Marshall McLuhan popularized the concept of the Global Village through his books The Gutenberg Galaxy: The Making of Typographic Man (1962) and Understanding Media (1964). McLuhan believed that electric technology has turned the world into a small village, enabling instant transmission of information across the globe. This fusion of social and political elements into rapid events has significantly heightened human awareness of their obligations.
Today, the concept of the “Global Village” is commonly used as a representation of the Internet and World Wide Web. [citation needed] On the Internet, physical distance is no longer a barrier to real-time communication and people are able to expand their social spheres through online communities and interactions with like-minded individuals. Consequently, this technology facilitates the idea of a united global community. [5] By enabling faster communication and rapid sharing of global news, this technology compels us to be more involved with other countries and mindful of our global responsibilities. Likewise, interconnected computers on the web allow for collaboration between websites, which has implications for new sociological structures in cultural contexts. However, there are criticisms surrounding this notion.
The concept of the Internet as a global village is subject to debate. Glenn Willmott, a modern theorist, believes that McLuhan’s idea of the global village is oversimplified and fails to acknowledge the extent of government and corporate control over information on the web, especially in terms of news and entertainment. Additionally, the digital divide further illustrates the problem with the global village concept, as technological advancements have created disparities between different populations.
The concept of a Global Village presents some challenges. There is an unequal access to the Internet, particularly among economically disadvantaged individuals, which results in the exclusion of certain groups from global news and online communities. Therefore, modern communication technology does not truly achieve the Global Village that McLuhan envisioned for all people. Additionally, communication media can be utilized to create divisions among individuals within online communities.
Scholars Marshall Van Alstyne and Erik Brynjolfsson present a different perspective on the idea of electronic communities in their paper titled “Electronic Communities: Global Village or Cyberbalkans?” [8]. They argue that despite the potential of modern communication technologies to create unified communities, resembling McLuhan’s concept of the Global Village, there is also the danger of these technologies dividing communities as people can easily isolate themselves within specific geographic or special interest groups. Thus, the shift is seen from the idea of a Global Village to that of a Global Theater.
According to the author, no chapter in Understanding Media or subsequent books proposes that the Global Village and electronic media foster the formation of cohesive communities. In an interview with Gerald Stearn, McLuhan explicitly states that he did not perceive uniformity and tranquillity as defining characteristics of the Global Village. On the contrary, the Global Village promotes extensive disagreement on various issues due to the amplification of divisions and diversity within village-like conditions. Therefore, the Global Village is characterized by its significant diversity and a prevalence of conflict.
McLuhan coined the term Global Theater after publishing Understanding Media. This term signifies a shift from being a consumer to a producer, from acquiring things to being involved, and from having a job to playing a role. He emphasizes that specialized individuals no longer have the support of a community [10].
Global Village is situated in Dubailand, which is the largest tourism, leisure, and entertainment project worldwide. It serves as the primary destination for culture, entertainment, shopping, and cuisine from various parts of the world in this region. With an annual influx of more than four million guests, Global Village offers innovative shows and attractions at its central location in Dubailand. The new Global Village at Dubailand spans over 17.2 million sq.ft and boasts extensive facilities and features. Commencing in 2003, the project is nearing completion with two or three projects expected to finish by 2011.
This article encompasses various aspects of Global Village including its description, information about the Entertainment and Activity Zone as well as details about the Guinness World Record Pavilion. It also provides updates on the new location along with highlights from the 2008-2009 season. Additionally present are lists of participating pavilions categorized by their respective regions: Asia, Eastern Asia, Middle Eastern Asia, and Africa.
Description: The Global village has achieved significant success since its launch in 1996, consistently attracting millions of visitors every year. Originally located within the Dubai shopping festival, the Global village has now relocated to its new site in Dubailand. This new location has become a major attraction for millions of visitors annually. As of now, the development of the Global village in Dubailand is almost completed, with the final stages of work underway.
Over the past decade, Global Village’s rapid expansion has greatly burdened its facilities and the surrounding road infrastructure. The Global Village serves as an ideal platform for nations to exhibit their heritage, culture, architecture, arts and crafts, cuisine, merchandise, and distinct way of life. Participating countries have the option to create large or small pavilions according to their specific requirements.
The Global Village began in 1996 on Creekside, with a few kiosks across from Dubai Municipality. It later moved to the Oud Metha area near Wafi city complex, where it remained for 5 years. However, it was unable to meet the demand from exhibitors and visitors, so it became a part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, its home for the past 3 years. Ultimately, the Global Village relocated to Dubailand.
