Emaar Properties’ cultural and retail festival called the International Village will feature 41 pavilions showcasing products from nearly 20 countries, a report said.

The two-week festival will take place from April 17 to May 2 at Emaar Boulevard in Downtown Burj Dubai, and will be held from 4 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and from 4 pm to midnight on weekends and holidays.

The festival will have on display products, artifacts and general paraphernalia from countries panning Africa, Europe, India, China, Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, Vietnam, UAE and several countries in the Middle East.

Each participating country will represent its cultural ethos through its retailed products, which will be further complemented by country-specific cultural programmes and entertainment.

“With more than 180 nationalities living and working together, Dubai is the cultural hub of the region and Emaar is highlighting that cultural plurality with the International Village at Emaar Boulevard,” said Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director – UAE, Emaar Properties.

“The event is not only our tribute to the city’s cosmopolitan ethos but also aims to strengthen its tourist appeal while establishing Downtown Burj Dubai as a must-visit destination.”

He added: “International Village mirrors Emaar Boulevard’s promise to be the region’s lifestyle centre that further complements the other attractions in Downtown Burj Dubai including the Dubai Fountain, water-music-light-spectacle and Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest tower.

“Visitors to the family festival will be treated to a rich diversity of shopping choices from various parts of the world and cultural performances.”

The International Village will have pavilions set up along the Emaar Boulevard and will showcase a collection of jewellery, handicrafts and artifacts, clothing and traditional dresses, home accessories, crystals and silverware, perfumes, food items, among others.

Indigenously hand-crafted or imported exclusively for the festival, most products are unique in design, adding to their exclusivity.

While there will be plenty of products to choose from, the boulevard will also be dotted with a mix of food and beverage tents and will be further enlivened with music and dance performances, all designed to create a family fun and carnival atmosphere.

International Village is envisioned to be a periodic event that will be held at Emaar Boulevard as part of Downtown Burj Dubai’s plans to enliven the boulevard.

Emaar Boulevard has been designed to be the city’s nerve-centre of activity and entertainment and a celebration of downtown culture with cafés, high-fashion shops, hotels and walkways. – TradeArabia News Service