Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 isn’t just about shopping deals and mall madness. This year, it’s putting a proper spotlight on the city’s homegrown food and drink scene. From budget-friendly bites to coffee pop-ups and dining campaigns, DSS is giving small F&B businesses serious support.
Local Restaurants Take Centre Stage
DSS has turned the city into a playground for food lovers. And it’s the small, local brands stealing the show.
- Summer Restaurant Week gave homegrown spots a platform alongside big names
- Set menus made gourmet dining accessible
- Local chains like Asian5 saw a boost in visibility and footfall
Summer Restaurant Week wasn’t just another promo. It pushed affordable dining without sidelining quality. Local joints, such as Asian5, saw direct benefits: more new faces, increased engagement, and valuable lessons for their teams on why joining citywide events matters.
10 Dirham Dish: Small Price, Big Win
Who says AED 10 can’t get you anything? Over 190 restaurants across Dubai participated, including more than 100 local brands.
- AED 10 dishes across over 700 outlets
- Big exposure for smaller names like House of Pops and Burger Society
- Extended until 31 August
It’s not just a gimmick. House of Pops used it to push their healthy treats to a wider crowd. Burger Society saw it as a real brand-building moment. For both, it was about more than sales – it was about being seen.
Gahwa Beats: Coffee Meets Culture
DSS isn’t just feeding stomachs – it’s fuelling culture. Gahwa Beats is mixing caffeine with community.
- Coffee pop-ups on 16 and 23 August
- Local roaster DRVN Coffee is front and centre
- A new DSS ritual for Saturdays
These aren’t just casual pop-ups. They’re a reason for people to explore new venues and brands. DRVN Coffee, born and brewed in the UAE, is gaining new fans thanks to the DSS buzz.
More Than Just a Summer Campaign
Behind the giveaways and good vibes, DSS 2025 is building something deeper: long-term value for local SMEs.
- Stronger brand recognition
- Community engagement
- Real economic contribution from the F&B sector
This isn’t fluff. With over 1,200 restaurant licences issued last year, supporting local is smart business. DSS is making sure these businesses don’t just survive summer – they grow from it.
FAQs
What is DSS 10 Dirham Dish?
It’s a citywide food campaign where diners can enjoy special dishes for just AED 10 at 700+ outlets until 31 August.
Which local brands are part of DSS 2025?
Brands like Asian5, House of Pops, Burger Society, and DRVN Coffee are among the featured homegrown businesses.
How does DSS help small F&B businesses?
By giving them platforms through events like Summer Restaurant Week, 10 Dirham Dish, and Gahwa Beats to boost visibility, footfall, and customer engagement.
