Official opening of African Pavilion at Global Village

The African Pavilion at Global Village, the region’s leading cultural, shopping and entertainment family outdoor destination, was officially opened on 31st of January 2013, under the auspices of H.E. Mohamed Gelo, the Kenyan Ambassador to the UAE, Hon John Kyovi Mutua, Kenyan Consul-General in Dubai; H.E. Babacar Ba, Senegal’s Ambassador to the UAE; Hon Noor Adine Khadeer Sudanese Vice-Ambassador to the UAE; Mr. Jalal Balala, the Executive Director of Al Azizah General Trading - the organizing company of African Pavilion; as well as a large number of representatives from diplomatic and trade missions and guests.

After ribbon-cutting, guests took a tour around the pavilion which hosts more than 100 exhibitors from 15 African countries.

During his opening speech, Jalal Balala, the Executive Director of the organizing company pinpointed Dubai’s success story and how it became an exemplary model to be followed by world countries thanks to its infrastructure and the facilitation of trade and investments opportunities.

He also highlighted the role which the UAE plays in building trade relations with world countries and the benefits gained as a result of such relations including the provision of logistics, investment and economic platform. Accordingly, this has prompted the African Pavilion to chose Global Village as its investments platform enabling African businessmen and merchants to connect with the world.

During his Speech, the Kenyan Ambassador highlighted Africa’s enormous natural wealth and how the continent has witnessed economic growth lately, assuring that today’s Africa is tomorrow’s future. The presence of the distinguished guests at the opening of the pavilion comes within the framework of strengthening Africa’s trade relations with the UAE. He affirmed that Global Village is the ideal platform to network and connect African investors with the world.

"Getting exposure to more than 5 million visitors at Global Village in five months’ time avails the opportunity of networking, and getting a wide exposure to customers and investors. From such a platform people will come to know about the quality of goods and Africa’s potential," said the ambassador.

He added, "African nations must show solidarity in trade by encouraging the 54 African countries to invest at Global Village in Dubai. Africa’s Pavilion should be at least five times bigger than its current size. It should showcase a wider range of goods because Africa has a lot to offer from natural to human resources".

African Pavilion

The pavilion represents more than 15 countries and they include: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Angola, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Rwanda, Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa and Nigeria. Most these countries showcase their authentic products as well as their respective country’s art, wealth and traditions.

Hand Carvings

The African Pavilion’s prevalent offering is hand carved artifacts. The intricate designs are made from the best types of wood in the world such as ebony, mahogany, rosewood as well as soapstone.

The carvings feature in all sorts of African masks, fruit plates and kitchenware, hangings, animal shapes and uncountable designs that are meant to bring luck and good energy.

African masks are an indicator to the differences that exists between tribes. Masks of Kenyan Maasai are numerous yet retain the traditional African features. Meanwhile, Senegalese art has slightly shifted to a more contemporary feel expressed in masks and designs like the "Wise Man", influenced by French art schools.

Pots, horns, paintings, accessories, chairs and sticks, carry the signatures of these simple yet innovative cultures.

Leather Items

Handmade bags, wallets, belts and sandals are mostly made from genuine, varied types of leather.

Accessories

Most African countries are showcasing a new trend of accessories. From Talismans to necklaces made of special rocks, shells, gems or sand particles, horns, pure leather or even rubber.

Paintings

Many exhibitors are showcasing the depth of Africa’s indigenous art. Some countries are popular for using oil on dry banana leaves or tree barks. "Many of Global Village visitors appreciate this natural Kenyan art as bark is used instead of canvass", assured William Chege, who is exhibiting for the fifth year at Global Village.

Antique Mahogany Chairs

Many exhibitors from Senegal are showcasing rare pieces of antique Mahogany hand carved, and plain chairs. According to one of the exhibitors, one chair takes about ten day to make. Tables and other complementary home accessories can be found from other countries as most products retain the same look and feel.

Traditional Fashion

The opening reception included a fashion show and folk dances reflecting the folk of different African tribes. The costumes and national dresses are showcased all over the pavilion as they compete to define their country of origin.

A journey inside Africa’s Pavilion means exploring 15 different African nations with some rare leather, art and wood carved products that are hard to find elsewhere and at such competitive prices.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Feb 6, 2013

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