Global Village, a member of Tatweer Dubai, and the premier culture and entertainment destination for families, opened its doors on Wednesday, 12 November, for another season of spectacular multicultural entertainment that will last for 102 days. The 13th edition of Global Village will run until 21 February, 2009 and witness the participation of 31 country pavilions, including two new entrants, Iraq and Oman. The longer duration of the season comes in response to the popular demand from enthusiastic residents and visitors to extend the colourful offerings of the festival for more number of families and children from across the region and beyond.




Abdul Redha Ali Bin Redha, Global Village Project Director, said: “The new season at Global Village will offer an unforgettable and lavish experience for visitors, including top notch facilities and spectacular entertainment shows spotlighting the customs and cultures from all over the world.




“As with every year, we aim to introduce innovative elements and attractions with an objective to exceed audience expectations. This year, we have endeavoured to incorporate new activities to enhance our loyal patron’s experience of the much awaited calendar event.”




For the first time this season, Global Village will host the Guinness World Records Pavilion, which will provide visitors with exciting opportunities to participate and set new records in a variety of categories.




Hosting an exciting schedule of activities and entertainment including 40 fun fair rides, the fun quotient of Global Village will also be raised through the presence and delightful participation of international children’s characters of Barney TM, Thomas the Tank Engine TM, Bob the Builder TM and Pingu TM the Penguin at the “Friends from The Little Big Club” attraction. Themed outlets featuring a series of popular cartoon characters, including those from the UAE’s very own animation production Freej, will also be part of this season’s Global Village.




Another new attraction this season will be the Italian gondolas, traditional Venetian rowing boats, which have been specially designed for Global Village. Ten of these boats steered by operators in traditional Egyptian uniform will traverse the lake every day, each with a four-passenger capacity, offering a scenic ride and an overall view of Global Village’s attractions. A return trip will cost AED10 per person, while children under three can ride for free. All passengers will be provided with life-jackets.




Ali Bin Redha added: “The Global Village brings together diverse customs, cultures and entertainment shows, covering a broad spectrum of activities including music, goods, dances, arts and handicrafts, theatre, costumes, cuisine and food from different parts of the world.”




The entertainment events will include the World Culture Stage, showcasing premiere entertainment from around the world. Featured on the lake will be the “Beach Adrenaline” Jet-Ski Show, which will provide nightly thrills with exciting stunts from a team of internationally awarded jet-ski champions. Additionally, a Lantern Festival (Festival of Lights) - an array of specially created Chinese lanterns - will beautify the entire park including the entrances and canal to create a wonderful festive ambience throughout the entire destination.




Located in Dubailand on the Emirates Road, the Global Village is anticipated to welcome at least five million visitors during the 102 days of fun and entertainment




this season, exceeding the 4.5 million footfall registered during the 2007-08 edition.




Since inception in 1996, Global Village has evolved into a premier regional venue, celebrating diverse cultures, cuisine and commerce from around the world and a family destination for unlimited entertainment.




For more info about the events and shows, please call 04-3624114 or visit the website www.globalvillage.ae