InFocus | Dubai Shopping Festival
Most readers want free entry to Global Village
Entrance fee at Global Village is too high and admission should be free, according to a Gulf News website poll.
- By Ivan Gale, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 January 8, 2007
- More than 3,700 readers voted in a survey on the website in response to a question whether the increase in entrance fee from Dh3 last year to Dh5 this year was "high," "low," "good value" or "should be free."
- Image Credit: Gulf News
Dubai: Entrance fee at Global Village is too high and admission should be free, according to a Gulf News website poll.
More than 3,700 readers voted in a survey on the website in response to a question whether the increase in entrance fee from Dh3 last year to Dh5 this year was "high," "low," "good value" or "should be free."
The results of the reader survey showed that 60 per cent wanted entrance to be free, while 20 per cent felt the fee was high.
Interestingly, 17 per cent of the readers who voted found the fee good value and 3 per cent considered it to be low.
The Gulf News online survey attracted at least 2,000 responses more than the average daily poll, showing that the fee increase has become a hot-button issue among residents.
The fee was raised to cover the added costs of nightly entertainment, according to Ebrahim Abdul Rahim, director of Global Village.
"Five dirhams, I think is a reasonable price for all that we offer, and anybody who comes to Global Village and sees the entertainment and the crowds would realise this," he said.
While tickets are issued per person this year, Abdul Rahim said he is considering discounts for families next year.
This year's event features the addition of nightly performances at the new Global Village amphitheatre.
Every night, shows from 6 to 11pm feature entertainment such as fireworks, puppet shows, magicians and dance troupes from Russia and Kenya.
Your comments
I know that the entrance fee has increased by Dh2 compared to last year but with the things you can see and enjoy in the village, trust me, it's worth it!
Richard
Manila,Philippines
I think the fee is reasonable but there should be some kind of a barrier to prevent big crowds from entering. People should not make such a place a pastime and just go there whenever they wish. You will notice many men and boys who gather in gangs and do nothing but disturb women and girls shopping around. There should be serious buyers there and not just people who are there for sightseeing.
Osayed
Sharjah,UAE
There should not be any charge for entrance, it will attract all kinds of people especially low income level people.
Moni
Dubai,UAE
I feel Dh5 is reasonable but the government should run frequent bus services from all parts of the UAE to Global Village so that people can comfortably commute in government buses instead of depending of cabs.
C. Sridhar
Dubai,UAE
Come on, Dh5 is not bad at all. People seem to forget that if it was for free, you would find "millions" of people inside, hence you will not enjoy! It's better this way.
Shahama
Dubai,UAE
To be frank, I don't think this Dh5 entrance fee makes much difference from Dh3. And, expecting everything free of cost is human nature here but at least let's appreciate the initiative of the government to provide these opportunities to relax in the desert. Has anybody thought about the situation of people in other gulf countries where no such entertainment opportunities are available?
Ram
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Entrance should be free. We have not gone to Global Village for two years because of the entry fee.
Tina
Dubai,UAE
I think the fee is reasonable. It eliminates people who just come to harass women and also gives others space and a chance to watch and enjoy the creations.
Bushra
Sharjah,UAE
It is a festival so the entry should be free. Free entry will mean more people will gather there, so there will be more business.
R.Hashmi
Dubai,U.A.E.
I'm sure next year and later they will increase the fee to Dh10. It's just foolish and everyone knows year by year the charm of the festival is going off. There is nothing special about it anymore.
Irfan
Dubai,UAE
One really feels bad when they reach DSF after a long fight in the traffic and finds that every little thing is costing money. I decided myself that my family and I will not be visiting DSF this year. I'm sure there is a drop in number of people visiting DSF compared to previous years.
AbdulGafoor
Dubai,UAE
Global Village is nothing more than an open air mall. Do you pay to enter Mall Of the Emirates or City Center?
I don't care about 5Dhs, I earn enough. For some people 5Dhs can be a meal. Remember them, they build the shiny building and the nice houses and office your living in.
To be fair, all cost should be look upon with the lowest authorized salary in dubai in mind and not the golden package of some exec expats.
Joe
Dubai,UAE
I feel that it is already a mess over there at the Global Village. I cannot imagine how it would be if the entry was for free. My suggestion is that on Fridays it should be restricted for families only.
A. Khrais
Dubai,UAE
I think this is a good price. If we want access to a place as nice as this we should pay, plus they put on shows for the pepole and that must cost them. Pus the fire works they put on. So yes, I think Dh5 is very good. But if you have kids, they should all go in free up to a certain age.
K. Frances
Dubai,UAE
I honestly think this is getting out of hand. We don't have tax yet, so appreciate what you have. People here complain and complain, can't you all just thank God for what you have and not compare every single little thing. This is really getting out of hand.
T. B. M. Al Jafli
Dubai,UAE
For such a good event, the Dubai Government is putting in a great effort every year. I believe Dh3 or Dh5 does not really bring any major cost to anybody in Dubai. Expectation of free entry is I think really not justified, as you tell me in this world what is available for free ?
H> Sheth
Louisville,USA
As it is the government is earning a lot more through different laws that they have created. My question is: Why are fees being hiked for everything being run by the government?
Ehtesham
Dubai,UAE
Share this article
Related Articles
-
Visitor rush brings little business to Global Village
Many against entrance fee during slow start to DSF at Global Village
-
Carpet Oasis sales to reach Dh100m
Carpet Oasis sales tipped to reach Dh100m
