Written by: Farheen Abdullah
Posted on: December 02, 2019 | 
| 中文
The Pakistani Pavilion (photo credits to the writer)
It is no secret that Dubai is a famous tourist spot, and with attractions like Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari along with its beaches and malls, the city is on every traveler’s wish-list. Besides its numerous charms, Dubai hosts its Global Village Festival every year, from October to April. Currently hosting its 24th iteration, Global Village is one of Dubai’s biggest seasonal attractions, and the world’s leading multicultural festival park.
Global Village started out as a display of multiple tiny kiosks in 1996, as a way to showcase and celebrate traditional crafts and products of the people who lived in Dubai. Later, it shifted to the Oud Metha Area, near Wafi City for 5 years. Now, Global Village has about 6-7 million annual visitors on average at its current, permanently-built location on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The Ceramic Ware at the Turkey Pavilion (photo credits to the writer)
Entrance to the Chinese Pavilion (photo credits to ecstatic_traveller1707 on Instagram)
With a ticket price of 15 AED, not only is the Village economical, but it is also welcoming for all ages and groups. The fair features 26 pavilions, showcasing the diverse handicrafts, cuisines, performances, and merchandise of countries from all over the world. Some of the notable editions featured in the current event are United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Pakistan, Egypt, China, Japan, Iran, Morocco, Syria, Turkey, Thailand, and Lebanon.
The Global Village opens from 4 pm and can last well into the night, captivating its visitors from the moment they step on its premises. With fixtures such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Taj Mahal amongst others, Global Village presents its visitors with a multi-sensory experience. Not only do the people feel that they are experiencing a world-tour via all the fascinating replicas of monuments, but they can also hear and smell the songs and foods famous in these countries.
Hand crafted baskets at the African Pavilion (photo credits to the writer)
While the park gives its attendees the budget-friendly option to bring their own food, it may be a better option to try ethnic food from all the different kiosks. A floating market also offers food and merchandise market on boats, for those who wish to experience something unique. But if one does not want to eat or shop, the Village can simply act as a picnic spot during the cool winter nights, sitting on the grass with music and lights all around.
Carousel at the Global Village (photo credits to ecstatic_traveller1707 on Instagram)
The Carnival offers rides and arcade games for both adults and children. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! is this year’s latest addition at Global Village. It houses bizarre objects, oddities and memorabilia from all over the world, alongside the village’s other stunt and circus shows.
Perhaps the best section to visit at the Village is the African pavilion. With a stunning façade, the African team has paid the utmost attention to detail, and has utilized every inch of their space efficiently. With a green ground, canopies hanging from the roof, a map of Africa depicting the country’s natural reserves, the pavilion allows guests a sneak peak into the wealth of the continent. There are also live performances, full of energy and colours, while organic products and indigenous items are readily available.
The African Pavilion (photo credits to the writer)
The Chinese Pavilion, in particular, was a place where attendees could find budget-friendly and attractive products. But the Pakistani diaspora is sure to be thrilled to find gol gappay at the Pakistani pavilion, a delicacy that is not otherwise easy to spot in Dubai. However, while the previous edition of Global Village showcased khussay shoes, bangles, and Multani pottery, the current Pakistani Pavilion seems like the country has little to offer, besides the conventional leather goods and wedding dresses, and carpets.
Wall Art at the Pakistani Pavilion (photo credits to ghazalsalim on Instagram)
It was a little disappointing to notice that the European Pavilion turned out to be quite underwhelming. While the continent probably has the most famous tourist features in the world, the attempt to homogenize and generalize Europe into one restricted space felt like wasted potential.
As a whole, Global Village is a place that locals and tourists should both visit, as it offers entertainment and opportunities to interact with different cultures in a particular space. And perhaps this is due to Dubai’s own cosmopolitan make-up, which ensures that authentic crafts and traditions are accurately represented within this global village
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