Bangladesh Returns to UAE’s Global Village Festival After Long Hiatus

Before 2012, Bangladesh was able to participate in the Global Village Festival without any entry fees. Despite some initial involvement, this benefit was later revoked, and the country’s participation remained limited.

Bangladesh only managed small-scale participation in 2017 and 2018. However, the prospect of a standalone pavilion for Bangladesh is being discussed, contingent upon support from expatriates and prominent businesses.

Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in the UAE emphasized that cooperation from expatriate communities and major businesses is essential for establishing a permanent presence in the festival. If there is strong support and consistent shopping at the national pavilion, the prospect of Bangladesh having its own pavilion could become a reality. According to local media reports, every Friday and Saturday at 9 PM, the skies above the festival will light up with fireworks, offering a spectacular view to visitors.

The international festival runs every year from October to April, lasting for a total of six months. Every day, the Global Village attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe, making it an important platform for showcasing Bangladesh to the international community. Participating business owners and expatriates see the presence of a pavilion at this renowned festival as an excellent opportunity to present Bangladesh’s culture, products, and heritage to the world stage.

This year, the Global Village features 30 pavilions, over 3,500 outlets, and 250 food stalls. The event is family-friendly, with more than 200 games and rides available for attendees. Entry is free for children under three years old, senior citizens over 65, and individuals with special needs.

General admission to the Global Village is priced at 25 dirhams, but on public holidays, the ticket price rises to 30 dirhams.

After a long absence, the participation of Bangladesh has generated enthusiasm among the Bangladeshi expat community in the UAE. It is expected that if travel visa issuance for Bangladeshis normalizes, the Global Village could attract a significant number of Bangladeshi tourists during the current season.