Dubai loves to be the first in everything. No surprise then that the ‘Angry Birds Universe’, an international tour that will visit several countries, had its world premiere at the recently concluded Dubai Summer Surprises 2014. The tour ends in Las Vegas — see you there in about two years. A huge play zone based on the stupendously popular game was set up in Modhesh World, the annual funfair for families who live in or visit Dubai. The DSS has turned what used to be an off-season in a desert country into a must-visit season. For youngsters, the main draw is Modhesh World with its endless entertainment; for older visitors, there are discounts galore at all the participating shopping malls. The summer discounts may not be as attrac­tive as those during the more famous Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan-Feb), but the city is far more ffordable in summer, with hotel rates slashed. A nice time to visit.