The Silk Road caravan brings an exceptional necklace to Global Village

Grand musical portrays a love story set in the Umayyad period

20 January, 2018, Dubai, UAE:  Global Village, the region’s first and largest multi-cultural festival park and the region's key family destination for culture, shopping and entertainment, has announced the launch of ‘Silk Road – The Journey of a Unique Necklace’, a grand scale musical production by Ornina Arts Events, that portrays the story of Jubayr and Laila set during the Umayyad period in Andalusia. The 30-minute musical is hosted on the Main Cultural Stage as part of the 22nd Season of Global Village. 

During the Umayyad period, Andalusia was a beacon of learning, the leading cultural and economic center and a conduit for culture and science throughout the Mediterranean Basin, Europe, and West Asia. Communication between people was through trade, and the most important trade route was the Silk Road, where civilizations met and exchanged concepts, values, culture and art. The Silk Road, along with its branches and diversions, was the de-facto meeting place for the global civilization.

‘Silk Road – The Journey of a Unique Necklace’, features opulent background vistas and scenes that depict the customs, dance and arts of numerous cultures from that period. It carries the humane message of love, sacrifice, toil and industry. The story begins when Jubayr meets Abu Leila, the Judge of Valencia, a musician and patron of the arts, who has two beautiful daughters, Leila and Salma. Jubayr falls in love with Leila and asks for her hand in marriage. Abu Leila puts forth a challenge that in order to have his wish, Jubayr must present the most exceptional necklace in the world as dowry.

In search of the world’s most exceptional necklace, Jubayr travels the Silk Road caravans, crossing from Andalusia to Morocco, Egypt, the Levant, Iraq, India and China. He travels through mountains, deserts, seas and plains, comes in contact with various cultures and industries and surmounts numerous challenges.

He meets the best global talent in music, dance, arts and industry and concludes that the most exceptional necklace can only be created by bringing together the gems from the best global artistic and industrial talent. He invites them to Valencia and presents them to Abu Laila who accepts the dowry. 

Commenting on the production, Nasser Ibrahim, Director and Designer of ‘Silk Road – The Journey of a Unique Necklace’ at Ornina Arts Events, said: "The presentation is a cultural and artistic milestone that reflects the importance of art as a language to connect peoples and create bridges between civilizations.

More than 25 artistes perform seven acts using over 350 different customs, media and instruments from various cultures to bring the story to life. It is an exciting story and an opportunity to exchange knowledge and develop upon the artistic expertise of guests."

Ornina Arts Events is one of the most successful and renowned Arab and international theater groups. It is well known as an ambassador of the East - its productions have distinguished themselves as the best presentations of historic dramas with an oriental magic throughout the world. It is a proven cultural and artistic institution that produces cultural shows with advanced artistic techniques in its performances and exhibitions. It has also been awarded many prestigious awards and accolades.

The Global Village has hosted the largest number of events and artistic and cultural performances this season. It recently brought the multiple international award winning Shaolin Monks, with more than 20 Kung Fu professionals from the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, for the first time in the Middle East.

In addition to cultural performances, a variety of entertainment events, including the mega Monster Stunt Show, Globo Shows for kids, Viva Bollywood, Tall Tails, High Voltage and City Jam, have regaled guests this season as have a selection of musicians and entertainers from around the world. All its events are included in the ticket price of AED 15.

Guests of Global Village enjoy unparalleled international experiences while shopping at its 27 pavilions and more than 3,500 outlets. They can purchase unique collections of handicrafts and souvenirs from cultures of more than 75 countries.

Global Village continues to offer unique shopping experiences, cultural performances, entertainment events and surprises every day until 7th April 2018, and is open from 4 pm to 12 am from Saturday to Wednesday and from 4 pm to 1 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays. On Mondays, it is dedicated to families and women only.