In Focus | Dubai Shopping Festival 2012
Rich heritage on show at Arab pavilions
Handicrafts, folkloric performances, cuisine, fashion, books, films and personal products reflect long tradition.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:48 February 15, 2009
- Image Credit: Atiq-Ur-Rehman/Gulf News
- A vendor waits for customers at the Pakistan Pavilion in The Global Village during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Dubai: Global Village, member of Tatweer Dubai and the premiere tourism destination in the heart of Dubailand, once again brought to its patrons the annual cultural and entertainment festivities.
Park goers delighted in 31 pavilions shopping for products that are authentic from the participating countries. Global Village continues till February 21.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has one huge pavilion located near the UAE Pavilion. It has approximately 84 shops that sell various goods that make visitors see and feel the traditional Arabic culture. Authentic Oud, Arabic perfumes, dates and sweets are available at the pavilion. Prayer beads, accessories, and jewellery are also attractions in addition to household handicrafts like furniture, decorative items, ornaments and vases.
Moreover, the taste of Arabic culture does not end with the products that are being sold within the pavilion. Every night there are at least three shows with folkloric bands of 20 members that perform songs and dances. The performance of this band reflects the country's heritage and traditions.
Meanwhile, Jordan Pavilion, has almost 48 shops that provide different products and services to the visitors of Global Village. Handmade traditional abayas, Middle Eastern garments, vests, jackets and belts attract visitors.
Jordan has been part of the Dubai Shopping Festival for a long time, offering a glimpse of the rich Arab heritage.
The famous Palestinian scarves are also offered to everyone's liking. Accessories, jewellery shops, and cosmetic goods like body lotion, soap, hand cream, perfume and make-up fill the stalls. Children's garments, books and educational CDs and DVDs are also available. Handicrafts and home furniture items can also be found.
Diners can find various treats in the pavilion. At the entrance to the Jordan Pavilion, there stands a small kiosk where people can buy and taste the Arabic coffee. An Arabic restaurant is one among many shops that sell Arabic candies and sweets, olives, dates and biscuits.
