The Afghanistan Pavilion at the Global Village is selling traditional costumes and age-old artwork

Most of the items on sale include leather goods, precious stones, jewellery and lots of interesting wares which are handmade by the craftsmen of the country who are known for their intricately-designed art work.

Abdullah Ahmed, manager of the Afghani Pavilion said, "Over 90 per cent of the displayed products are brought in from Afghanistan. The main favourites among the customers here are the leather jackets, the silver items, and jewellery - all of which have a good demand in the overseas markets. We also have traditional costumes that represent the heritage of Afghanistan. Some villagers still wear those clothes in the countryside. Among the rarest items are some old hats that were used by the army during the time of Changez Khan."

Mohammed Aslam, an exhibitor educates the visitors about his country's heritage and culture saying, "In the past the men's clothes were inlaid with stones and silver coins but nowadays they come with embroidery work. On special occasions and ceremonies, the men wear traditional hats that are decorated with colourful beads and have a small piece that covers the neck, while the women wear a similar hat but with a veil that covers the face. The rich in Afghanistan carry a sleek silver stick. At times, they also carry sticks plated with gold. Generally men wear Bakool, a round hat made of wool.

"In the past, the Afghani men used to wear an aegis on their wedding day which was made of copper and came stuffed with valuable stones. It weighed about three-and-a-half kilos. Some men also wore a metal hamlet on their head, " said Mohammed Aslam adding, "The Afghani women are very hard working and they design their own clothes, bags, hats and jewellery. The Afghani music is very lively and is called the Altaan while the most popular instrument is the Rubab."

The Global Village has something to offer to everyone; it's Dubai's very own celebration of the diversity and similarity among peoples of the world. It has come to us this year with a new logo, a new identity and at a new location with six entrances and exits and a 18,000 capacity car park to ensure easy flow of traffic. Among the special features incorporated into the new site is a 6,000 capacity amphitheatre and a 4,000sqmt man-made lake with musical fountain. The facility offers many services including the ATM machines, a pharmacy, and first-aid and information centres.

The Global Village is on until March 31, 2005.