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As a former radio presenter and someone who was known in the public relations industry in Pakistan, Pak expat Nasim Durrani always nurtured a desire to see and experience the different cultures of the world. However, caught up with responsibilities during his youth, Durrani couldn't explore much until he came to Dubai in 2012. Now at the age of 75, although his spirit was still free and young, and he had all the time and money to explore the world, but the debilitating effects of aging and a fall that caused spine injury, restricted his movement.
And just when he lost all hope of experiencing different cultures, cuisine, craft and specialties of the world, his son took him to the Global Village. " I felt this was another world, and that the world had shrunk and brought before my eyes. I could never imagine I would get a chance to see cultures of places like China, Africa, America, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria even in my lifetime the way Im seeing them here."
A number of expatriate senior citizens said it was the respect, facilities and the experience at the multicultural festival park that made them beat all odds and walk around much of the 1.6 million square meter arena.
Indian expat Bharti Sharma, in her 60s, who has been in Dubai since 2011, said visiting the Global Village has given her a chance to actually see and experience the faraway lands and culturs she had always read about since childhood. "I was fascinated to see the first multi-cultural floating market in the world, giving a chance to taste popular cuisine from more than 38 outlets on boats, bank-side kiosks, and Tuk-Tuks; the dancing fountains, the Gate of the World entrance where we saw mini versions of landmark buildings of the world such as Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower and more. And of course for us seniors who love tea, there were ample of Karak tea stalls sprinkled around the arena. I visit Global Village almost once in two weeks and it rejuvenates me."
Lauding the concept of bringing all the world's cultures together on one platform, expat DN Kapoor, 63, hailing from Lucknow, said: "The thought process behind Global village is noble as it aims to bring the world together, uniting all and presenting them on one platform, one place and this is what the world needs. This very thought itself speaks volumes about the Dubai government and its vision. It is not only a treat for the eyes but also promotes the culture of tolerance by giving people an insight into other cultures, their lifestyles, traditions, highlighting the uniqueness of all the nationalities of the world and their cultures."
Red carpet welcome for seniors
Wife of Durrani, also sharing the same name as her husband however spelled a bit differently - Naseem, said: " The respect with which we were treated at the Global Village just got us all very emotional. There is a separate entrance for senior citizens with a red carpet spread to welcome us. As soon as we entered we were received warmly by the staff who first offered us some Arabic coffee and dates. I mean we don't get so much respect and welcome in our own countries but here the government takes care of these small things and it brings us immense happiness. We feel valued and loved."
Durrani's wife said: "I have always been fond of Turkish crockery but never got a chance to go there. To my delight the first pavilion that came as we entered was the Turkish pavilion and it was such a visual treat. In every pavilion we got such an immersive experience in terms of understanding their way of life, culture, language, clothes, crafts and cuisine that I think even if we had visited their country personally, it would give us this good an idea about their lifestyle in a short period.
Pointing at another facility for senior citizens that is quite crucial for the elderly, 65 year old expat Devendra Sinha, who is a Dubai resident for the last five years, said the easy availability of wheel chairs as well as benches made across the village has helped seniors get adequate rest at short intervals before pavilion hoping. We managed to stay from 4pm until the around midnight, moving about comfortably on foot by walking for short intervals and then sitting at the benches and sitting areas across the facility. And with the perfect weather, fresh air, we did not feel tired at all."
Bader Anwahi, CEO of Global Village, said: "At this year's GV, the organisers have added eight new bridges that replicate the most famous architectural icons around Global Village. Also the multi-use walkway has been enhanced with new, attractive green spaces and beautiful fountains with additional seating areas."
The season 23 of GV runs until April 13 and is replete with cultural performances, entertainment events and surprises every day. Global Village is open from 4 pm to 12 am from Saturday to Wednesday and from 4 pm to 1 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays. On Mondays, it is dedicated to families and women only.
Since the Durrani's migrated from India to Pakistan in their childhood, they fondly remember India as their place of birth but due to political tensions didn't get chance to visit it again.
Durrani's wife Naseem said: " I had always heard beautiful stories about how they have this puppet shows in Rajasthan which I finally witnessed at the Indian pavilion at Global Village. It is called the Katputli dance - which means dance of puppets - which is an ancient form of entertainment where puppetters would make the puppets that has strings attached to them dance on music. While being entertained at the show.
Getting a bit emotional, Naseem said: "It was my childhood dream of seeing this show that finally was fulfilled here at Global Village. Also when the shopkeepers at the India pavilion learnt that me and my husband are from Pakistan, they expressed so much happiness and went out of their way to show their hospitality by taking us around the pavilion and clicking pictures with us. I will never forget the way I experienced India culture here."
Summing up his experience in one phrase, her husband Nasim Durrani said: "Although it is impossible to put my experience in words but I'd like sum up my GV experience as - 'Around the world in nine hours'. I've seen movies and documentaries of how people would set world records by travelling across the globe in few months but GV which houses 27 pavilions I managed to get an in-depth knowledge of different countries free of cost and in just nine hours (4pm to 1am). I had never thought I would get to try the authentic cuisines of places like Bosnia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan."
Pointing out at the spirit of resilience that GV displays, Durrani concluded by adding: " I was happy to see the participation of countries like Syria and Yemen that are going through a rough time. This is inspiring and this is why Global Village is truly a place to come and feel positive and happy about the world as through this platform they encourage one and all to come and look at the brighter side of the world."
saman@khaleejtimes.com
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