Cashless payments, app alerts: How Dubai's Global Village will ensure safety

UAE - With just five days to go for the Global Village to reopen, its management has put in place stringent safety measures to keep visitors safe from Covid-19. For the first time, visitors to the park will be able to make contactless payments.

Ali AlSuwaidi, chief operating Officer at Global Village, said: "With the world going digital, especially during the current times due to Covid-19, Global Village will also go digital. It will offer visitors a whole new digital experience that will include contactless payments, a new app and much more.

The app can be used to make payments for entry tickets, passes and purchases at outlets. "Also, we are introducing an e-wallet service that is linked to visitors' credit cards so that they can have 100 per cent cashless payments across all retail, food and beverage outlets."

This came during a webinar organised by the Global Village on health and safety challenges in the leisure industry.

The attraction will be back for its 25th edition on October 25 and tickets prices remain unchanged at Dh15.

Crowd control

The park's staff has been trained to manage crowds, the official said. "While the outdoor venue is perfectly suited for social distancing, Global Village will continue to closely manage park capacity in line with UAE government and health authority recommendations.

"If the park reaches its mandated capacity, the public will be alerted through social media, website and mobile app. Therefore, we urge our guests to follow us on social media in case of any updates and announcements on the day of their visit."

AlSuwaidi added that 600 hand sanitising stations have been installed across the park. Thermal screenings will be done at all entry points, while visitors will pass through sanitisation tunnels.

Kids will be given face masks for free, while all touch points will be frequently sanitised.

Creative safety measures

The attraction will be installing giant teddy bears on the seats of the Kids Theatre to ensure social distancing. It will have different entry and exit points to ensure staggered entry.

Valet parking will not be available. "Visitors who have taken VIP packages will have access to special parking zones through the smart parking gates with online car plate registration."

Medical emergencies

The park will also have a fully equipped medical clinic operated by Prime Healthcare Group. It will offer PCR tests for Covid-19 on request.