Global Village experiences record crowds and less congestion

In the initial six days of DSF 2003, some 416,981 people visited Global Village, which is hosted by Dubai Festival City, the 'city-within-a-city' project being built on the banks of Dubai Creek. The turnout compares with 308,716 visitors for the same period last year.

'While the attendance figures themselves are very encouraging, we are also particularly heartened that our efforts to improve access to the Global Village site appear to be paying dividends with little congestion on the Al Garhoud Bridge,' said Alan Gordon, General Manager, Global Village.

Infrastructure, facilities, access and parking at the Creekside entertainment spectacular were improved for Global Village 2003 to cope with an anticipated increase in visitor numbers. Alongside a 30% increase in the number of car parking spaces, an additional pre-paid parking scheme and more access points from Al Rebat Road, the 32-day 'window-on-the-world' features shuttle services with a tram, road trains and horse-drawn carriages.

'We are now approaching the 500,000th visitor mark when the person recorded as the lucky half millionth guest will receive a pair of matching Cerruti watches courtesy of Bin Hendi Enterprises,' explained Gordon. 'Every half millionth visitor to the Global Village will be rewarded with Cerruti watches with a special surprise gift being lined up for the three-millionth visitor should we reach this incredible target.'

Five Dubai-based charity organisations are to benefit from the Global Village pre-paid parking initiative. A percentage of fees raised from the sale of the pre-paid packages, which are Dhs500 each, is to go to the charities. The pre-paid packages give card-holders unlimited access to an exclusive approach road and parking facilities at Global Village for the duration of DSF.

Pre-paid parking packages are available from the DSF at the Economic Department in Baniyas Road, the Al Futtaim Centre, Marks & Spencer & Toys 'R' Us showroom on Salahuddin Road, the Global Village Office on the Dubai Festival City site and at selected Spinneys outlets.

'In response to requests from visitors, we've also added a booth at the pre-paid entrance to allow on-the-spot parking pass purchases,' added Gordon.

Additionally more information is available from Ahlan Dubai on Dubai 090 400 99.

Global Village 2003 is jointly produced and managed by the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Al-Futtaim Group, which is developing the 1,200 acre mixed-use Dubai Festival City project. Global Village 2003 features 32 pavilions, a giant fun fair, stage and street entertainment, restaurants, coffee shops and a new children's play area.

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