Italy’s Mondo TV has signed a deal with Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) to co-produce and distribute the first-ever animated series based on popular licensed IP Modhesh.

The deal marks the first time Mondo TV (Puppy in my Pocket) has embarked on making an animated series in the Middle East and funding will be provided by both Mondo and DEPE, an agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Twenty-six 2D episodes of the series are planned with Mondo and DEPE sharing worldwide licensing, distribution and merchandising revenues. The agreement will also see Mondo own global distribution and licensing rights on a five-year term.

The cartoon character Modhesh was originally created by DEPE in 2000 as part of a TV ad campaign to promote the region’s largest and most successful summer event – Dubai Summer Surprises. A year later, the character was given a full body and two feet and has become an iconic character across the Middle East.