Global Village marks Expo win with cultural parade

11-day fun-filled activities begin as part of National Day celebrations at Global Village.

Global Village, the emirate’s leading family entertainment and cultural hub, began its National Day celebrations with a cultural parade around the theme park on Thursday.

Ahmed Hussain bin Essa, Executive Director of Operations at Global Village, said the parade was in celebration of Dubai’s win dramatic win over other countries in its bid to host World Expo 2020.

All 30 pavilions participated in the parade with their dancers and drum players. A wide array of acrobatic performers also came along to bring out the carnival atmosphere.

With UAE flags and banners reading “Dubai Expo 2020” being waved in the air, Global Village called on visitors, performers and pavilions to join in the cultural parade to mark Dubai’s Expo 2020 win and as the kick-off event of the 11-day UAE National Day festivities.

A fair of more than 50 fun rides and skills games are also there with dedicated shows for families and children during the National Day celebrations.

Paul Grinnall, manager of Mellors Entertainment LLC, this year’s new fun fair operator with 100 years of history in London, said that the Global Village ground has been turned into a ‘Fantasy Island” with “Sky Swing”, “River Jungle” and “Octopus” as most popular fun rides among kids. “Sky Wheel”, a thrill show, is performing three times a day while street shows featuring Street Lamp Acrobatics and US Breakdancers are performing at Global Village daily. “Orbis’’, a kids show, is on World Culture Stage, also three times daily.

Famous local bands, like Ayollah Band and Liwa Band’ are also presenting Emiratic folkloric shows daily until December 3, between 5pm and 10pm. Their shows are performed at Gate 1 and around the park.

The 18th edition of Global Village, which started on October 5, will continue for 148 days, spanning Eid Al Adha, UAE National Day, and throughout the DSF period from January 2 to February 2.

Aside from the 30 pavilions, a total of 12,000 shows, 25 restaurants, 170 kiosks, 19 retailers and exclusive concerts, traditional dances and performances await all visitors. Some 17,000 parking lots are there for those who are coming with their cars.— lily@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE