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Shopping for curios, family entertainment, mouth-watering cuisine and an enlarged Carnaval funfair area await you at the 23rd edition of Global Village

by

Suchitra Steven Samuel

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Published: Fri 30 Nov 2018, 10:13 AM

Last updated: Tue 4 Dec 2018, 12:27 PM

It is hard to take in the fact that 22 editions of the Global Village are in the past and now it's time for the 23rd season. Interestingly, over the years, there have been constant improvements to add to the festive fun. 'Explore, Experience, Enjoy. This Way!' is the theme for 159 days of fun and entertainment. The event that opened its doors on October 30 this year, will go on till April 6, 2019.
There are several highlights this season. Twenty-seven new pavilions represent 78 countries with stunning exteriors that reflect the world's distinguishing landmarks. Music, stalls, street food and local handicrafts, as well as vendors dressed in traditional costumes, add to the lively atmosphere. Each pavilion has its popular markets, authentic products, heritage corners and cultural performances.
For the young at heart, there are new, fun-filled attractions and activities with a dedicated interactive theatre, hosting a variety of events and workshops for children, as well as the Globo store offering an array of gifts and souvenirs that are popular with kids.
The Emirati Cultural zone includes the UAE Pavilion, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation Pavilion and Al Sanaa Pavilion run by the Ministry of Community Development. The "Live our Heritage" festival features the best of Emirati culture and craftsmanship and is hosted by Dubai Culture in the heart of Cultural Square.
The funfair Carnaval is back with six new rides, 100 video games and an enlarged gaming area that includes many new interactive games. Over 31 rides for children and families and more than 30 games that test different skillsets ensure a fun-filled evening. The Wheel of the World is redesigned and features an enormous, 50-metre LED screen covering the 58-metre frame to beam a multitude of stunning displays including live scenes, shows and views of Dubai.
Inspired by the theme, games and rides inside Carnaval are named after the world's famous cities. Rides in Carnaval are divided into children's rides, family rides and thrill rides for adrenaline seekers. Presented in an innovative design with colourful backgrounds, cheerful lighting and fast-moving tunes, Carnaval continues to be a favourite with visitors.
Improvements reflect its cultural and family ethos. The multi-purpose walkway has been enhanced with attractive green spaces and beautiful fountains with additional seating areas that allow families to take in the panoramic views. Besides, wide corridors, service buildings and prayer rooms have been developed and equipped to add convenience.
New bridges over the lakes make it easier for people of determination to cross. They have distinctive designs that reflect well-known bridges from around the world. The stunning lake has dancing fountains with fire and water shows and has the largest underwater screen.
As for cuisines, 150 food and beverage outlets serve food buffs. You can sample flavours from the world with 23 restaurants and cafes offering meals from Mexico, the Gulf and Cuba. Try flavours from Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Italy, Afghanistan and China as well as Emirati cuisine. If street food is your cup of tea, then try out the world's best street food at kiosks that offer a wide range of authentic snacks, sweets and beverages, many of which are available only at Global Village. One of the biggest surprises for diners this season is the floating market on the lake bringing favourite cuisines from more than 38 outlets on boats, bank-side kiosks, and Tuk-Tuks.
Entertainment shows feature over 100 professional performers selected after auditioning around 3,000 performers including those from the UAE, London, Ukraine, Colombia, India and China.
Every Friday night, at 9pm, the concert stage comes alive with free entertainment. Stars will be taking to the stage with a series of 23 scheduled concerts including live performances by Jason Derulo, Elissa, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Neha Kakkar, Mohammed Munir, Rabeh Saqer and more.
The first full-scale vehicle stunt show, the superloop, features breathtaking performances by around 30 professional stunt men and women. The team is managed by Terry Grant, who holds more than 25 records in the Guinness Book of Records. The team is supported by technicians and safety officials who utilise world-class technology to create special effects created for audiences. Dare-devils on motorbikes and high-performance vehicles are set to inspire.
The favourite circus show is back to thrill all age groups. It is a guaranteed family favourite, and is all set to enthral with talented performers from around the globe setting out a dazzling display of acrobatics and circus tricks.
Dubai Taxi Corporation and Careem provide excellent transportation services to visitors to and from Global Village. There are four RTA bus routes from Dubai to Global Village, from Al Rashidiya Metro Station, Al Ittihad Station, Al Ghubaiba Station and Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.
The main entrances and parking areas have been improved with new traffic signs and routes to ease traffic congestion. Public transport vehicles now have dedicated lanes to reduce congestion further.
- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com


Global Village Season 23
No. of Days: 159
Dates: October 30, 2018, to April 6, 2019
Time: 4pm-midnight, Saturday to Wednesday
4pm to 1am on Thursday, Friday and public holidays
Mondays: Dedicated to families and women only
Ticket price: Dh15

Highlights
.    Multicultural floating market in the world
.    Eight new bridges that replicate the world's famous architectural icons
.    All new interactive theatre for kids
.    Around 100 interactive video games and more than 30 rides for children and families
.    A fiery musical fountain for the first time in the UAE
.    The Wheel of the World returns with a record-breaking screen
.    The largest Emirates pavilion

Stay connected with Global Village at:
-    Website: www.globalvillage.ae
-    Facebook: Global Village AE
-    Twitter: @GlobalVillageAE
-    Instagram: @GlobalVillageUAE
-    Snapchat: @GlobalVillageME

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