Cultures of 39 nations beckon visitors to Global Village

And as an integral part of the festival since inception, the Global Village too has been representative of the Dubai Shopping Festival's standing as the one and only festival that brings the world together.

The cultures of the world set apart the Global Village, for here you get insights into the ways of life, cuisine, traditions and the cultures of people from countries far and wide. And at DSF 2006, 39 pavilions of different nation are all set to bring forth an array of attractions like never before.

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao's, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, S. Africa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Yemen and the UAE are the 39 countries having stalls that showcase unique aspects of their national heritage and values like no other.

Add to that what the Global Village conjures up - visions of world cultures coming together, of a singular setting where manmade barriers disappear, where visitors get a rare and radiant glance at traditions and arts of countries far and wide away, insights into the cultures of varied continents - and the pictures intensifies.

Going to Global Village has been so rightfully described as a journey around the world. For from ancient Syrian architecture to Kenyan masks, Indian folk forms to Iranian coloured glass, it's all there, at the Global Village, as the 39 national pavilions showcase the arts, culture and cuisines of the world, with artistes and craftsmen getting a chance to exhibit their talents.

In many ways, the concept of the Dubai Shopping Festival - as an event that goes beyond a shopping extravaganza and into the realms of an experience par none - is epitomised in the Global Village. For the kiosks of varied nations apart, the Global Village is also an entertainment bonanza, with a plethora of entertainment arcades, concerts by globally renowned artistes and a 4,000 square metre man-made lake with musical fountains and laser shows. The Global Village also hosts its own fireworks from time to time.

Over 75 kiosks bring alive the unique skills of artistes from around the world, offering visitors an immeasurable choice of cultural artifacts. And over 50 diverse restaurants cater to aficionados of fine exotic cuisine, while the 'Fun Area', with its giant wheels, thrill rides and instant prizes, will ensure a true adrenalin rush.

The Global Village, which opened to the world on October 26 2005, will run until March 3, 2006.

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2006 runs between January 4 and February 4, 2006.