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Global Village: Link between UAE and world

DUBAI — In 202 BC, the Silk Road linked Europe and Asia. Since 1995, the road to Global Village links the UAE with the world. And once again in 2005, the Global Village is here to redefine the world.

Cocooned in a village, 46 countries of the world presenting rich ethnic and cultural delights, are a dream come true for the traveller, who can travel along the seven continents of the world in a day. The breathtaking gateways of the entrance to the Haram mosque of the holy city of Makkah are a good start along the Arabian Peninsula. Definitely, the Saudi Arabian Pavilion is all decked up to welcome the traveller in his journey along the road.

Encrypted with Islamic artwork and crafts, the walls of the pavilion are rich with the culture of Saudi Arabia and Islam. The oasis of serenity shows a typical Najd household that offers the traveller Arabic coffee, dates and traditional foods. Handicrafts made from palm leaves including baskets and shoes are a welcome addition to the traveller’s inventory. The wafting sweet smell of bukhoor and attar leave the traveller wanting for more.

Moving down the road, the traveller arrives at Syria. The breathtaking replica of the Umayyad Mosque complete with exquisite details of the latticed windows, carved doors and stained glass decorations of the Syrian pavilion stand out like a monument from a past era. With the religious folkloric band ‘Mawaly’ playing in the background, the traveller is greeted by an ambience of a traditional Damascus courtyard house. The beautifully ornate souqs selling an assortment of abayas, crystal, antique, traditional music instruments, wood work ‘Arabesk,’ herbs, traditional sweets, weaving work, curtains symbolise the wealthy civilisation of the country. For the thirsty traveller, the soothing traditional juice ‘Erq Soos’ provided a welcome respite.

Moving from the Arab world towards the Asian subcontinent, the traveller finds himself outside Pakistan. Shalimar Gardens, the famous historic gardens built by a Mughul emperor hundreds of years ago in Lahore transport him to another era. Rich Mughul paintings and artefacts from all the four provinces of the country present a rich insight into the country’s culture.

In India, the traveller is greeted by scenes of Hampi, the heart of an ancient empire in Karnataka abandoned due to wars and the lack of water in the 12th century. A wide variety of cultural and traditional dances make the day for the traveller.

The European Continent, with its rich natural beauty, entices the traveller even further. Italy with it’s bubbly people and rich heritage provides the traveller a truly Italian experience of art, culture and fashion.

Moving towards the African Continent, the traveller stops short at South Africa pavilion. The Cape official house in Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa famous for its architectural gems, is an eye-opener. Zulu huts (Rondavels) represent the nine provinces of South Africa. Zulu baskets, rugs, woodcarvings and beadwork, luxurious leather handbags and ostrich eggs from Klein Karoo, the sheer silk kaftans, hand made and painted from Pretoria give the real feel of Africa.

The Kenyan dancers entice the traveller towards the Kenyan Pavilion. The rustic pavilion with a huge 3-D leopard perched on top of the entrance as well as the wild sounds of the dancers dressed in traditional garments dominated by orange and sporting hats made from monkey skin or cock feather and displaying spears and shields, are a sight to behold. African artifacts and souvenirs including leather bracelets decorated with beads, designs on glass blocks and masks to exorcise evil are surely tempting to a traveller.

Nearing the Australian continent, the traveller sees New Zealand. A country famous for it’s kiwis and the rich tradition of the indigenous Maori people. The traveller stares in awe at the indigenous art of the Maori that welcomes him to the pavilion.

The Americas are great. Canada’s history lay before the traveller as a replica of Peggy’s Cove lighthouse in Nova Scotia stands tall at the Canadian pavilion. This is also among the many witnesses to Canada’s maritime tradition that welcomes him.

At the Brazilian pavilion, a musically vibrant place, the traveller cannot help moving in step with the popular Samba alongside it’s dancers in traditional dresses and enthralling performances. For the traveller, the Silk Road to the Global Village, definitely is the path that brings the different cultures of the world together through trade, traditions and religion. It’s upto the traveller to choose which road will take him to his destination.