Global Village funfair ready for reopening after being shut down in January

Global Village funfair, one the premier attractions of Dubai, is set reopen within weeks – nine months after a visitor was killed by a ride.

The popular funfair announced on its Facebook page that it would be back in business on October 5.

It will reopen under new management, with Mellors Group Events from the UK delivering services for the 2013-14 season following a competitive tender process.

An Emirati, Abdullah Mohammed Al Habsi, 37, was killed at the fairground on January 24 when a lighting panel fell from the Ferris Wheel and hit him.

The owner, operator and engineer responsible for the ride were arrested and the case was passed to the public prosecution.

Mellors will bring in their own equipment. Builders will arrive next week and begin work.

Mellors has more than 20 years of experience in the UK and Europe. Based in Nottingham, England, the family-run company has been in the events trade since the 1890s.

The firm has clients in the public and private sector. It worked with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, on rides to support the London Olympics last year, and on celebrations in London’s Hyde Park for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in April 2011.

The Global Village project will be Mellors’ first in the Middle East and the company is looking forward to the challenge – and to welcoming millions of visitors.

VIP tickets are already for sale at a number of malls and at the Global Village offices

via The National.