There’s a lot of excitement in town, as not only has Modesh been reintroduced to the world this Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), he’s also brought along a new friend – Dana. With the seven-week long summer celebration of shopping and entertainment in full swing, it’s time to officially welcome Dana as one of DSS’ biggest surprises and Modesh’s best new buddy.

Promising double the fun, Dana will join Modesh as the pair pop up at different locations across the city throughout DSS to greet residents and visitors, participate in a range of digital and physical activities and spread happiness and joy wherever they go.

Modesh is back to personify the dynamic spirit of Dubai and the city’s global status as a fun, safe, welcoming and all-round great place to live and visit throughout the year. Born in Dubai, Modesh lives up to his name which means ‘amazing’ in Arabic. He is a symbol of joy, positivity, family and adventure and still embodies the same friendly and fun attitude families have come to know and love.

Meanwhile, Dana can be found tinkering away in her laboratory or exploring new ways to make the future better for everyone. As her name suggests, Dana loves to think of big and exciting new ideas. She is a happy and friendly girl who is not only brainy and bold, but full of smiles too.

Her eye-catching purple and orange persona reflects her inquisitive mind, while her cheerful smile reveals her warm and friendly personality. Proving that science, innovation and technology can be seriously fun, Dana’s bright ideas and positive outlook goes hand in hand with Modesh’s joyful character and wonderful ability to inspire, create, celebrate and bring happiness to all.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “We are very excited to welcome back Modesh, and introduce his friend Dana to the world, during this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises. A favourite for both UAE residents and visitors who travel to Dubai every year to enjoy DSS, Modesh truly captures the spirit, fun and excitement felt by everyone during the citywide celebrations of shopping and family fun. His happy, warm and friendly new look reflects his status as a much loved personality who has welcomed shoppers to DSS with open arms and a warm smile over the years. Modesh’s reintroduction has helped bring his iconic image up to date with a fresh and exciting modern style.

“This year, he is joined by Dana for what promises to be a magical DSS adventure, and together they make the perfect team that showcases the very best of what Dubai has to offer all year round.”

Modesh and Dana will meet and greet their friends at Modesh World in 2021, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, in line with the safety and precautions guidelines set this year. Families should look out for the awesome duo at various shopping malls as they make special appearances to surprise and delight shoppers. There is also a host of online fun with a dynamic and engaging line-up of mobile-first experiences for fans of all ages.

Yalla DSS is a unique and interactive virtual and physical game that uses GPS technology and virtual Dubai maps to guide players to special gaming zones at participating malls and partner destinations in the city. Modesh and Dana will help gamers through the different levels and challenges on their adventures across Dubai to win shopping vouchers from Club Apparel brands.

In a world first, Modesh and Dana also set to star in three of their own animated episodes that follow their summer adventures around Dubai. Each episode streamed on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram is complemented by a social contest, where Modesh and Dana will ask fans to answer a simple question about Dubai to win great prizes. The episodes are set to premiere beginning of August.

Modesh and Dana are here to stay – and will be frequenting the city’s malls and attractions throughout the summer and all year long.

Fans who want to take Modesh and Dana home can pick up apparel, stationery, plush toys and lots of other official DSS merchandise featuring both characters. Dedicated Modesh superfans can also choose between purchasing cool ‘retro’ themed merchandise featuring his earlier style or opt for his brand-new image for 2020.

The 23rd edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (9 July until 29 August 2020) is part of Dubai’s annual Retail Calendar that features major retail-based festivals, mega sales and exclusive retail experiences and attractions.

Dubai Summer Surprises 2020 is supported by key sponsor RAKBANK MasterCard and strategic partners which include: Emaar (The Dubai Mall), Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Al Futtaim Group (Dubai Festival City Mall), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, The Pointe, Nakheel Mall, Dragon Mart 2), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), Meraas (City Walk, Boxpark, The Beach, The Outlet Village, Al Seef, La Mer), Emirates Airline, Dubai Duty Free, AW Rostamani Group, Enoc, National Food Products Company and Etisalat.

To see the full calendar of events, please visit www.dubaisummersurprises.com and on @DSSsocial.