The story behind the pavilions

A close-up of the action from the Director of Commercial Operations at Global Village

It’s been almost ten years since I first stepped into my role at Global Village but it never ceases to amaze me with each passing season. If you think it’s quieter in Global Village before the gates open, you’d be wrong. In fact it’s quite the opposite. During the season, you can hear the sounds of laughter, the shrieks of delight, the music and the action, but if you visit today there’s a very different soundtrack (although no less exciting).  You would hear hammers and drills all around you, the celebration as a new landmark is completed and, on days like today, you might hear me shouting to make myself heard over the hubbub. 

Today, I am working with our partner at the Turkey Pavilion, or as it will be officially known this year, the Türkiye pavilion. They are almost done bringing the beautiful Cappadocia to life on one side of the façade and as we walk through the pavilion, we are discussing some of the partners that will soon be arriving in Dubai with their handmade carpets, jewellery, spices or Turkish coffee.

I know this place by heart, but every season is like a whole new experience for me. 27 pavilions have been designed with each partner proudly bringing to life the essence of their own culture for the delight of our guests. With just one month to go, the pressure is on to make sure everything is ready for the first guest to enter on October 25th. This is the most exciting and busy time of the year for my team who are responsible for supporting partners as they build the best experiences they can for our many guests.  

This season we’re delighted to welcome Qatar who clearly have a lot on their plate this year between the FIFA World Cup and a brand new pavilion at Global Village. But seriously the pavilion is going to be stunning with the clock towers and some of the most stunning modern buildings of Doha. I am also really excited about the returning Oman Pavilion, which will capture the spirit of the Muttrah souq.  

We can’t wait for you to see the finished pavilions, but for now, I need to leave you to get on with everything that needs to get done before you get here! 

See you on the 25th!

Fahad

Fahad AlKhaja, Director – Commercial Operations, Global Village