Global Village sees large crowds on very first day of DSF

With 38 international pavilions, food and refreshment outlets, a large funfair and great shopping deals, like the International Jewellery Court, spread over 170,000 sq.m., the Global Village is a destination for the entire family. Housed in the Dubai Festival City, this attraction will be open daily during DSF 2004.

Ibrahim Abdul Rahim, Director, Global Village, said, "Yesterday evening's visitors to the Global Village was a really encouraging sight, and we were prepared for the rush. Last year, During DSF 2003, there were over 3.1 million visitors to the Global Village alone, and we are confident that we will exceed that figure this year. The efforts put in by the different committees and organizations in organizing this attraction is to be appreciated. They have worked very hard to make the experience of visiting the Global Village as pleasant as possible for families and individuals."

Visitors can learn much about the cultures and specialties of participating countries, as well as participate in many events. Many restaurants and cafes, spread over a big area, have seen many families. There is parking for 13,000 cars in the general section, and 2000 cars can be accommodated in the VIP section. Buses connect the Global Village to many key points in Dubai as well as run shuttles from the parking area to the entrance. The trains, too, will transport the visitors to the Global Village.

All facilities at the Global Village are in place, including an Information Desk, special prayer areas, police stations and Civil Defence kiosks.

One of the special zones within the Global Village is the funfair zone, which is very different from previous years. It is one of the largest funfair zones of its kind in the world, covering 22,000 sq.m. There are over 120 rides and games, and some of them have been specially made for DSF and many of them are being seen for the first time in the Middle East.

The pavilions have been distributed to ease the movement of the visitors between pavilions. Thousands of visitors would be entering daily, and the arrangement that is made would reduce congestion and hold-ups.

Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday the Global Village will be open for families, Mondays only for women and on weekends, will be open for all.

The stage of the Global Village has been designed so that maximum people can see the shows and experience the folkloric shows that will be presented, the musical shows, and the daily Lexus mega raffle draws.

The Global Village is sure to provide hours of fun, entertainment and savings to each and every visitor of all ages. Options are plenty, with all kinds of entertainment, food, shopping and exhibitions.