Global Village’s first event took place in 1996, and the following year they hosted 18 country pavilions. By 2005, the event had expanded to include 30 countries and ran for two and a half months from January 12th to March 31st. This attracted millions of visitors. In that same year, Global Village added 15 more pavilions like Australia, Austria, Cambodia, Canada, Greece, Iraq, Japan, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Qatar Kyrgyz Republic Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The next year saw even greater success with pavilions from 50 countries and a record-breaking 4. million visitors. Shopping increased by 11%, specific pavilion visits grew by 63%, and comparative shopping rose by 52% compared to the previous season. A survey revealed that visitor spending reached Dh600 million. The entertainment events at Global Village include the World Culture Stage showcasing premier entertainment worldwide as well as the “Beach Adrenaline” Jet-Ski Show on the lake featuring nightly thrills performed by an internationally awarded jet-ski champion team.
Furthermore, there will be a Lantern Festival (Festival of Lights) that will enhance the park with specially designed Chinese lanterns. These lanterns will decorate the entrances and canal, creating a delightful festive atmosphere across the entire destination. Additionally, the Guinness World Record Pavilion offers an inventive concept to showcase previous world records and serve as a venue for setting new records in various categories. Visitors can attempt to break the record for the loudest scream, the fastest text message, the longest coin spin, and more. The park is also introducing a new location.
The new entertainment complex of The Global Village is now located in the Dubailand area on Emirates Road. Thanks to the efficient road network, it can be easily accessed from all emirates in the UAE. The Global Village not only houses various country pavilions but also provides restaurants, shuttle transport services, and a large parking area. It is conveniently situated just 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and 60 minutes away from Abu Dhabi.
In the 2008-2009 season, The Global Village offers a wide range of attractions. Opening on November 12, 2008, it will remain open for 102 days until February 21st, 2009, right after the Dubai Shopping Festival. This presents an excellent opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular international entertainment and cultural events of the year. Additionally, there are approximately 40 fun fair rides, Venetian gondolas,
rowing boats,and a World Culture Stage to entertain an estimated
5 million visitors.
Pavilions from different regions, namely Asia (Pakistan, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran), Eastern Asia (China, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand), Middle Eastern Asia (UAE, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon Jordan Syria Palestine Egypt Morocco Qatar Oman), and Africa (Rwanda Senegal), are taking part in the 2008-2009 season at The Village. By 2011 when the three permanent phases of the project will be completed,
the aim is to attract more than 20 million foot visitors.
Global Village has revealed its plans for a new project that will enhance its offerings after the current season. The upcoming development includes 80 high street outlets, an advanced amusement park, a luxurious 560 room 5-star hotel, a comfortable 3-star hotel, and more than 1,000 residential units. Anticipated to be finished in 2011, this endeavor is set to greatly benefit Global Village.
The concept of the Global Village is now mature and permanent. It is a global carnival, showcasing a festival-like ambiance. Participating countries construct their own pavilions, representing their unique heritage and culture. Each pavilion is assigned shops for displaying ethnic crafts. Dancers from various countries perform around the pavilions, exhibiting their talent. Global Village India guarantees an amazing shopping experience filled with entertainment for the whole family.
It is a comprehensive offering of entertainment, enjoyment, and shopping with a global touch. The theme of culture and heritage is incorporated through traditional crafts and folk dances from various countries. By combining different cultures, crafts, and cuisines, a unique atmosphere will be created. Imagine the astonishing sight of Brazilian Samba dancers, Russian ballet, and Egyptian Belly dancers performing alongside Bhangra and Dandia artists. Handicrafts from Kenya to Kuwait will be showcased.
The Global Village provides a wide variety of products, such as Bohemian crystal and Egyptian bead necklaces, to suit all types of buyers. The festival is famous for its nightly special fireworks show, which draws millions of visitors and enhances the overall excitement. Exhibitors have the chance to benefit from India’s fast-growing economy and impressive 8% annual growth rate. Delhi, the capital city with a population of 13.5 million, is renowned for its significant purchasing power and serves as an excellent business destination.
Global Village aims to bring citizens closer to fulfilling their dreams. Global Village India offers affordable and limited liability opportunities for handicraft manufacturers, artisans, and dealers to explore India, experience the opportunities available, engage with potential buyers, and sell their products. This international festival would not be complete without a variety of cuisines from around the world. Italian, Chinese, Arabian delicacies, along with delectable Indian gourmet dishes, will be irresistible. The atmosphere will be festive and carnival-like.
The village will feature floats showcasing various cultures and traditions from different countries. To ensure a thrilling experience for children and teenagers, we will import an International standard Giant Wheel and other exciting rides from Europe. With a wide range of handicrafts and related products, the Global Village will become a popular destination for residents of Delhi and its neighboring cities. This marks the first year of the Global Village, and we are committed to continuously innovate and incorporate new successes in the future.
