With the bright lights on and the bargains there for the taking, tabloid! took to the friendly streets of the Global Village to find out what the locals and visitors thought of the extravaganza.

It's a Saturday afternoon and hoards of people wait patiently for the gates to open.

Giant park

At 4pm on the dot the park kicks into action. The lights of the fairground rides come on and shops open their doors as pavilion shopkeepers rush to get everything in place before the first customers arrive.

But before long hundreds of people of all ages and nationalities are milling around the giant country-themed park.

Raj Iyer and his wife Kala are visiting Dubai for 10 days from India. He said: "I believe the Shopping Festival is a big hit. We have not been short of things to do and are enjoying visiting the Global Village in the evenings.

"There is so much for the children to do which is a big consideration when you have little ones who need entertaining."

Seetha Suresh was also holidaying in Dubai from India. She had come specifically for the festival and all the bargains it brings.

She said: "I love to shop and this is certainly the place to do it if you want to pick up any bargains. It is well-organised and lots of fun for all the family. I visited the Dubai Shopping Festival a few years ago and it only seems to get better."

Paul Speechly, 41, was picking up a French crepe when we caught up with him. A resident of Dubai for two years, but originally from the UK, he said: "I bought a lot of ceramics at the Shopping Festival in previous years but this year I'm looking specifically for a quality stereo at a bargain price. If you know what you're looking for, you can get a great deal. If you just wander, you tend to buy more than you need.
"The Global Village is a great place for the family."

Anthony Quranda, 32, has lived in Dubai for 10 years and has witnessed the growth of the Shopping Festival over the decade.

He said: "My wife Helmina and young daughter Megan and I love to visit the Global Village during the festival. There is always lots going on. We haven't had a chance to check much out yet, but it looks very well organised this year."

Anthony's mother, Dorothy Aranhe, 60, was visiting her son from Mumbai, India. She said: "It's a great time of year to visit the family because there is lots to do and see. We are having a good time and enjoying the atmosphere. I should be able to pick up some good deals on things to take home for friends and family."

Rania Bahig was giving her brother Baher, visiting from Egypt, a guided tour of this year's Global Village. Rania, also originally from Egypt, said: "My brother is amazed at what is on offer. All this shopping and entertainment in one venue is wonderful and makes life easy for people. I will certainly be making the most of the shopping this next month."

Baher said: "I am very impressed with Global Village and can't believe how much there is to see."