Global Village expects around Dh2.4 billion sales for its 20th anniversary edition which will conclude on April 9.

The leading family cultural shopping and entertainment destination in the region attracted 2.2 million visitors during the first two months more than a 22 per cent increase over last season's visitor numbers of 1.8 million during the same period. Last season witnessed a total of around five million visitors.

Last year the value of business transactions was Dh2 billion Global Village chief executive officer (CEO) Ahmad Hussain bin Essa told Khaleej Times during a media briefing.

He said the current season has witnessed a 20 per cent increase in sales during the first two months. Responding to a question he said indicators show another 20 per cent increase in sales for the season.

He said the average weight of products entering Global Village on a daily basis has increased to 110 tonnes compared to 80 tonnes during last season an increase of 37.5 per cent.

Impact of oil prices

He ruled out any impact of oil prices on Global Village visitors citing a 20 per cent increase in visitors.

Bin Essa also said there is no threat to Global Village from upcoming theme parks in Dubai. "They will attract a different demographic. We will have a better opportunity to attract a portion of that demographic to Global Village."

Global Village has introduced some exciting activities to enhance the customer experience this season including the newly introduced trains that operate for free throughout the day taking guests to and from the car park to the new entrance - 'The Gate of The World'.

With an enhanced line-up of entertainment shopping and dining options to commemorate 20 years of operation guests are entertained with exclusive performances new rides international cuisines and indigenous crafts and merchandise from 32 pavilions worldwide.

Global Village has scored an overall performance score of nine on the Guests' Happiness Index which ranks guest experience and satisfaction throughout the season according to the CEO.

Bin Essa said: "The enhancements we have made to the Global Village infrastructure and offerings this season are having a hugely positive impact. We have already welcomed 2.2 million visitors since we opened our doors on November 3 until December 31. We expect that number to get even bigger as the season continues for the next few months."

Around 57 per cent of guests visit Global Village for entertainment. Therefore guest experience is very high on the organiser's agenda. Some of the key factors that have enabled Global Village to become a leading cultural entertainment and shopping destination are clear strategy value for money guest experience research and development products investment and people he explained.

This season Global Village has planned over 12000 cultural and entertainment shows with an international concert series.

Additionally several smart initiatives have been launched this year including self-ticketing machines which have sold over 60000 tickets so far online tickets - which had sales of over 15000 so far - and the Global Village digital raffle draw - which has over 800000 applications submitted through the website.

This year Global Village is offering local entrepreneurs a chance to showcase innovative food concepts through a partnership with Dubai SME.The partnership offers over 30 kiosks a chance to operate at Global Village for three months at a discounted rate of 50 per cent.

Global Village has 17700 followers on Twitter; 60200 followers on Instagram and 130500 likes on Facebook. These numbers are expected to grow as the season continues well into 2016.

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