Global Village to reopen in Early October

 
Global Village UAE concluded its operations in early May 2024 as the summer season approached, marking a temporary closure. However, fans of this premier multicultural family destination can look forward to its grand reopening in October 2024.
 

 

Last year, Global Village UAE welcomed visitors earlier than usual, starting from October 18. While official dates for this year’s reopening are yet to be announced, What’s On is diligently monitoring updates for any announcements.

Spanning approximately six months each season, Global Village offers ample time to experience everything on your ‘GV bucket list’. The park consistently draws millions of visitors, both residents and tourists, who flock to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere, diverse shows, enticing food stalls, and distinctive shopping experiences. The park achieved a milestone in the previous season by hosting a record-breaking 10 million visitors.

Global Village UAE is known for unveiling new attractions every season, ensuring there’s always something fresh for returning guests to explore. While details for the upcoming season are still forthcoming, the park’s commitment to refreshing its offerings promises new delights for visitors.

Beyond new attractions, Global Village’s appeal lies in its array of country pavilions, each showcasing cultural treasures through shopping, dining, and performances. From international pavilions featuring clothing, accessories, perfumes, and souvenirs to culinary delights from around the world, there’s something to please every palate and interest.

Food enthusiasts can explore Happiness Street, Railway Market, the Floating Market, and the Road to Asia, offering delicacies from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, and more.

For thrill-seekers, Global Village boasts attractions like the House of Fear, touted as the region’s scariest haunted house, and a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibit. Families can enjoy carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel, along with games and other exciting activities.

Recent additions such as a mini-golf course and Mini World, featuring miniature replicas of iconic global landmarks, enhance the park’s appeal. Entertainment is plentiful, with main stage performances, the Cyber City Stunt Show featuring flying bikes and LED-covered police cars, and lively roaming acts.

As anticipation builds for the new season, Global Village UAE promises another season of unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned for updates on what’s in store for visitors this year!

 

Carrefour to abandon Plastic Bag use

 
Carrefour, a prominent supermarket chain in Dubai, is taking a significant step towards sustainability this July by going plastic-free every Wednesday. Starting July 3rd, Carrefour will eliminate all plastic bags from its stores as part of its commitment to celebrate ‘Plastic Free July’.
 

This initiative aims to encourage shoppers to adopt more eco-friendly habits, promoting the use of reusable Juco bags.

To facilitate this transition, Carrefour is offering a 33% discount on their durable Juco bags throughout the month. Customers who bring their own bags or purchase reusable ones will also earn a bonus of 5 SHARE points. Additionally, shoppers spending over AED 40 in the fruits and vegetables section will receive complimentary bags, ensuring convenience without compromising sustainability.

This initiative aligns with Carrefour’s broader strategy to support the UAE’s sustainability goals, particularly following Dubai’s ban on single-use plastic bags introduced last June. The supermarket chain has already achieved a commendable 70% reduction in plastic usage, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Samar Elmnhrawy, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, emphasized Carrefour’s responsibility as a trusted retailer to minimize plastic consumption. With a daily influx of over 80,000 customers across its stores, Carrefour views this initiative as a pivotal opportunity to positively impact the planet and promote sustainable lifestyles for future generations.

In addition to focusing on Wednesdays, Carrefour will mark International Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3rd, further underscoring its commitment to raising awareness and fostering positive change towards a plastic-free future. These efforts are part of Carrefour’s broader environmental initiatives, which include collaborations with recycling partners like BEEAH and Sparklo. Together, they have collected over 185 tonnes of recyclable materials, preventing more than 1,140 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

As July unfolds, Carrefour invites everyone to join their movement towards a plastic-free planet by embracing reusable bags and supporting sustainable practices. This initiative not only enhances shopping experiences but also contributes significantly to environmental preservation and community well-being.

 

Dubai Road Naming Committee introduces new way to name areas in the Emirate

Dubai’s approach to road naming has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of a new methodology aimed at creating distinctive identities for its thoroughfares. Spearheaded by HE Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Chairman of the Dubai Road Naming Committee, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in aligning Dubai’s infrastructure with its heritage and future aspirations.
 

The committee’s innovative strategy combines names with numbers to simplify navigation across the emirate, adhering to the directives of Executive Council Decision No. 35 of 2021. This decision underscores Dubai’s commitment to excellence, positioning the city as a global benchmark for urban planning.

In its inaugural phase, the initiative focused on the Al Khawaneej 2 area, where streets were named after local flora such as Al Ghaf Street, linking the first and second Khawaneej areas. Other streets received names like Al Sidr, Basil, Al Faggy, Al Samr, and Al Sharish, reflecting Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and natural landscape.

Beyond enhancing navigational efficiency, these new names play a pivotal role in urban development, influencing land use and future projects within each sector and region. Road signs will incorporate distinctive characters associated with each name, facilitating easy identification and navigation for residents and visitors alike.

Moreover, the committee aims to foster community engagement by inviting residents to propose names that resonate with the natural features or predominant activities of their respective areas. This participatory approach ensures that local voices are heard and reflected in the city’s evolving urban fabric.

Established under the auspices of Executive Council Decision No. 35 of 2021, the Dubai Road Naming Committee comprises representatives from Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, along with specialized experts from across Dubai. Together, they oversee the naming process, review previous designations, and ensure that each road name contributes meaningfully to Dubai’s urban landscape and cultural identity.

As the initiative progresses, the committee plans to expand its public engagement efforts, inviting further input from residents to enrich Dubai’s road naming tradition. This collaborative approach not only strengthens community ties but also reinforces Dubai’s reputation as a forward-thinking city committed to innovation and inclusivity in urban development.