Dubai’s leading family entertainment and cultural attraction, Global Village, has announced a host of exciting new events and attractions as its prepares to open for its longest ever season of 161 days tomorrow (October 21).

Speaking at a press conference, the Global Village management team led by CEO Saeed Ali Bin Redha said many new countries would be represented this year, together with a new weekly raffle to win a car and the opening of a specially commissioned 3D show for the leading 'family entertainment hub.'

A member of Tecom investments, the Global Village also unveiled its big plans for the 'Eid in Dubai' celebrations by extending weekend opening hours from October 21 to November 2 from 4pm to 2am.

This comes in alignment with instructions of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on extending the Eid in Dubai celebrations for continuous two weeks till November 3 and operating the shopping malls 24/7.

As an added bonus to visitors who cannot wait to experience Global Village this season, entry will be free on the first day of opening on Sunday, said Bin Redha.

Commenting on the forthcoming season, the CEO said: "Once again Global Village is proud to announce details of what we believe will be a spectacular season with additional countries represented, new visitor attractions, new prizes to win and a longer opening season than ever before."

“The Global Village team is gearing up to welcome our first visitors on October 21 and help them to enjoy and celebrate 161 consecutive days of bringing a truly global tourism experience to our local, regional and international guests,” Bin Redha stated.

The Global Village's commitment to becoming more “global” every year has been achieved once again for the 2012-2013 season with the addition of several new countries.

These include Austria, Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa plus displays showcasing a number of countries from Eastern Europe.

It takes to 37 the number of pavilions in Global Village with more than 65 countries now represented from every continent as its cultural reach and diversity continues to steadily grow, said Bin Redha.

Also a new pavilion has been set up for the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation that is participating to highlight its vision which is “pioneering initiatives for welfare” through supporting vocational projects in the UAE. The Foundation is participating this year by showcasing handcrafts and products for low income families.
 
In addition to the pavilions and new national representations visitors can sample a colourful and truly international selection of handmade goods, artifacts and tasty goodies from more than 160 kiosks at Global Village adding colour and vibrancy to the event.

3D show

On the show attractions, Bin Redha said, "One of the biggest new developments this season is that Global Village will be hosting a specially commissioned world premier 3D show in Dubai."

"And this season getting around the new and old attractions will be easier and more fun than ever before with the introduction of a European designed “mini-train” that will take parents and children on a tour around the whole of Global Village," he noted.

This season Global Village will also hold 12 weekly draws to give visitors the chance to win a Chevrolet Camaro. The draw will commence on Nov 2 and will continue until the end of the park’s operational season in March.

The draws will be conducted for 12 consecutive weekends and people can participate in the draw simply by using their entry tickets bought at the gate.  

Bin Redha also announced details of the third annual Media Award which aims to honour journalists under four categories including: Best Arabic Coverage, Best English Coverage, Best Arabic Article, Best English Article, and Best Photography in an English Publication and Best Photography in an Arabic Publication.

The Global Tradition of international dining offers a real treat for visitors this season with 25 restaurants from all over the world, in addition to many other restaurants located within the pavilions offering unique flavours and traditions from tasty sweets and snacks to more substantial fare.

Bin Redha said Global Village was one of Dubai’s biggest brands and tourism destinations, with a team of over 10,000 people working tirelessly to ensure a fantastic experience for visitors over the next 161 days.

It welcomes nearly five million visitors a year and is regarded as one of the region’s most popular homegrown tourism and cultural leisure brands.

Located on the Emirates Road for ease of access, the Global Village has parking space for 16,500 cars and entry prices will remain at Dh10 for the forthcoming season. Children less than three years old and people with special needs as well as the elderly will be given free access to the Global Village.

“Global Village is set to play a vital role once again in helping to act as a catalyst for Dubai’s ongoing growth as a major tourism attraction for regional and international visitors while offering a great day out for local residents,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service