Global Village shuts funfair after tragedy

All funfair rides at Dubai's Global Village have been suspended until further notice following an accident in which a visitor died.

The tragedy happened on Thursday when a person was killed by a metal bar which fell from the Freij World Wheel.

In an update published on the official Global Village website, officials said an investigation into the cause of the accident was continuing.

"Global Village announces the suspension of the operations of the funfair rides area, which are owned and operated by Freij Entertainment, until further notice," said the statement which was posted on Friday.

"These precautions come as a result of yesterday’s sad accident at the funfair area, where one of Global Village visitors has passed away," it added.

"Meanwhile the investigation into the cause of the incident continues. Additionally, the entertainment programme for the day has been cancelled as a mark of respect to the family of the deceased."

A team of safety inspectors from Dubai Municipality along with other relevant authorities have visited the scene of the tragedy.

The Freij World Wheel is the largest travelling wheel in the world and has 42 closed gondola including 1 VIP gondola which boasts a leather seat and TV.

Global Village, Dubai's family entertainment and cultural attraction, in October announced that it was adding 200,000 sq ft of retail space prior to opening for this season which runs until March.

New kiosks, restaurants and entertainment venues have been added to the facilities.

Statistics published on the Global Village website show that it attracted 4.5 million visitors in 2010, the most recent figures available.