Global Village, a befitting tribute to world’s cultures and home to over 200 nationalities from different countries of the globe, continues to draw thousands of visitors everyday. This year so far has seen well over 80,000 visitors each day with weekend numbers swelling to over 100,000 visitors.
The 3-day Eid and New Year holidays saw a tremendous surge in the footfall with more than 150,000 visitors heading in the direction of the Global Village. This massive recreation complex is expected to welcome in excess of two million visitors when the festivities end on 9 February 2007.
With 39 pavilions representing various countries all over the world, the Global Village has become a major attraction of the Dubai Shopping Festival, and a significant showpiece of cultural diversity and entertainment, as well as a place where people can indulge shopping, leisure and dining. Jordan has been participating for seventh consecutive years since 2000 and has a pavilion size of 750 sq m with more than 40 retail outlets as.
“Global Village 2006-2007 offers probably the grandest collection of cultural and entertainment offers. The entire complex turns in a cosmopolitan recreational hub, which features the best of what the world has to offer. This year, we have a record number of pavilions with retailers selling the best wares from their country, as well as cultural shows typical to each nation being conducted in the individual pavilions – all this serving to highlight the history, culture and heritage of the participating nation,” said Mr Abdul Redha Ali bin Redha, CEO, Tatweer Group, the organization now managing operations of the Global Village.
“The exhibition with its many shades gives a glimpse of the lives and vocations of people from the different continents. Presenting a cultural roundup of the world, the Global Village is really a place to feel the pulse of humanity as also a place to take home pieces of the vast and eclectic tapestry of the world. A shopper’s haven and a connoisseur's delight, it is one place where visitors can buy African art, Indian souvenirs and authentic Oriental perfumes between mouthfuls of delicacies from the Far East and the Down Under,” Redha added.
The newest addition to the Global Village this year is the state-of-the art Global Theatre that is truly an engineering marvel. With a design that is based on Roman architecture and with acoustics that greatly enhance the performances, the Theatre is venue for several international shows. Built to accommodate a 3,000-strong audience, the highlight is the stage that is set at ground level with no obstruction of spectator view and eight green rooms below ground level. In designing the stage, every little aspect of a performance from the requirements of the performing artistes, the audience view, the positioning of the stage has all been carefully thought of and addressed.
An impressive calendar of events has been put together with several interesting and fun-filled activities on the agenda. Traditional weddings will certainly be one common theme binding all the pavilions and there will be an array of authentic weddings from various parts of the globe. Some of the popular DSF events like the Aqua Fantasia, the Fireworks, Dubai Balloon Festival, Eid Al Adha Celebrations, Scenes of the World Festivals, Fringe Festival, the Global Puppet Show, Concert, Fashion and Cultural shows are commendable value add-ons this year at the Global Village besides the traditional favourite – the Musical Fountain.
Spread across 17.2 million sq.ft. area in Dubailand along the Emirates Road by the Arabian Ranches, Global Village has ample parking, communication, and banking facilities to ensure a truly hassle-free shopping and entertainment experience for visitors. It is also has designated prayer areas, information kiosks with knowledgeable and friendly staff, as well as ample washroom facilities.
