Dubai: Summer in Dubai means one thing, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)! Now in its 25^th year, the seasonal extravaganza also means the return of the ever-smiling Modesh, his friend Dana, and Modesh World. Open at Dubai World Trade Centre until 28 August and spread across four halls, the DSS indoor theme park and ‘edutainment’ centre is a place where visitors can enjoy rides, inflatables and attractions, as well as educational workshops. 

LEARN AND DANCE 

How many school lessons have kids bopping to the beats as they gain valuable knowledge? Modesh World is offering four interactive stage and performance shows, all with an educational slant. 

The first, Mangrove Journeys, has Modesh and best friend Dana inviting audiences on a tour of their home, the Mangroves, revealing fun facts about nature and the animal inhabitants. Modesh and Dana return in the second show, Helping Friends, where they try to build a new home in the Mangroves, and ask the audience for help, teaching the importance of friendship. 

Modesh World Dance Party is set to include lots of fun games, including musical chairs and Modesh Says. Finally, Eat to the Beat! sees Modesh and Dana explain why eating healthily is good for our physical and mental health through educational hip-hop songs. 

COOK UP A STORM… AND SOME SLIME! 

Budding young chefs should make their way to the new Modesh Café. The café itself offers a wide range of snacks, cupcakes and drinks, all themed around Modesh and best friend Dana. But there’s also the Modesh Baking Academy, where kids can try making cookies, rolling and shaping the dough, then adding their own custom decorations. 

And check out the café’s dedicated workshop area, hosting a number of food-related classes, including slime-making. Mix certain food ingredients together, and coloured slime can often be the result. Gooey fun for kids, with no mess at home for mum and dad to tidy up. 

MASTER ARTS AND CRAFTS 

Fuzzy felt, coloured card and glitter at the ready – it’s crafting time! An array of workshops will be hosted at Modesh World across its two-month run, with all kinds of gifts, models, jewellery, greetings cards and fridge artwork set to make its way home. 

One particular highlight over the past few weeks was the Hands and Crafts Workshops with People of Determination. This comprised three sessions, with members of the public invited to learn the unique way of creating bracelets for PoD, with an opportunity to speak with those experiencing these circumstances.  

BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER 

Modesh World will be packed with colourful performers and stage shows over the summer, so don’t be surprised if the little ones feel inspired by all of the daring costumes, and fancy trying a little dress-up themselves. If that’s the case, the good news is that there are workshops for budding fashionistas. 

Children will be taught about the latest trends, work with a range of materials and finishing touches, and piece together their own items of clothing. As well as harnessing a talent in itself, this could be an opportunity to score a few extra points in the Musical Fashion Runway and Talent Show, with kids providing the performances, perhaps even wearing their own creations. 

LEARN FROM DUBAI’S BEST 

To help children learn from the best, Modesh World has invited experts from across the city. Government entities will reveal more about what they do, teaching children valuable life skills, and perhaps even inspire their future career choices, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Safari, Dubai Statistic Centre, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Customs, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services 

For example, the Community Development Authority will offer a sign-language workshop, games, colouring books, face-painting and prizes, with a chance to learn about children’s rights. Also, the Dubai Health Authority has a hand-washing competition, with seminars, talks, and a free health check-up for parents. For another fun activity, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship invites children to decorate their own Modesh-themed passport, with an instant camera for taking their photo to stick inside. 

Children’s City, the Dubai educational attraction, will share some of its activities around nature, space exploration, biology, computing and international culture. And there’s an opportunity to ask Dubai Police the big question: what’s it like to respond to an emergency in an Aston Martin, Ferrari or Lamborghini, and which is best? 

Modesh World is open seven days a week, Monday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 12am. Esaad Card holders get a special discount on the purchase of play cards.  

Plan summer in Dubai to make the most of everything the city has to offer from relaxing staycations, exciting live entertainment, gastronomical experiences, family outings and the best shopping deals. Visit www.mydss.ae for the full calendar of events and @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels. 

Dubai Summer Surprises is supported by key sponsor RAKBANK MasterCard and Strategic partners which include: Al Futtaim Group (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Dubai International Financial Centre, Emirates Airline, Enoc, Etisalat, La Mer, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, The Pointe, Nakheel Mall, Dragon Mart 2), The Beach and The Outlet Village.