Muhammad Luqman

Modelled after Dubai Global Village, Pakistan’s first global village will be fully operational in the eastern city of Lahore within one year.

Located in the metropolitan city’s upscale Johar Town locality, Lahore Global Village (LGV) is poised to become a vibrant hub for commerce, dining, and leisure, not only for 14 million Lahorites but also for people from other parts of Pakistan and international visitors. “LGV has become partially operational as a food court has been opened to visitors; a couple of exhibitions and festivals have also been arranged on the premises successfully,” Imran Amin, Chief Executive Officer of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (CBD-Punjab), told WealthPK.

He said like Dubai Global Village launched in 1997, the LGV will feature pavilions representing different countries and cultures like Chinese, Mughal, American, Italian and Spanish. Amin said that a variety of international cuisine and dining options would be available for local and international visitors, in addition to retail outlets offering products from around the world. “Visitors will be able to spend very productive time while enjoying live shows, performances, and other attractions,” he added.

Developed over an area of 130 kanals of land, LGV will have 84 double-storey units. Of the total area, only 25 kanals will be the built-up area, leaving behind a lot of open space. It offers an array of retail spaces ranging from 620 square-feet to 6,000 sq-ft. The entertainment quarters will have amphitheaters, musical and flower fairs, virtual reality zones, carousel rides, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, roller coasters, ziplines and a family train. A mini-golf court, jogging tracks and toddlers and kids play zones will be for recreation.

In addition, food kiosks and pergolas will also be available for the visitors. Originally launched as Lahore Development Authority Walk & Shop Arena, the project was revitalised by the caretaker provincial government and re-branded as LGV. It was earlier expected to be fully operational by October last year but due to financial constraints, it could not make it. “The project, when fully completed, will promote cultural exchanges, tourism, and economic growth in Pakistan,” said Amin, the chief executive officer of CBD-Punjab.

Lahore’s business community has pinned special hopes on the LGV project. They believe that the Dubai Global Village-like facility in Pakistan’s second most populous city is the need of the hour. “Lahorites have little recreational opportunities. The availability of entertainment, food and retail business facilities on one premises will auger well for the economic and emotional well-being of the people,” Sohail Lashari, former president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told WealthPK.

Lashari, who is also the owner of an entertainment company, Sozo Water, said that entertainment coupled with commercial activities had always been a successful model across the world. “Dubai Global Village is a success story due to a combination of entertainment, food and shopping facilities under one roof,” he said. He said that the management of LGV would have to make it internationally competitive by adding more pavilions like Dubai Global Village that has 28 country pavilions, including that of Pakistan.

Credit: INP-WealthPk