Most people who grew up in the UAE will remember Modhesh, the yellow, smiling jack-in-the-box character created in 2000 as a mascot for Dubai Summer Surprises. Modhesh, which means surprise in Arabic according to its designer, Romulo Miclat, has been everywhere over the past few years: as statues at roundabouts around the city to Modhesh-branded chocolate milk in supermarkets. Indeed, the character even has its own yearly summer theme park, Modhesh World.
For the past two decades, UAE families have looked forward to the opening of Modhesh World, formerly Modhesh Fun City, as an entertaining way to beat the summer heat. For 2016, the destination is back, with 34,000 sq m of activities and attractions, the largest since its launch in 2001. This year, under the theme Every Step is a New Adventure, the park will be spread across eight halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre and will run until August 27.
So what’s new this year? An Action Planet features adrenaline-generating zip lines and climbing walls, while a new Dino Park recreates the prehistoric giants for thrill seekers. And to really cool off, a bigger Ice Rink returns by popular demand. Plus, there’s a haunted house.
Tickets are priced at Dh20, with free entry for children under three.
We visited Modhesh World to experience the fun for ourselves. Here are nine things you cannot miss at the edutainment destination.
1. The characters
While walking around don’t forget to look out for Modhesh himself! The yellow mascot will be happy to take a selfie with you and may even strike a funny pose. Other characters include princesses with giant lollipops and
a pirate.
Look around some more and you may find a wizard, dressed in a long, blue robe with a pointy hat and ginger hair. The wizard’s fashion choices aren’t what make him interesting, it is the fact that he is flying a few feet in the air above a prayer mat! It must be magic…
2. Action Planet
With two 50m zip lines, climbing walls and free falls, the all-new Action Planet is sure to give you an adrenalin rush. One of the more daring slides causes its riders to fly up in the air and land on a bouncy area.
The zip line allows riders to get a bird’s-eye view of Modhesh World as they zoom across the hall, if they are brave enough to look down! And younger kids can learn about the planetary system from an installation.
3. Mirror maze
Get lost in the mirror maze, where your own reflection will misguide you. Just be careful and don’t bang your head. From the outside, the mirrors are clear glass, so viewers can have a laugh at their friends taking the wrong turn! This is open to children of all ages.
4. Ice Rink
Beat the burning Dubai heat and enjoy ice skating at the all-new Ice Rink. This year, by popular demand, the rink has been extended to 400 square metres.
Although not as large as the Dubai Mall’s Ice Rink, it is the perfect size to learn!
First-time skaters can rent plastic seals that act as skating aids. They can hold on to the seal for balance and when they are tired can sit on them for a bit.
5. Food trucks
If you are hungry from walking around eight large halls, head over to the food court, where several food trucks are selling mouth-watering fare.
Nothing can be better than pizza, except of course pizza in a cone, such as the kind available at Kono Pizza. Or go to Toasted to enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers including an Angry Burger, which has chipotle cheddar, charred jalapeños, sweet tea caramelised onions and Sriracha.
British chef Tom Aiken, famous for items such as lobster and oxtail burgers, brings his Pots, Pans & Boards restaurant to the venue.
And if you are in the mood for something sweet, visit Fruteiro, for healthy juices and acai bowls, or On The Moo! for handmade ice-cream rolls, or Milkshakes for, as the name implies, delicious milkshakes.
Other food destinations include Saj 2 GO, Big Chefs, and Bikes ’N’ Bites.
6. Doodler Bar
Head over to this arts and crafts booth where for only Dh10 you can create art using a 3D pen. Make anything from sunglasses of various colours to Modhesh himself. The 3D pen works by replacing ink with plastic that melts at high temperatures, which is used to draw to create 3D objects.
7. Fly Jump
Children of all ages will love Fly Jump, a trampoline park where they can let go and have fun, while exercising at the same time. Children can play several games such as basketball and volleyball while tired parents can relax and watch them have a great time in a fun and safe environment.
8. Arcade and rides
Amid all the other exciting activities, don’t forget to visit the arcade or go on some of the rides. With all the classics such as dodgem cars, one for children and one for adults, parents are sure to get nostalgic about their childhoods. Parents and children can also compete to win a stuffed toy including a huge stuffed banana and a shark at one of the games.
9. Haunted House
Although the Haunted House wasn’t open at the time we visited, it had been built. And it looked terrifying and eerie from the outside, so we dare not speculate about what’s inside! Modhesh World officials say the house will have live actors to scare those brave enough to enter. Good luck!
