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Stall Owners Rue Low Turnout

DUBAI - With only 41 more days to go for this season’s activities at Global Village to come to a close, the turnout has been significantly lower than the last few years, according to stall managers.

This season’s activities started on November 11, but the 31 pavilions, 40 fun rides, Guinness Records pavilion, Jet Ski stunt show, lantern festival and other attractions have failed to draw large crowds this time.

A stall manager at the Yemeni pavilion, who did not want to be named, said, “People seem to be hesitant to spend money at the stalls.” There were more crowds during the National Day and Eid Al Adha holidays.

The turnout is good only on weekends and the place is empty during the weekdays, he said.

Sunil Bhatia, CEO of the Indian pavilion, said more than the various 
products displayed in the stalls, the crowds are attracted by the entertainment activities. “In the Indian pavilion, we have cultural performances everyday. Some performers have been brought all the way from India, and many of the schools, private institutions and local dance troupes send their children to perform at the pavilion.”

Mumsy Ameen, who is in charge of entertainment at the pavilion, said the performances go on for four hours during weekends and one-and-a-half to two hours during the week. Parents bring their children mainly for the performances and once they are over, they go to the stalls for shopping.

Sunil Bhatia said the high fees are deterring people from spending at stalls. Besides, the Dh10 entrance fee, people have to pay for entertainment at various venues. Geoffrey B., a visitor at the village, said, “When I bring my kids to Global Village, I pay an entrance fee, I pay for entertainment, I pay for shopping, and I also spend on food. It is quite an expensive affair to come here, and these are tough times, so I would not want to spend a lot.”

The venue has had many fun-filled activities from November 11. On December 31, it welcomed New Year with grand fireworks and cultural shows by Emirati, African, Nepalese, Mexican, Yemeni, Russian and Spanish artistes on World Cultural Stage.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE