Global Village to move to a new location at Emirates Road next DSF

Mr. Hussain Ali Lootah, Executive Chairman, Dubai Shopping Festival said, "The decision to shift the Global Village has been taken due to the immense popularity it enjoys amongst DSF visitors, attracting millions every year, and to avoid traffic bottlenecks at the city centre caused due to this popularity.

"Several studies were conducted before the decision to shift the venue was made. All traffic routes in Dubai were studied to locate an ideal piece of land that would be suited for the Global Village, both in terms accessibility and proximity to the city's other major attractions. The conclusion was that a location at Emirates Road would be the most ideal since it is connected to Dubai's major road networks appropriately. The route is also an access point for visitors from the Northern Emirates, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, which is enroute for visitors from GCC countries as well.

"This permanent site for the Village will include a number of facilities that will enhance its position amongst its visitors, as well as the various people involved in making it a success.

Mr. Lootah mentioned that the work on the plan has already begun, and the ground infrastructure is being put in place to host the Global Village during DSF 2004 that will begin from January 15 - February 15, 2004.

Mr. Lootah said, "The new location for the Global Village will have a total space of over 19 million square feet, which will help us to attract more participants from different parts of the world. We are confident that building a new and permanent site for the Global Village will also help us to provide better services as our investment will be on a long term basis."

The Global Village at its new site at the Emirates Road will include a large number of international pavilions, a huge open auditorium with a seating capacity of 8000 people, several mini theatres located within the international pavilions, a provision for 60 restaurants and family rest areas beautified with an artificial lake. The Global Village will also have world-class facilities for telecommunications, medical services and banking facilities.

A microcosm of cultures, the Global Village, a colossal project from Dubai Shopping Festival hosted close to 3.1 million visitors in the one-month period of the entertainment and shopping extravaganza, Dubai Shopping Festival 2003. It played host to 32 participating countries, in a unique presentation of their culture, folklores, cuisine and architecture.