The Pakistani pavilion in the Global Village will be a hub of cultural and entertainment activity during the Dubai Shopping Festival, an official said.
"This year, we have introduced a lot of new things at the pavilion to make it more attractive for visitors of all nationalities," said Amanullah Larik, Consul General of Pakistan. He spoke after opening his country's pavilion at the Global Village yesterday.
A large number of leading community members, including representatives of various Pakistani associations, were present at the opening ceremony.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) not only provides an opportunity to show what Pakistan has to offer, but also helps promote trade relations between the UAE and Pakistan, Larik told Gulf News.
"The number of traders from Pakistan participating in the pavilion has increased this year, with more products on display," he said.
This year a food court has been built, with restaurants offering special Pakistani cuisine, he said. There is also a new discount centre comprising 12 stalls, where visitors can buy various products, ranging from household items to textiles, at very competitive prices.
The pavilion this year replicates Shalimar Garden, a famous historical garden built by a Mughal emperor hundreds of years ago in Lahore.
"Visitors who come to our pavilion will get first hand knowledge of Pakistan's culture, traditions and products," said Najeeb Abbasi, Pakistan's commercial counsellor.
The stalls will feature special products from Pakistan including traditional furniture, onyx and marble products, handicraft, leather products, traditional gold and silver jewellery, precious gems, stones and minerals, he said.
The pavilion is larger than before, said Imran Mirza, chief coordinator of Pakistan's festival organising committee and head of chancery. The number of stalls has also been increased from 74 to 100. The pavilion cost Dh1 million to build.
A number of star-studded Pakistani cultural and musical shows will be held during the festival. Several will be held at the amphitheatre at the Global Village. Additional cultural and entertainment events will take place at various locations around Dubai.
The Pakistani pavilion has won awards for the last two years. It won awards in 2003 and 2004 for being the best organised pavilion. The organisers this year are looking forward to winning a third time.
Gulf News
