Celebrating Three Decades: Uncommon Images Trace Dubai's Global Village Evolution
In the heart of Dubai, a vibrant spectacle has been captivating visitors for over two decades. This is Global Village, a cultural extravaganza that started as a humble pop-up car park fair opposite Dubai Municipality in 1996.
Mazhar Farooqui, a multiple award-winning investigative journalist and Senior Editor at Khaleej Times, has covered Global Village's developments extensively. The first season, held in a 50,000 sq m space, drew 500,000 visitors. By 2004, the fair had expanded to 147,000 sq m, with 31 cultures represented and over three million visitors.
Global Village moved to Oud Metha in the turn of the millennium, and later to Dubai Festival City. The move to a permanent site in 2005, off Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, marked a significant leap. The new location spanned 17.2 million sq ft, providing space for giant parking lots, carnival rides, nightly fireworks, and eventually over 90 national pavilions.
One of the most iconic landmarks of Global Village is its redesigned entrance arch, which features a replica of the Burj Al Arab. The pavilions at Global Village grew bigger and bolder, featuring replicas of India's Charminar and Dutch windmills.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then Crown Prince of Dubai, visited Global Village at its Oud Metha location in 2000. He played a significant role in supporting and promoting it as a cultural and tourism project. His continued interest and support were evident as he visited Global Village during 2000 to 2004.
Over the years, Global Village has evolved from a "village" to a world in miniature. Today, it offers over 40,000 shows each season, ranging from street magicians to full-blown concerts. It has become a festival ground for headline performances by pop stars, regional icons, and surprise appearances.
The 30th season of Global Village is set to open on October 15, 2021, and will run until May 10, 2026. The pandemic temporarily halted Global Village's operations in 2020, but it quickly adapted with contactless payments, wider walkways, and themed runs.
Season 28 welcomed 10 million visitors, and Season 29 broke records with 10.5 million. As Global Village continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to Dubai's commitment to cultural diversity and tourism.
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