Dubai: Admit it, one cannot possibly cover all of the Global Village in one trip. Also, you can’t escape the dilemma which pavilion to visit first and which ones next, what to buy and what not to. Here’s help. We have picked five must-visit pavilions that you CAN check out during one trip and come away with a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
India
With over 300 stalls this year, the Indian pavilion is a hit with Global Village visitors. Cotton, silk and chiffon fabrics, traditional leather sandals, hand-painted furniture, handicrafts, jewellery, you name it and you can get it at the Indian pavilion. Hand-painted furniture can cost you between Dh300 and Dh875. Traditional nested tables and brass mounted stools range between Dh600 and Dh700. Also look out for puppet figures which are Dh50 to Dh100. Fancy silver-dipped anklets are priced between Dh10 and Dh50.
Vietnam
Enter Vietnam and the famous Non La, the traditional Vietnamese hat, is all over the place. Prices range from just Dh5 to Dh10 depending on the size. Aqua paintings on wood or bamboo (a set of four comes for Dh150) is another fast moving item at the pavilion. Traditional Vietnam figurines like the Fu, Lou and Shou (Dh250 each) – set in stone – are also among the items that will catch your attention.
China
The China pavilion spanning 5,000 square metres is bigger this year than ever before. The façade depicts a famous Beijing landmark – Tiantan. The range of items on display is sure to overwhelm you. Ethnic Chinese wear, handmade toys, silk wall hangings, exotic teas, pearl jewellery are some things to look out for at the pavilion. You can have a traditional Chinese blouse in georgette for Dh70.
Africa
The African pavilion is a mini global village in itself as it represents more than 15 countries from the continent. Hand carved artifacts with intricate designs made from ebony, mahogany, rosewood and soapstone are a key attraction here. A pair of teakwood resting chairs from Senegal costs Dh300 and a teakwood work of a village couple (160cm tall) costs Dh5,000.
Yemen
It’s hard to miss the aroma of spices as you enter the Yemen pavilion. Black raisins (Dh120 per kg), dried rose (Dh140 per kg), onion powder (Dh80 per kg), dried garlic for medicinal purpose (Dh400 per kg) are just some of the items that will arouse your curiosity. The stalls also sell a variety of honey handpicked from the mountains of Yemen. Spring honey (Dh200 per kg), Sidr honey (Dh250-Dh1,600 per kg) are clearly popular with visitors.
Who is buying what:
Hanifa Saeedi, Algerian
“I live in Abu Dhabi and visit the Global Village every year. This year I spent over Dh15,000 on Persian carpets at the Iranian pavilion, silver jewellery and hand-painted trays and furniture at the Indian pavilion.”
Abdullah Ahmad, Emirati
“This is my third visit to the Global Village. I have spent over Dh8,000 so far on clothes, footwear and handbags. One of the interesting things I picked was an antique radio with a power charger and a slot for USB sticks and mobile sim cards. I also spent quite a bit on food at the Fantasy Island.”
Harsha Khanwani and Prishti Chawla, Indian
“I bought a lovely georgette blouse from China pavilion. I also found an interesting eye-shadow palette with over 60 shades for just Dh50. It’s a real good deal. Am on a holiday here in Dubai and the Global Village has been the highlight of our visit. It’s an amazing place to shop as you get authentic things from different parts of the world.”
Hadi Mubarak, Qatari
“I bought Dh3,000 worth of things from the UAE pavilion alone. I picked up some good fabrics, lots of games for children. I also got very good deals on children’s clothes. Global Village is a heaven for shoppers.”
Adel Al Shahi, Emirati
“I spent over Dh1,500 on perfumes and special oils from the Moroccan pavilion. Am not done yet. I am visiting more pavilions and hope to pick up some value for money deals.”
