Ten lucky students and their families received a wonderful boost ahead of the new academic year with cash prizes totaling AED250,000 awarded as part of Dubai Summer Surprises’ (DSS) great Modesh Scholarship promotion.

Held for the second year in a row and open to students of all ages, the Modesh Scholarship promotion gifted 10 winners with AED25,000 each in a weekly prize draw held during the annual DSS back to school period. Shoppers who spent AED200 at Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall or Circle Mall and scanned their receipts at the customer service desk were automatically entered into the prize draw. The cash could be used to pay for school and university fees or to cover the cost of online learning courses.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The Modesh Scholarship promotion was one of the most popular promotions held during this year’s DSS and the back to school season. A great way of engaging with members of the public, the promotion is one of the many ways in which DSS actively gives back to the UAE community and supports students and families before the start of the new year school term. Academic fees represent a significant financial burden for UAE residents and visitors, which makes the Modesh Scholarship such a special promotion that reflects not only Modesh’s famously generous personality but also DSS’s tradition of rewarding lucky shoppers with life-changing prizes.”

Among the delighted winners was Hanan Noureddine from Lebanon. “It took me by great surprise to be contacted as a winner,” said Hanan. “It is the first time I’ve ever won even though I always participate in these draws as they are fun. It is always a pleasure shopping at Ibn Battuta mall with my two children. I would like to sincerely thank the Dubai Summer Surprises organisers and Nakheel for helping with my children’s education with this generous scholarship.”

Stacey Pinto from India said: “I’m so elated and excited to be the recipient of this gift from DSS and Circle Mall. It’s the first time I’ve won anything like this. I passed my Certified Management Accountant exam this year and will continue to invest in my education and support others who may not have the means to do so.”

Reeka E, also from India, said: “As a parent, being a winner of the Modesh Scholarship promotion is a fortunate moment for me and my child. We are extremely happy.”

Russian Elena Mikhaylova said: “I am always participating in competitions organised by Dubai Summer Surprises organisers and Nakheel Mall as there is always a chance to win great prizes. These raffle draws show how Nakheel Mall cares and loves its customers. I didn’t believe it when I got a call from a lovely customer service supervisor called Mohamed who told me that the Modesh Scholarship Promotion prize was mine. He even had to persuade me that it was not a joke or a trick. The cash will be used to pay school fees for my son Max who just joined FS2.”

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DSS promotes Dubai as a fun, open, welcoming and safe destination with all of the participating venues, stores and malls following the important health and safety procedures, including social distancing and the wearing of masks at all times.

Dubai Summer Surprises is supported by Key Sponsor RAKBANK MasterCard and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Group (Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Dubai Holding, Emirates Airline, Enoc, Etisalat, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Merex and Nakheel (Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall and Circle Mall). For more information, log onto the website mydss.ae or follow @DSSsocial for the latest information.