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It feels safe in Dubai, say New Year's Eve revellers

Photo by Juidin Bernarrd/Khaleej Times
Photo by Juidin Bernarrd/Khaleej Times

Dubai - Fatima from Pakistan had gotten her three kids to Dubai for the first time in this season and chose to celebrate the new year at Global Village.

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by

Suneeti Ahuja Kohli

Published: Thu 31 Dec 2020, 10:07 PM

The year 2020 was unusual, one that separated many families and kept them apart for months at a stretch. But with the situation improving, many got the confidence to hop on flights and get united with their loved ones again. On December 31 it was a delight to see tourists and residents ringing in the new year in Global Village (GV) with their friends and families for company. The air was filled with laughter and giggles.

Fatima from Pakistan had gotten her three kids to Dubai for the first time in this season and chose to celebrate the new year at Global Village. “I was born and raised in Dubai and now I am settled in Lahore. I’d always wanted to get kids to GV but because of schools, we never got a chance. This time because online education, we are here and they are loving it. It feels safe,” she says.

Most residents and tourists echoed similar sentiments. “I am a resident of Dubai for many years and my family is scattered in Bahrain and the Philippines. This year I decided to call them all here in Dubai to celebrate the New year together. GV is a fun destination for families and they have Covid safety protocols in place which is good,” said Husam.

Visitors had started queueing at Global Village before the gates opened at 4, and many of them were carrying their picnics and rugs with them, all set to enjoy the lovely weather and the fireworks. “I have been coming to GV for last four years to celebrate the new year. It’s relaxing, the weather is usually nice and I get to spend time with wife, which makes this moment special,” said Ferdinand who was at GV with Roselie Sorieno perched on a chair with a coffee in hand.

There is hope that the vaccine will work and even with the news of new strain surfacing, many visitors here at GV exuded confidence saying difficult time has passed. Masks might remain with us for some more time, but on the whole, covid safety protocols will sail us all through. That’s the message from a lot of people in Dubai.

sunneti@khaleejtimes.com

Suneeti Ahuja Kohli

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