DUBAI -- The magic of Global Village will now be recreated at Dubailand, which is intended to be the ultimate leisure, entertainment and tourism destination in this region, said Global Village Director, Ibrahim Abdul Rahim, while announcing that the popular Global Village will be located at Dubailand, along the Emirates Road by the Arabian Ranches project. What earlier was a 7.5 million sq. ft. project will now stand on a whopping 17.2 million sq. ft. area.
"Next year's programme will feature 79 days of fun for everyone, staring from January 12 to March 31, 2005," he said, adding: "The Global Village will be among the first projects to welcome the visitors to the Dubailand project."
Phase I of the construction will cover 60 per cent of the total area and is expected to be ready before January 12, 2005. Phase II will comprise the rest of the project and is expected to be ready by 2007. It will include more than 45 pavilions and will have a food court with more than 50 restaurants and 4 main cafes. It will also have more than 75 kiosks for the retail sector.
A unique feature of the coming event will be an amphitheatre with a capacity to accommodate an audience of more than 6,000, and for the first time a man-made lake with a total area of 4000 sq. mt. will be there. Global Village will host a funfair that is one of the biggest in the region.
To facilitate the convenience of the visitors, the Global Village will have six entrances and exits and a parking area to accommodate more than 15,000 cars.
The Global Village has launched a new logo and dedicated web site (http://www.globalvillage.ae) that reinforce the international stature and composition of the Global Village.
The institution -- a regular feature of past Dubai Shopping Festivals -- brings together peoples, cultures, crafts and traditional lifestyles of various countries from around the globe at the one melting point location in Dubai.
The Global Village is one of the most spectacular events hosted in Dubai each year. A concept that began in 1996, the Global Village is an exhibition the world looks forward to and is undoubtedly the most popular destination during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Every year, the Global Village attracts participation from over 35 countries across continents. Last year the event attracted an astonishing 5.2 million visitors.
By a staff reporter
© Khaleej Times 2004
