Global Village Takes Reformation Steps to Attract a Double Amount of Visitors Starting From 2005.

Photographs, Captions, and Interviews by:Mary Achkhanian

Global village, a giant world fair in Dubai that opens for four months, started in 1996 at a small site alone in Dubai Creek with 18 Kiosks and with less than 500,000 visitors. As the idea of reforming Global Village to a larger site started in 2005, moving it to Emirates road, the number of country pavilions reached up to 29, and the amount of visitors doubled over the past 15 years till today reaching 4.5 million visitors in 2011-2012.

Photos By: Mary Achkhanian

Global Village’s goal of the reformation is to attract more visitors from multiple nationalities to recognize the cultures they haven't experienced before. A big stage is set up with an African event on Wednesday the 8th for an hour, featuring Nigerian presenters. The goal is to introduce and attract more visitors to the Fair and to enjoy a multicultural experience.

Photos By: Mary Achkhanian

The Iranian village is the second most visited village by Local Emiratis. A talented Iranian singer set the night by attracting Local Emirati men to join the dance floor and dance They incorporate a Local Emirati dance with the Iranian song being performed. For Local Emiratis it is a fun activity, and being provided by a larger space encouraged them to take over the area provided to dance. Photos By: Mary Achkhanian

The Turkish Food Court Restaurant is the largest food court at Global Village specified for Turkish dishes only The court adds Turkish music at the background to inspire people, but it could be barely heard because of the crowd and amount of people that choose to eat there. Many people are encouraged to visit Global Village to try the Turkish court, and although Global Village has been moved to a far area, the huge space provided for the court has made it a targeted area for visitors.

Photos By: Mary Achkhanian

After the great reformation of Global Village and the increase in the number of Villages, the number of shop owners increased. The Pakistani village has been known for the exclusive imported products from Pakistan. People admire the village for the leather products that are available. Although Wednesdays are the least selling days for the shop owners, the salesmen attract foreigners to their shop and explain the quality of their products skillfully.

Photos By: Mary Achkhanian

One of the major parts of the reformation was taking use of the wide space and adding all types of entertainment games and rides. An Iranian family sits on the ground as a result of visiting 9 Villages. They chose to rest under the rides other than anywhere else because they could get entertained by watching people enjoy the rides and yell.

Photos By: Mary Achkhanian