Partners play a key role in maximising guest experience and aligning with the destination’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

Dubai, UAE - May 7, 2022: Global Village, the UAE and wider region's leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment, recognised partners as well as travel trade and media professionals at its annual awards ceremony. Held at the Majlis of the World on May 6, awards were presented to highlight outstanding achievements in multiple categories and acknowledge the value partners provide to Global Village every year.

Each season, Global Village works with thousands of partners from around the world to create memorable experiences at the heart of wonder. Travel trade partners enable Global Village to play a key role in Dubai’s quest to remain a top tourist destination. Journalists and media support Global Village and its partners by getting the incredible stories of the many players who strive to make the guest experiences special each and every season. 

Bader Anwahi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Village, said: “Today’s awards recognise the purpose-driven work of our valuable partners who have contributed to making Season 26 a success. We applaud and celebrate their outstanding accomplishments and talents in their respective fields. Bringing together extraordinary people and ideas is essential to our continued success and each winner has set a standard of excellence, innovation and creativity. 

This year we added a number of awards that give focus to some of the values we hold dear. As an organisation, we are proud to support entrepreneurs and have added a new award to recognise promising businesses. As part of the nation’s commitment to gender equality, we have also added a ‘Women’s Entrepreneur’ award to underscore the efforts we are making to increase opportunities for women in business. To highlight the importance of innovation, we have added the ‘Creative Experience’ award. Indeed, Global Village needs to remain a hub of creativity in order to retain our position in the entertainment landscape of the region and continue to provide the unique content that our guests have come to expect. 

It is indeed humbling to work alongside so many talented and dedicated partners, and we are grateful for the inspiring and extraordinary experiences they provide to our guests.”  

‘Best Pavilion’ was awarded to the Morocco pavilion for the authentic and rich experience showcasing this vibrant culture and centuries of traditions. The beautifully crafted Iran pavilion claimed the ‘Best Façade’ award. The India pavilion won the ‘Best Cultural Show’ award for the incredible line-up of shows and performances presented throughout the season and the Egypt pavilion won the ‘Best Craftsmanship’ award for their talented artisans who embody the country’s exceptional creative traditions.

Al Haaj Bundoo Khan was this year’s ‘Best Restaurant’ winner, Korean Lobster won the ‘Best Kiosk’ award, Loku Bites Café was named ‘Best Coffee Shop’, and Big Bang emerged as the ‘Best SME Kiosk’. Partner award wins also included Railway Market and Azerbaijan House for ‘Best Creative Experience’ and ‘Best Retail Shop’, respectively.

Global Village also celebrated the spirit and contribution of entrepreneurs with Evanthia Vouraki named the ‘Most Promising Entrepreneur’ and Sausan Ali Abdelrahman Balwan winning the ‘Women's Entrepreneur’ award. 

Global Village also recognised journalists and media personnel who, through exceptional storytelling shared everything that the park offers to guests throughout the season. Shereen Farouk from Al Bayan Newspaper received the ‘Best coverage in Arabic publication’ award and Wagih Al Sebaei from Emarat Al Youm won the ‘Best article in Arabic publication’ award. Arun Raghavan from Asianet News received the ‘Best TV Coverage’ and Syed Ayaz from Khaleej Times won ‘Best article in English publication’. 

In addition, Shinoj Shamsudheen at Media One TV claimed the award for ‘Best Social Media Impact,’ whilst Al Ittihad’s Mustafa Abdul Azim was recognised in the ‘Excellence in Media’ segments. Al Wahda newspaper’s Samir Al Saadi won in the ‘Media Creativity’ category, while The National’s Christopher Whiteoak received the award for ‘Best Photography’. Shihab Abdul Karim from Gulf Madhyamam received the ‘Best Coverage in Publication – Other Language’. Mohamed Abdel Maksoud of AlAin.com received ‘Judge’s Choice’ award for best article and Maha Adel of Al Khaleej won ‘Media Commitment’ award. 

Global Village recognised travel trade professionals in the tourism sector. Rayna Tours was named ‘Best Tourism Partner – Sales’, BTB Tourism won in the ‘Most Promising Tourism Partner’ category and Dubai Relax Travels received the ‘Best Tourism Partner – Growth’. 

The park extended a special thank to all governmental, semi-governmental and private strategic partners as well as the many supporting entities who played a pivotal role this season. 

Global Village’s action-packed Season 26 began on 26 October 2021 – the opening was highly anticipated by guests in the region and abroad who explored their favourite attractions, enjoyed unique shopping, exceptional entertainment and savoured iconic food from around the world – with the season finale on 7 May 2022.