Dubai: As a one-stop shop to experience the heritage of Asia without having to leave the UAE, the Global Village’s bouquet of Asia-inspired offerings is a highlight of this year’s edition.
Indian antique jewellery, authentic Japanese kimonos, the classical flavour of baum (Japanese cakes), the unique Japanese cakes, fragrant beauty products from Indonesia and Thailand that evoke vistas of serenity, charming hand-made artefacts of the Philippines and much more await visitors.
India Pavilion
Colours, sounds and lure of the Indian bazaar. Silk Pashmina shawls at a steal-deal, gypsy lady of Rajasthan’s ‘mehendi’ (henna) designs, handmade carpets, art d’objets, antique jewellery... the feast of temptations is vast.
Japan Pavilion
The famous Osaka Castle facade greets visitors and, inside, the timeless motifs of Japan delight the senses. Japanese kimono shop owner Masami Nakajima can redesign the silken attire to your liking. For Japanese food lovers, the Tokyo Baum store sells authentic and unique Japanese cakes or ‘baum’. The ‘magical bamboo towel’ is a real discovery.
Thailand Pavilion
The legendary Thai hospitality and culture greet visitors as they are beckoned to try all the products from rejuvenating oils, herbal skincare and spa products to fragrant oils and incense. An extensive massage centre with separate sections for men and women is a temptation not to be resisted.
Indonesia Pavilion
The famous Baiturrahman Mosque of Indonesia forms the facade. Inside, the air is scented with the essence of herbal, handmade soaps and oils from Bali. Lamps made of seashells and even miniature versions of ‘baychak’ or the rickshaw, make for memorable souvenirs.
Philippines Pavilion
The famous Fort of Santiago in Manila forms the facade and the range of handmade personal and home items — handbags made from the boughs of ‘pandan’ leaves, bamboo bells, seashell chandeliers vie for attention along with authentic pinoy food.
Malaysia and Singapore Pavilion
The façade depicts the Twin Towers of Malaysia as well as the flower dome structure from the famous Singaporean ‘Gardens by the Bay’.
Art d’objets are aplenty: Colourful Singaporean rice bowls with chopsticks, traditional oriental style ceramic tea sets, bamboo trays, beautiful bronze statues, all at great prices.
