Global Village, the region’s leading cultural, entertainment and retail destination, has launched its Union Festival. Organised as part of its contribution to the National Day celebrations, the festival will run for 11 days and is a first for Global Village. In view of this, Global Village has announced that it will open its doors for general public today and the Family Day will be held as usual on Mondays after the festival. Today, famous Emirati artists will take to the stage, performing in the first of several live concerts and Emirati singer Mohammed Al Mazroui will be the first to perform. Lebanese Pavilion The Lebanese pavilion was inaugurated at the venue on November 22 to coincide with Lebanon’s Independence Day. The Lebanese folk group, Al Andolous, performed a live show at the opening and used traditional mountain drum beats, inspired by the symbol of Lebanon—the Cedar Tree. As the largest participant in the Union Festival, the pavilion is fully decorated with UAE flags and balloons. Traditional Emirati incense burners are spread all over the pavilion in addition to  perfume testers, meaning passersby can enjoy the unique experience of Emirati traditional perfume. Folk groups and troupes are performing in the pavilion and from November 28, additional folk dances will be performed, including Razfa, Liwa, Indima, Ayala and Nouban. As part of the hospitality, exhibitors will be offering gifts to celebrate the spirit of the Union Festival. Yemeni Pavilion The Yemeni Pavilion featured a folk performance using one of the poems of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with a few lines of a poem by famous Yemeni poet Hassan Abdul Haq added to it to compose a song dedicated to UAE leaders and Emiratis in celebration of National Day. Indian Pavilion The heavily decorated Indian pavilion features a show designed especially for the Union Festival and the most striking element is the colourful decorated rickshaws lined up outside Global Village, with drivers wearing UAE flags to express the true spirit of the union. Emirati Traditional Kitchen Many kiosks during the festival have been designed to recreate a typical Emirati kitchen, with freshly made bites and desserts on offer. This is sure to prove popular during the celebrations, as people from all walks of life are able to taste the country’s cuisines.  Special lighting effects, flags and balloons will all add to the colourful pallette throughout the festival and with the park’s giveaways, visitors will be sure to walkaway with a memorable experience, with symbolic gifts in tow. From : Khalij