Dubai Global Village is now open: a woman who has visited the park since 1996 is one of the first to run through the gates – News
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Visiting this popular winter destination once is never enough – here’s why long-time residents and first-time visitors “would never miss it for the world.”
Photo by Neeraj Murali
For Dalia M., Global Village is much more than just a place to visit. Is a feeling. Dalia was one of the first people through the doors as the entertainment destination opened its 28th season Wednesday night.
He waited in line for more than an hour to visit what he described as his “happy place.” Dalia, a resident of the United Arab Emirates since childhood, said she has visited all the Global Villages since its creation 28 years ago.
“This is a place where I have very good memories. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said, holding up the rose she received from Dubai Police officers, who were on the ground to welcome visitors. “It’s like a thrill to be here and enjoy all the lights, sounds and sights.”
Dalia, who came with a group of friends, said she tries to visit the destination as often as possible.
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“My friends and I love shopping and eating here,” she said. “We usually arrive early and stay until closing time. There are so many things you can eat and buy just in Global Village. It’s our favorite meeting place. And we spent the summer waiting for it to open.”
‘At least twice a week’
Dalia’s sentiment was shared by Emirati friends Mohammed and Badr, who toured the site a little later on Wednesday night, drinking some qahwa. “We love walking here,” Mohammed said. “Once Global Village opens, we come here at least twice a week. We love this place.”
Badr said that sometimes they came alone and sometimes with their wives. “My friends and I like to walk while our wives want to go shopping,” he said. “So, we usually split up when we get here. We walked, prayed, and then had dinner on one of the grass areas. Then we walked a little more.”
When asked what he likes most about Global Village, Mohammed said it’s the opportunity to experience so many cultures in one place. “There are so many cultures and such a variety of food,” he said. “It’s like being able to travel the world without getting on a plane.”
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