Dubai relaunches bus routes to Global Village ahead of big opening

Electric abras powered by renewable energy will also resume inside the popular tourism destination

Ali Al Gabri, 45, from Yemen has been managing Anhar Honey at the Yemen Pavillion for 20 years now. All photos by Victor Besa / The National

The main entrance of Global Village, busy with visitors

Elif Ordu, 63, from Turkey has been working for the K-14 Turkish pastry stall for 10 years

Mr Ali has been selling balloons at the Global Village for 10 years now. He is from India

The 'Americas' pavilion

Ginna Florez sells handmade garments from Ecuador. She has been working at the 'Americas' pavilion for two years

Azat Lale, 24, from Morocco has been working for the K-14 Turkish pastry stall at the Global Village for three years

Jose Manuel Guandinango, from Ecuador sells handmade garments from his home country and has been working at the 'Americas' pavilion for four years

The Vietnam and Philippines pavilions

Ibrahim Al Ameri, 23, from Syria has been working for the Leather Rose perfume store at the UAE Pavillion for seven years

AHadeir Ibrahim, 25, from Egypt has been working at the Global Village Sultana Garments shop, which her mother owns, for 10 years. She has now taken over the shop

Um Zayed, who does not know her age, is Emirati and became a mother while working at Global Village. She owns the Um Zayed 85a Oud and Perfumes shop at the UAE Pavilion

Global Village is also home to rides and a funfair

Ali Kaci, 25, from Turkey has been serving Turkish ice cream at Global Village for four years

Malik Abdul Rehman, 49, right, and Mohammad Bashir, 50, are cousins and business partners of Karachi Nimko, a snack stall that sells peanuts, peas and other finger snacks. They are both from Islamabad, Pakistan

Shazaib Beeba, 26, from Pakistan has been working for a garments stall in the Pakistan Pavilion for three years

A Ripley's Believe it or Not exhibition is on display at this year's Global Village season

A silverwoks stall at the Yemen Pavilion

Adnan Al Hajj, 29, from Yemen has been working at several different stalls at the Global Village over the course of 12 years. He now works at the Iqra Book Shop stall in the UAE Pavilion

Ahmed Al Asmoori, 22, from Yemen has been selling Yemeni honey at Global Village for two years

A carpet shop inside the Iran Pavilion

Okanta, left, and his wife Diana own the Diana African Soaps and Creams shop at the Africa Pavilion. They have been operating this shop for nine years

Inside the Africa Pavilion

A boy plays with an African figurine at the Africa Pavilion

Tribal statues inside the Africa Pavilion

A view of the Syria Pavilion

Deepinder Singh, 32, from India has been in the Indian hand embroidery apparels business for five years. He opened Changé Shop at the India Pavilion one year ago

Inside a Moroccan kitchenware shop at the Morocco Pavilion

Lollipops on display at the South Korea Pavilion

Clay figurine artist, Du Junbaa, 65, from China has been working in a stall at the China Pavilion for a year

Du Junbaa admires his handiwork

Statues inside the China Pavilion

A South Korean caricature artist busy at work in Global Village

Another caricature artist working in Global Village

Thai fan artist Aishaa has been making fans for 15 years

Bosnian House Kebab at Global Village

A mannequin inside the Japan Pavilion

Dubai's transport chiefs are relaunching four bus routes serving Global Village ahead of its major reopening on October 25.

The Roads and Transport Authority said electric abra - or ferry - services will also resume inside the village.

Strict precautionary measures designed to curb the spread of Covid-19 will be in place.

The four routes are: 102 from Rashidiya Metro Station; 103 from Union Metro Station; 104 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station; and 106 from Mall of Emirates Metro Station.

“We will ensure the implementation of preventive health measures onboard public buses and at stations to safeguard against the spread of Covid-19 among riders, drivers and staff,” said the RTA's Ahmed Bahrozyan.

“This time we will be using deluxe Volvo coaches ... that will add more pleasure to the journey.

"We have also approved a plan to operate three electric abras to serve guests of the Global Village this season. The ... experience of riding abras powered by renewable energy is clearly reflected on riders and visitors using the service."

Global Village closed in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organisers are now putting the finishing touches to the facility ahead of its opening on October 25 while adhering to strict safety measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 and safeguard public health.

The popular tourist attraction celebrates its 25th season - or silver jubilee - this year.

It features pavilions representing many of the world's countries and visitors can sample a slice of life, history and food from innumerable cultures.

“We are now putting the final touches towards the launch of the silver jubilee season of the Global Village," said Bader Annohi, chief executive of Global Village. "The comfort and safety of our guests and employees remain our top priority. We look forward to offering everyone an exceptional season by all standards."