Global Village turns 30: Rare photos reveal its journey

From a bunch of kiosks in 1996 to 10.5 million attendees last year, here's a look back at Global Village's spectacular journey

- Mazhar Farooqui

What began in 1996 as a popup car park fair has grown into Dubai's most beloved winter attraction. Ahead of its 30th season, we revisit the moments that shaped Global Village, from folk dances and fireworks to bizarre incidents and superstar performances.

Humble beginnings (1996-1999)

The story of Global Village starts modestly in 1996, when a handful of kiosks set up shop in a dusty car park opposite Dubai Municipality. It was meant to be an add-on to the Dubai Shopping Festival, a way to showcase international flavours and crafts.

That first season drew 500,000 visitors into its 50,000 sq m space hardly comparable to the millions today, but enough to prove Dubai was onto something big.

By the second season in 1997, folk dancers from Rajasthan and drummers from Africa were dazzling crowds at Dubai Creek, planting the seeds of the multicultural spectacle it would become.