Dubai: The 13th edition of the Global Village, one of Dubai's biggest annual entertainment extravaganzas, opens on Wednesday and will have an extended run of 102 days until February 21, 2009.
A total of 31 country pavilions and 120 kiosks will go on display but the revised ticket price of Dh10, up from last year's Dh5, is not the brightest part.
Some Gulf News online readers reacted with dismay at the sharp increase in the ticket price.
"Entry fee at Global Village has become really expensive. It started off without entrance fees, later the fees were raised to Dh5 and now they are charging Dh10," commented Kazala from Dubai.
"It is unfair that the entrance fee has been raised to Dh10," said Mohammad.
Abdul Redha Ali Bin Redha, project director of Global Village, explained during the press conference on Monday that the Dh10 increase could not be helped if quality was to be maintained.
"The increased rate for the 2007-2008 season will surely give great value to the visitors. Global Village has added more attractions and entertainment for the people to have a great time," said Bin Redha.
Crowd-puller
One of the new attractions and entertainment features is the Guinness World Records Pavilion, which allows visitors to observe and participate in the setting of world records.
Another crowd-puller especially for younger visitors, is the Little Big Club, a new brand devised by HIT Entertainment, which is making its world debut at Global Village.
The Little Big Club combines the characters of Barney the Dinosaur, Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, and Ping in an entertainment extravaganza for children.
Other attractions include Freej Meet and Greet; Shabia; Lantern Festival (Festival of Lights); Jet Ski Stunt Show, The Wheel event, Cultural Stage, Roaming Park Wide Entertainment, Special Events Tent, Boats and spectacular fireworks displays.
