Dubai: Global Village has broken all records by welcoming more than six million guests during its 22nd season.
The announcement was made during the Global Village awards ceremony, which honoured its partners, government authorities and members of the media who contributed to the success of its biggest season to date, which concluded on April 7.
Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and President of the National Olympic Committee, honoured the winners.
Gulf News’ Jumana Khamis won the ‘Best Article in English’ award, for her story titled ‘Vendors from conflict zones show their best at Global Village.’ The story highlighted the journeys of vendors travelling from areas of conflict such as Syria and Yemen to Dubai to participate in Global Village.
The Africa pavilion won the ‘Best Pavilion Award’ for its unique cultural and entertainment experiences, while the Iran Pavilion won the ‘Best Pavilion Facade’ for showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The Morocco Pavilion won the ‘Best Handicrafts’ award while the Indian Pavilion won the ‘Best Cultural Show’ award.
“We thank all reporters, photographers and media organisations who have contributed and continue to contribute to bringing Global Village events to the public,” said Bader Anwahi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Village.
In the food and beverage sector, the popular Cheese Wheel Pasta kiosk won the ‘Best Kiosk Award’ while restaurant Bosnian Kebab won the ‘Best Restaurant Award’, for serving the most delectable kebabs.
Meanwhile, Zalatimo Brothers won the ‘Best Retail Award,’ and the Fire Noodles Challenge kiosk won the ‘Best SME kiosk’.
Themed ‘Come Experience the World,’ the 22nd season reported Dh2.9billion in financial transactions, and hosted more than 10,000 exhibitors from more than 75 countries showcased in 27 pavilions.
The multicultural festival park also successfully maintained a score of 9 over 10 in its Guest Happiness Index, for the third consecutive year.
Anwahi announced that Global Village will open its doors for the 23rd season from October 30 to April 6, 2019.
Story behind the story
Gulf News’ Jumana Khamis, who won the ‘Best Article in English’ award, for her story titled ‘Vendors from conflict zones show their best at Global Village’, said: “I wrote the story to highlight the journeys of three humble and brave men whose sense of determination, optimism and love for trade, landed them a kiosk at Global Village year after year. Despite the distress and heartache they may be experiencing back home, these vendors displayed nothing but courage, pride and wit when dealing with their customers at Global Village. While missing home, they continue to spread the message of peace during difficult times of conflict around the world. Selling everything from handcrafts to traditional jewellery, their next goal is to secure a way to return to Dubai later this year and participate at their favourite festival, Global Village.”
