about.

Clothes: Alexander McQueen, AllSaints, Armani, BCBG MaxAzaria, Elisabetta Franchi, Sandro, Seafolly, Stella McCartney, Harvey Nichols, Karen Millen and Versace

Shoes: Havaianas, Roger Vivier, Hush Puppes and Converse

Beauty: Bath & Bodyworks and Rituals

Watches & Jewellery: Marni, Montblanc, Tissot and Rado

Childrenswear: Babyshop, Emporio Armani Kids, Sacoor Kids, Angels by Accessorise and Monsoon Children

Sportswear: Lululemon Athletica, Rip Curl and Superdry

Homeware: Chattels & More, Crate & Barrel, Maisons du Monde, The One and Pottery Barn

Retail therapy aside, there's plenty of fun to be had, especially for families, this DSS. Here are some of the shows and more to catch.