Country Pavilions at Global Village overwhelmed by fantastic response

Whether it is customs or cuisines, art or music, participants at the different pavilions have taken on the role of cultural and trade ambassadors, and are busy promoting a range of merchandise and also the traditions of their respective countries.

At the Italian Pavilion, Angelica Cainarca and her brother are thoroughly enjoying the ambience created by the Global Village. Her stall sells high quality cigars and cigar packs and boxes produced by her family-based company in the Province of Milan.

"We really love Dubai and the ambience at the Global Village makes it even more fun to work and promote our business. Many visitors have shown interest in our products and come to observe our cigars and learn how they are made. It is really great to have so many different cultures and nationalities at the Global Village. We even visited other pavilions including Syria, Lebanon and Yemen".

The organizers of the Italian Pavilion, Raffaella Carnevale and Claudia Caldesio have come up with a unique service - transmitting live news to Italy everyday for two hours on the events and activities at Global Village and Dubai. Italy is participating for the first time at Global Village.

"We are overwhelmed by the response and reception we have received at Global Village. We have made good sales so far including various accessories, food, Venetian masks and jewels. We are delighted by the setting here and will definitely come back next year. Everything is found at the Global Village, as each pavilion offers a broad spectrum of services and products that are well-known in their respective countries in addition to the exciting cultures and hospitality", Raffaella said.

Mohammed Badri and Roy Abdul are owners of a stall that sells traditional soaps and other scented products.

"Shoppers at our stall can ask questions to learn more about our products before they make a decision to purchase them. We have had excellent sales and hope to increase the size of our stall next year. We are amazed at the improvements that are made every year at the Global Village and DSF".

Dressed in traditional Syrian attire, Raid Al Atille, and Isha Kremid from the Syrian Pavilion, have been entrusted with the task of serving tea from big tea pots. Raid says the DSF runs in his blood as he frequently participates in festivals while Isha, who has a large family, described the Global Village as "a fascinating experience for a global family".

At the Syrian pavilion itself, Sayah Ismail has been doing brisk business with his Syrian sweets.

He said:"From ice creams to sweets and beverages, everything is made in a traditional way. No artificial preservatives are added, which makes our products much sought after by visitors. Every year our space at Global Village gets bigger and our sales get better. We just love this place and are delighted with the response we have been receiving from visitors".

Munira Nasr Al Sage, who runs a stall selling hand-crafted household products at the Kuwaiti pavilion, said:"A majority of our shoppers are housewives who love decorating their homes. I am here for the first time but I feel I am at home. I have found that the DSF and Global Village is just as the media back home promotes it - simply great".

UAE national, Mohammed Tarish, who owns the Eli Bali Balak Restaurant at Global Village, said that each day of DSF generates more publicity for him, as many young men from the GCC countries visit his restaurant to savour the Arabic dishes served at his restaurant. "DSF is the best thing that happens during the entire year".