Record 400,000 flock to Global Village on National Day break

Dubai - On December 2 and 3, the village welcomed over 200,000 guests.

A record 400,000-plus people visited the Global Village in Dubai during the UAE National Day holiday. On December 2 and 3, the village welcomed over 200,000 guests.
Extended opening hours and an array of National Day parades and celebration events, coupled with spectacular shows and entertainment from around the world, made the Global Village one of the most popular destinations in the UAE during the break.
The UAE flag adorned the main entrance of the attraction, the 'Gate of the World', and the staff gave visitors UAE national colours-themed scarves.
Thousands of people flocked to the main performance stage at the heart of the park to hear Emirati artist Adel Ibrahim perform a number of his famous songs, such as "Ah Ya London" and "Dani Dan" on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, another popular Emirati artist, Harbi Al Amri, sang about his love for the UAE.
On Friday, a special National Day parade featured representatives from more than 75 countries that are participating in the 20th season of the Global Village.
Ahmad Hussain bin Essa, chief executive officer of the Global Village, said: "We are ... proud to have attracted a record breaking number of guests at the Global Village to join us in celebrating the UAE's 44th National Day and enjoy the special festivities and atmosphere we created for this occasion.
"This was by far the busiest period we have enjoyed during our already hugely successful 20th season. It reflects the continuing and growing popularity of what we have to offer to our local, regional and international guests."
The National Day events also saw the opening of a special exhibition space to showcase the results of the Global Village's 'Project Dirham' art initiative that has engaged with 15,000 students from 70 schools in the UAE. The students took part in colouring more than 1,500 metal plates that carried Emirati symbols inspired by the dirham coin which are the traditional falcon, dhow, dallah and oryx. All of the artworks were compiled into a 4.5 metre by 10 metre art installation.
The Global Village, in association with the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, also hosted a number of Emirati bands that performed a range of traditional local dances, including Yolla and Ayala throughout the festival period.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE