Dubai, December 26th, 2016: For its 21st season, Global Village, the region's leading multicultural festival park, has welcomed back pavilions hosting four of the Levant countries. Each having their own pavilion, the traditional cultures of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Syria are highlighted this season. Despite their geographic proximity, each of the countries represented in the pavilions host customs and traditions that are unique to their cultures, all of which are highlighted in the respective pavilions.
Lebanon:
Combining the modern with the traditional, the pavilion is modelled after ancient Baalbek ruins and the iconic clock tower of Beirut's Nejmeh Square. The Lebanon pavilion presents its guests with a wide range of offerings. Ranging from jewellery to natural products, guests can enjoy shopping across multiple stalls, several of which offer natural handmade products produced from ancient Lebanese remedies, such as handmade soaps made from different ingredients like turmeric and fennel flowers, both of which are good for sensitive and dry skin. Other options include facial masks and creams, hair strengthening and body oils.
As for visitors seeking a cultural experience, a trip to the pavilion's souvenir shop will find them wooden plaques made from the Lebanese Arz tree, the traditional symbol of Lebanon. Also at the shop is a photography studio where guests can get into traditional Lebanese costumes, including both the tarbosh and the tantour – traditional headdresses worn during the 19th century, and take family photographs that are printed in an antique shade, making worthwhile memorabilia.
Jordan:
Returning from Global Village's 19th season with a grand debut, the Jordan pavilion showcases Jordanian heritage to the furthest extent. With a façade modelled after Petra and a cultural square, guests can enjoy authentic Jordanian customs while seated in an Arabian tent and watch Ahmed work on his pottery.
“I've come from Jordan specifically to participate at Global Village. Pottery making is a craft that's been passed down in my family for generations and it's a craft I've been teaching for eighteen years. I was more than happy to take leave from work in Jordan to be at Global Village since it's a place that people come to, from all over the world and it's a great opportunity for me to present Jordanian culture and history to a lot of people from other countries”, said Ahmed.
Shopping enthusiasts can browse through Dead Sea products that are exclusive to the Jordan pavilion. “Dead Sea minerals are beneficial across a large number of issues. It's been scientifically proven that minerals from the Dead Sea are great for treatment of the skin, while also being used for beauty purposes, such as skin rejuvenation. We also have Dead Sea salt and mineral mud masks which are used by both men and women alike for stress relief” said Mohammad Saad, shop owner.
Palestine:
Hosting 18 stalls this season, pavilion guests can look forward to adorning their homes from a wide range of products varying from cutlery to interior décor designed in Arabic calligraphy.
Possibly the most eye-catching products being sold in the Palestine pavilion is the artisan Hebron ceramics in shades of ocean blue, known to symbolize Palestinian heritage. “The ceramics of Hebron are an indicator of the city. These artisan ceramics are completely handmade, and that is what characterizes Hebron's goods.” said Al'aa the shopkeeper.
Highlighting the wide range of novelty foods, the pavilion hosts stalls that sell unique Palestinian ingredients including Jerashi labneh, fig and blackberry jam, spices such as Sumac, which is heavily used in Palestinian cooking, and of course the very popular Palestinian olives, the harvesting of which often involves celebration amongst families and local communities with folk music and dancing.
Syria:
Walking through the pavilion is like a journey though the old Hamidieh souk of Damascus, where shopkeepers call out to guests to come and try their products. Guests can enjoy browsing around the pavilion and admiring its authentic products while snacking on traditional Syrian nibbles such as Balila or even the Miska ice cream. Another Syrian special is the traditional milk beverage called Sahleb, which can be found at this pavilion for guests to taste and enjoy.
The pavilion features iconic Syrian products, such as the traditional Aleppian laurel soap, made from olive, lye and laurel oil. Known for its rich skincare properties, including its effectiveness against insect bites and skin conditions; the soap acts as a cleanser, antibiotic and anti-fungal agent.
Highlighting more than just customary foods and goods, the pavilion also hosts traditional home interiors, such as the Aghabani embroidered table cloths and hand-woven carpets. A key feature of historical Syrian homes is the usage of oriental wooden furniture which can also be found at this pavilion. The furniture is made from the finest walnut wood using age old art of Intarsia, a form of wood inlaying while also using fine mother of pearl, symbolizing Islamic Art.
The Levant pavilions offer an authentic experience for those who are enthusiasts of the Middle Eastern culture, which is made easily accessible for guests to enjoy at Global Village.
Global Village is open from 4pm-12am Saturday-Wednesday and 4pm-1am Thursday-Friday and on Public Holidays.
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