Global Village turns 30: How live music parades, stalls lit up evening for visitors
For visitors, it seemed more like a weekend today. Right after the park gates opened, thousands of visitors, including families and tourists, flocked to the park to experience the season’s first night of shopping, food and fun.
There was a beautiful parade, which kicked off right on time at 6pm, with over 20 different shows lighting up the main avenue, including dancers in colourful costumes grooving to live music.
There was also a special Dubai Police band parade, with traditional Emirati beats and a convoy of their supercars, sports bikes and bicycles.
Once the parade concluded, visitors made their way to the pavilions to check out what’s new for the season. From Asia to Europe, there was a bit of everything, including handmade crafts, traditional clothing, gadgets and even home furnishings.
“This is our first visit to Global Village this season. Every year we discover new things and throughout the season we always get something for us, our home and our relatives in our hometown,” said Sara A, a JVC resident visiting with her son and her brother’s family. “I noticed there are some new food outlets and they have also upgraded some of the pavilions, it’s nice to see that they keep upgrading things.”
Shopping was high on most visitors’ agenda. “I am here to look at some new items at the Turkish and Indian pavilions,” said Ruksana Khan, who came with her family. “We purchased some clothes and handmade items. The prices are reasonable and the quality is good.”
The aroma of food wafted in the air as night fell. Lines began to snake outside food stalls serving grilled meat, shawarmas, and fries. “People started arriving soon after the parade. The response has been very good today. We did not expect so many people to visit. Everyone seems to like our steaks,” said Ali Hasan, a steak stall owner.
After a filling meal, many made their way to dessert. Some stopped at a Barakat counter to sample their new ice creams, a new offering at Global Village. “We have brought our range of fresh fruit ice creams for the first time here.
These ice creams have fruits covered in chocolate, which is in turn covered in the ice cream,” said Deepak T, business development manager at Barakat. “The response has been very good. Families are enjoying the new flavours, especially the tropical ones.”
Children too had their fun. The play area was alive with glee as they took part in go-karting, small rides, and games. Parents kept a watchful eye from nearby benches and clicked photos as their children screamed in delight.
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