If the international Ismaili community were to have its own town square, it would most certainly feel like the Global Village — a Jubilee Games hub where visitors can meet one another and experience the music, art and culture of their Ismaili brothers and sisters from around the world.
Located at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Global Village transforms a cavernous conference hall into a feast for the senses, enticing curious visitors with colours, sounds and bustling activity.
“Looking at people from different Jamats dancing and enjoying our culture makes me feel fulfilled,” says Susan Kabani from the Global Village organising team. The official opening of the space on Friday crystalised many months of planning and hard work into a unifying experience. “It’s the music that brings us together and makes us one.”
The opening kicked off with Oh Weary Traveler, Welcome!, a lively celebration of the sights and sounds of Dubai, host city of the Jubilee Games. Highlights included the United Arab Emirates’ own Tamam Ali and his band, who were followed by an international Ismaili marching band with members from UAE, Pakistan, Qatar and India that was led by Noorallah Noorali. A flash mob of children from the local Emirates Jamat delighted the audience, garnering cheers and bringing people to their feet as they joined in the dance.
Elsewhere, paintings, costumes and handiwork by local artisans from Tajikistan and Cairo were on display and also available for purchase at an exhibition set up by the Aga Khan Development Network. “This booth is setup to explore AKDN through art and culture,” explained Zamila Karimi, who designed the exhibition. “All the items on sale here were hand crafted.”
The IllumiNations World Showcase at the Global Village puts national cultures on a stage of their own. It includes a melange of flavours and textures: a spread of delicious French delicacies, a collection of Tajikistan’s traditional attire, the aroma of local spices from the UAE, and delightful handicrafts from India. Another booth displays the journeys of the Jubilee Games fawanees around the world, while the Jubilee Games store sells official clothing and merchandise.
Advertised as a place to “relax and recharge, engage in cultural exchange,” the Global Village also has spaces to sit and share a conversation, an entertainment centre with international board games and video games, and a DJ+Cafe for enjoying light refreshments while listening to a selection of international music. In addition to taking in a packed programme of exhibitions and performances, visitors can sign up for free art and fitness classes, and make new memories at the photo booth. The space also incorporates the Athletes’ Village, a special area that is only open to those completing in the Jubilee Games.
Experience the Global Village every day in Zabeel Hall 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Click here for a list of events and activities.
