Global Village receives 2.2 million visitors

Dubai: The Global Village has seen 2.2 million visitors in eight weeks, during its current edition, with a record number of 100,000 visitors on December 9, the second day of Eid Al Adha, officials told Gulf News.

Last year, the venue saw about 4.5 million visitors during 80 days of operation, who spent around Dh600 million in transactions, Abdul Redha Ali Bin Redha, project director of Global Village told Gulf News.

The capacity for visitors has been increased from 4.5 million to 5 million this year, in terms of facilities and security. The location has also seen an addition in land area and further investment into the infrastructure.

Bin Redha said the investment was the reason behind the increase in entry fee to Dh10 from Dh5 two years ago, and a revision in entry fee is not planned.

"We have been forced to increase the fee because we are spending on improving the facilities and developing the infrastructure. The construction has already begun to make Global Village a covered venue," he said. Global Village will continue till February 21, 2009.

"This started during the winter months, and depending on the need from the participants, if it is extended to 365 days a year, we will need to cover the place, especially for the summer," Bin Redha said.

He added that there have been a lot of requests from business to extend the days. This year, operational from November 12, the venue will welcome visitors for 102 days.

Currently, within the 31 pavilions, there are 2,600 participants, some with possibly more than one shop. Whether visitors will see additional countries representing themselves in the form of pavilions, depends on investor interest.

"Other countries are welcome to participate, but we assess their ability to operate as well as their professionalism," Bin Redha said.

Speaking of the impact of the financial crisis, Bin Redha said that a slight decrease has been felt, it has been compensated for by European tourist visitors.

"If we lose visitors on the one hand, we still have a good number," he said. A number of social responsibility activities are being undertaken.

They support small business to set up, free of charge, for women from low-income families, or those who are widowed to sell items that are home-made. The administration also helps participants with special needs.