DUBAI // The Global Village fairground is to reopen within weeks - nine months after a visitor was killed by a ride.
The popular funfair announced on its Facebook page that it would be back in business on October 5.
It will reopen under new management, with Mellors Group Events from the UK delivering services for the 2013-14 season following a competitive tender process.
An Emirati, Abdullah Mohammed Al Habsi, 37, was killed at the fairground on January 24 when a lighting panel fell from the Ferris wheel and hit him.
The owner, operator and engineer responsible for the ride were arrested and the case was passed to the public prosecution.
Mellors will bring in their own equipment. Builders will arrive next week and begin work.
"Safety is our highest priority," said a representative of Global Village. "We have implemented our own health and safety regulations as well as imposing inspections from both Dubai Municipality and the Civil Defence.
"Mellors Group has extensive experience in the field and we are confident that they will do an excellent job."
Mellors has more than 20 years of experience in the UK and Europe. Based in Nottingham, England, the family-run company has been in the events trade since the 1890s.
The firm has clients in the public and private sector. It worked with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, on rides to support the London Olympics last year, and on celebrations in London's Hyde Park for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in April 2011.
The Global Village project will be Mellors' first in the Middle East and the company is looking forward to the challenge - and to welcoming millions of visitors.
"Global Village is a fantastic concept with a 17-year legacy of success and we are looking forward to helping enhance that legacy and ensure we create a truly memorable visitor experience for the region through our funfair," said James Mellors, director of the company.
"We will be announcing details of the new and innovative approach we are taking to the funfair attractions shortly but are confident that visitors will be able to enjoy a totally new experience for the forthcoming 2013-2014 season."
VIP tickets are already for sale at a number of malls and at the Global Village offices.
malkhan@thenational.ae
