Curtains come down on celebrity-packed DSS Starz series
Families from around the world got the opportunity to get up close and personal with a galaxy of stars including Laura Marano, Jaden & Willow Smith, Zendaya, Nancy Ajram and Hala Turk during DSS
ATP- Arab tourism portal- Dubai – As a glamorous new addition to the packed calendar of events of the 18th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the DSS Starz series has given thousands of families from around the world the opportunity to meet their favourite global and regional stars up close in Dubai.
To mark the debut edition of the successful star-studded program, a galaxy of stars and artists touched down in the emirate including Laura Marano, Jaden and Willow Smith, Zendaya, Nancy Ajram and Hala Turk to give their fans plenty to cheer about during and after the annual summer extravaganza along with the opportunity to mingle with them at special meet-and-greet sessions.
Commenting on the success of the DSS Starz series, Suhaila Ghubash, Director, Festivals and Events, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the DSS Starz series which marked its debut this year. We would like to thank all the celebrities for participating in the program and adding a unique flavour of music, glamour and style to Dubai Summer Surprises celebrations. Their presence in Dubai during the summer was a truly fitting addition to DSS’ packed calendar of events given their enormous fan following in the region and beyond.”
The series kicked off with Disney Television starlet Laura Marano giving a surprise musical welcome to Dubai International’s transfer passengers followed by her two appearances at Modhesh World where she first inspired a group of budding music and dance talents as part of the Musical Extravaganza show and then went on to delight her fans with a live on stage performance drawing hordes of fans to the popular indoor family-friendly edutainment destination.
Up next on the agenda for DSS visitors was the opportunity to meet multi talented Hollywood stars Jaden and Willow Smith – children of Hollywood actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith who kicked off yet another successful edition of Kids Fashion Fest with their first ever performance in the Middle East at The Dubai Mall.
After performing to a packed house at the Fashion Catwalk, the siblings then went on to inspire Dubai’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs, designers and budding stylists and share insight on their popular lifestyle and clothing brand MSFTS at an exclusive Fashion Forum held in The Lounge at Fashion Avenue.
Jaden and Willow Smith then showcased their highly-anticipated Dubai-inspired T-shirts from the MSFTS collection at a long-awaited Styling Session at the Fashion Catwalk in The Dubai Mall – leaving their fans with stylish souvenirs of their appearance in Dubai. The siblings donated the proceeds from collection to charity society Beit Al Khair.
Next on the line-up was teen star Hala Turk who thoroughly entertained families from around the world at the popular edutainment destination Modhesh World, with a special performance that turned into a fantastic musical treat for one and all.
Prolonging the DSS Starz excitement at Modhesh World was Arab music superstar Nancy Ajram who took to the stage to serenade her fans with a number of popular songs dedicated to children. A phenomenally popular artist, Nancy’s live performance ended the wait for thousands of fans who eagerly awaited her presence during the on-going 18th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises.
Concluding the DSS Starz series on a spectacular note was triple threat and teen showstopper Zendaya known around the world for her music, singing and dancing talents as well as her portrayal of K.C. Cooper on Disney Channel’s #1 rated show K.C. Undercover.
The certified head-turner kicked off her itinerary in Dubai at Debenhams – Mall of the Emirates where she shared a number of stylish hints and tips at the ‘Inspired Looks’ event. She also delighted the packed crowd to an exciting red carpet posing tutorial before taking to the stage at Central Galleria for her live on stage performance a day ahead of her 19th birthday.
At the musical spectacle that marks the finale of DSS Starz series, Zendaya was greeted by the audience to mesmerising birthday wishes as the crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday’ for their favourite young and stylish artist. Throughout her appearance, her fans also got the opportunity to mingle with Zendaya at special meet-and-greet sessions.
