New attractions for the 30th season of Global Village has been revealed ahead of its October 15 opening. The popular family attraction in Dubai, which closes every summer, is marking a milestone year this year, and will run until May 10.
Since opening in 1997, the theme park has become one of the most popular attractions in the country and welcomed a record-breaking 10.5 million visitors last season.
Among new attractions this year is Gardens of the World, an area filled with exotic arrangements of flowers and landmarks from around the world. Located in front of the Egypt pavilion and extending all the way to the Iran pavilion, the nature-focused space is designed for leisurely strolls and family relaxation.
The Dragon Kingdom, an interactive walk-through experience with 11 themed rooms, will also be launched. In this attraction, guests will be introduced to a mythical world called Blackstone Hollow, where they have to help the last dragon Ignis recover his lost power by solving puzzles and uncovering clues. Each room will offer a different challenge and atmosphere, blending fantasy, mystery and adventure.
Later in the season, younger visitors can also look forward to The Little Wonderers at Carnaval, an illuminated indoor adventure park featuring multi-level obstacle courses, climbing structures, slides, ball pits, tunnels and challenges.
The Main Stage, which has featured many performances and celebrity appearances, has also been transformed for the new season, and will be bigger and better with greater capacity than before. In the previous season, Egyptian artist Amr Diab, Iraqi singer and actress Rahma Riad, Egyptian star Tamer Hosny and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan were among many to take the stage.
The dragon at the centre of the lake has also been upgraded with new fire effects.
Other expansions include the Fiesta Street for food, while The Railway Market has now been renamed Dessert District, and promises visitors the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy pictures.
How much do Global Village tickets cost?
Tickets cost Dh25 from Sunday to Thursday, and Dh30 on Friday and Saturday. Entry is free for under-threes and ages 65 and above, as well as people of determination. Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families, except for public holidays.
VIP Packs are also on sale starting at Dh1,800 for the Silver Pack, which offers several entry tickets, parking benefits and attraction passes.
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2. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) at 0:18.
3. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:23.
4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/CAN) 0:29.
5. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) 1:17.
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Sub Regional Qualifier
Event info: The tournament in Kuwait this month is the first phase of the qualifying process for sides from Asia for the 2020 World T20 in Australia. The UAE must finish within the top three teams out of the six at the competition to advance to the Asia regional finals. Success at regional finals would mean progression to the World T20 Qualifier.
UAE’s fixtures: Fri Apr 20, UAE v Qatar; Sat Apr 21, UAE v Saudi Arabia; Mon Apr 23, UAE v Bahrain; Tue Apr 24, UAE v Maldives; Thu Apr 26, UAE v Kuwait
World T20 2020 Qualifying process:
- Sixteen teams will play at the World T20 in two years’ time.
- Australia have already qualified as hosts
- Nine places are available to the top nine ranked sides in the ICC’s T20i standings, not including Australia, on Dec 31, 2018.
- The final six teams will be decided by a 14-team World T20 Qualifier.
World T20 standings: 1 Pakistan; 2 Australia; 3 India; 4 New Zealand; 5 England; 6 South Africa; 7 West Indies; 8 Sri Lanka; 9 Afghanistan; 10 Bangladesh; 11 Scotland; 12 Zimbabwe; 13 UAE; 14 Netherlands; 15 Hong Kong; 16 Papua New Guinea; 17 Oman; 18 Ireland
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
