G – Global Village | #AtoZChallenge

G – Global Village | #AtoZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z

Global Village, as the name suggests, is an extravagant cultural, entertainment, family and shopping destination. It is a first of its kind in the region and claims to be the world’s largest tourism, leisure, shopping, and entertainment project.
The Global Village is truly global in nature as it features 30 pavilions that showcase more than 90 countries through 35,000+ shopping outlets from across the globe. It covers a massive area of 17,200,000 sq ft (1,600,000 m2), which attracts more than 5 million visitors every year. To give you an idea of the size of the village, they have about 18300 parking spots.
It is like a festival or carnival celebrating the best of culture from countries of the world when you embark on the journey through a group of pavilions. It offers unique international cuisine and breathtaking entertainment experiences across a wide range of entertaining games and interesting tours.
To give you a perspective, in the Indian context, it is like the India International Trade Fair, which usually is organized at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, where we have pavilions and stalls from different states and division of India.
Currently, in its 23^rd season, it usually begins around late October or early November and lasts till next April.
Global Village consists of fours sections namely, Events and Concerts, Carnaval, Dining and Shopping. The Carnaval features more than 60 exhilarating rides and games that can be enjoyed with the entire family. This year the event is set to host over a whopping 13,000 entertainment and cultural shows.
History
Global Village started out in the form of a number of small stalls in 1996 located on the Creek Side opposite to Dubai Municipality before being shifted to the Oud Metha Area near Wafi City for 5 years. Since then it has been its is current location and you need to take the exit 37 on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
Every year they come up with new attractions, shows and concerts – hence it is always great to visit once every year for the locals.
Pavilions
The pavilions are divided into six main regions.

• MENA: The major pavilions under it are – UAE Pavilion, KSA Pavilion, Iraq Pavilion, Yemen Pavilion, Lebanon Pavilion, Syria Pavilion, Bahrain Pavilion, Oman Pavilion, Iran Pavilion, Kuwait Pavilion, Khalifa Foundation Pavilion, Al Sanaa Pavilion, Jordan Pavilion.
• The Far East pavilion features Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Philippines.
• Europe Pavilions: Turkey Pavilion, Russia Pavilion, Europe Pavilion, Bosnia and Balkans Pavilion.
• The African pavilion represents around 15 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Angola, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Rwanda, Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa and Nigeria.
• The Americas Pavilion represents 48 countries in North and South America.
• The South Aisa Pavilion highlights experiences from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Must buy
This is the best place to buy some souvenirs, artifacts and handicrafts, as it is practically not feasible to visit these many countries.

• Yemen: The Yemeni honey is considered the best in the world.
• Iran: The best place to pick up dry fruits from including saffron.
• Morocco: Argan Oil.
• India: Antiques like wooden chests and glass work furniture.
• Africa: Handicrafts, Coffee, Shea Butter & African Black soap.
• Turkey: Rose perfume, Coffee and Turkish delight. Do try their street food.

Food and Restaurants
There are a plethora of street food options – Every nook and corner would have one. The roasted chestnuts and dynamite shrimps are a must try.
There are 23+ restaurants serving you most of the cuisines. For Indians, there is ‘Grand Barbeque’ and ‘Punjabi Village’, which was getting covered by National Geographic the day I visited.
Timings and Tickets:

• From 30th October 2018 until 13th April 2019:
• From Saturday to Wednesday from 4:00pm – 12:00am (entry gates close at 11:30pm)
• Thursday, Friday and Public Holidays from 4:00pm – 1:00am (entry gates close at 12:30am)
• Mondays are dedicated to Families and Ladies only.

Entrance: There are 2 main entry gates to Global Village Dubai – Gate of the World and Cultural Gate.
Entry Tickets: AED 15 per person per day. Children under 3, People of determination with one companion and seniors above 65 years old are given free entry to the village.
You can also go for a VIP ticket that includes car passes, entry tickets, VIP parking tickets, restaurant vouchers, circus cards and much more.
Getting There
There is no direct metro connectivity but the RTA provides the public with 4 bus routes to Global Village:

• Bus no. (102) starts from Rashidiya Metro Station.
• Bus no. (103) starts from Ittihad Station and will pass by Baniyas Street, Al Rebat Street, and Nad Al Hamar.
• Bus no. (104) starts from Al Ghubaiba Station and will pass by Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Jafiliya Metro Station, 2nd Za’Abeel Street and Dubai-AlAin Street.
• Bus no. (106) starts from Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.

The service runs from 3:15pm until 11:15pm, with 30 minutes of travel time.
Note and Tips
Get hold of a Global Village Dubai Map as soon as you enter, it makes it easier for you to plan which pavilions you want to visit.
It’s a huge place so if you are traveling with family, try to stick together.
It would be really smart if you could take a picture of the parking spot, as it might be really chaotic to find it while returning.
Global Village is the perfect and unique family destination whether you are traveling to Dubai for a holiday or settled in the region. Don’t miss it.
For all those who love family destinations,
For all those who love to try new food,
For all those who love rides,
And
For all those who love the Global Village…
It’s not a goodbye,
But it’s a GOOD BYE.
Manas ‘Sameer’ Mukul
This is the 7th post for the #AtoZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z. My theme in Travel Category is ‘Dubai – the City of Gold’, where I would be covering everything about the city in the course of 26 posts.
Read the Previous post here: Dubai – City of Gold
Please do visit tomorrow for the next post with the letter ‘H’
I am also taking part in the #AtoZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z using another theme –‘IPL – Indian Parliamentary League’. If you are keen on following key issues pertaining to the upcoming General Elections head over to the Politics Theme and share your feedback.