Global Village welcomes visitors on first day

Dubai: Global Village opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, welcoming them to experience a cultural journey around more than 75 countries this year.

The region’s largest outdoor family destination and theme park has returned with its tradition of funfair, excitement and entertainment to mark its 20th season, in addition to significant enhancements to maximise visitors’ experience.

Running for 159 days, the park, with its 32 pavilions this year and expanded line-up of attractions, concerts and shows, is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

Entry to the theme park on its opening day was free for visitors, who also got to be the first to try the new trains that have been set up to pick up visitors to and from the car park to the new iconic entrance ‘Gate of the World’ for free. The gate is said to be the largest gate in Global Village’s history, featuring 40 turnstile entrances and 40 ticketing counters.

This year’s significant improvements and highlights range from infrastructure enhancements, such as additional grass seating areas and stage enhancements to exciting new shows and artists.

Global Village’s programmes for this season have been organised to entertain both adults and children. Some of the top shows listed include The Fiestaval and Dreams, LED Mono-velos, Bollywood musical, Hollywood Stunt show, UFO show and The Jet Ski show. Details and timings of the shows can be found on their website.

This season, countries such as Russia and Japan have joined the long list of country pavilions at Global Village, making the theme park ever more global. Indonesia and Palestine have also been brought back.

All pavilion facades have been redesigned to provide better representation of the culture and heritage of their countries.

The other pavilions taking part in Global Village will be Afghanistan, Africa, America, Bahrain, China, Egypt, France, Germany and UK pavilion, Tunisia, India, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Spain, Malaysia and Singapore pavilion, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, UAE and Yemen, in addition to Khalifa Foundation and Fursati pavilions.

Organisers revealed other new additions to the ever growing park like the newly introduced rides, which include Crazy Golf (Children Ride); Cape fear Ghost Train (Family Ride) and Loop fighter (Thrill Ride).

They also announced a new friendly ticketing system where tickets to the park can be bought online or on a Global Village smartphone application.

In addition to the pavilions and shows, visitors can sample a colourful and truly international selection of handmade goods, artefacts and tasty goodies from over 100 kiosks at Global Village, adding colour and vibrancy to the event.

Global Village celebrated UAE Flag Day at noon on Tuesday by hoisting the UAE flag in front of its management building.

The celebration came in response to the call of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to raise flags on all buildings across the country.

Ahmad Hussain Bin Eisa, chief executive officer of Global Village, and the Global Village team gathered in front of the management building to raise the flag.

“We proudly raise the UAE flag today in expression of our national unity and recognition of the wise leadership of the country,” Bin Eisa said. “This is an act that shows our loyalty and sense of belonging to the UAE, as well as our appreciation of the massive efforts our country exerts for the well-being and happiness of all UAE nationals and residents. Our flag stands as a symbol of unity and solidarity.”

Box:

Timings - November 3, 2015 to April 9, 2016

SATURDAY TO WEDNESDAY:

4PM TO 12AM

THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

4pm TO 1am

MONDAY IS A FAMILY DAY (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS)

Entrance Fee: Dh15 (However, children under three years of age. people with special needs and their companion, and people over 65 years old may visit free of charge)

Number of pavilions this year: 32

Themed food and beverage kiosks: 100