Global Village Dubai, what is the program?

The 27th edition of Global Village Dubai started on 25 October. Global Village is an annual event that brings together the best of the entertainment, shopping, dining and other attractions the city has to offer under one roof. The cultural entertainment destination is scheduled to close in April 2023.

Global Village is an annual attraction that takes place in Dubai. It is an ideal destination for people who want to spend time with their loved ones. The multicultural destination offers a glimpse of various cultures from around the world.

It is a one-stop shop to discover culinary delights from different countries and witness other immersive entertainment experiences.

The theme park is extremely popular among international visitors and has welcomed nearly 90 million tourists since its opening.

Global Village Dubai is among the top 4 entertainment destinations in the world in terms of average daily attendance; as it consists of kiosks, food stalls, retailers and numerous entertainment events.

Every year the organisers put together something new and exciting to welcome people from all walks of life.

Global Village location:

Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road/Emirates Road, Dubai.

What is the Dubai Global Village?

The Global Village, an event held in Dubai, is where many nations come together to create their pavilions.

It offers a unique experience of culture and shopping, as well as food and more. Each country is assigned a pavilion. The endless display of unique offerings will delight and excite visitors.

Here, thousands of shops are open to tourists to buy a variety of international specialties and products.

You can enjoy many activities, including theatre and rides for adults and children. For many seasons, the visitor satisfaction index has reached a perfect score of 9/10. The next season should be even better.

People plan their trips to Dubai during this festival, a sign of its popularity. The Global Village is an international platform for countries to present themselves and for people to learn more about them. This global village gives a lifetime of memories for the guests who come here.

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Global Village - an experience for the senses

Taste delicious honey from Yemen or buy exquisite carpets from Iran and Afghanistan, argan oil from Morocco, engraved necklaces from Spain and dried fruit from Thailand.

Each pavilion, from Egypt to Italy and from Vietnam to Oman, transports visitors to the country through smell, taste, sound and colourful decorations.

Indulge in a global adventure with entertainment from around the world at concerts and nightly shows; featuring performers who create a blend of wonder, music and comedy on the global culture stage.

While thrill seekers can keep their energy up on the daring carnival rides, foodies will want to plan a feast with a taste of international dishes at the many restaurants; cafes and street food stalls on site.

As of December 2019, Global Village is also home to Ripley's Believe It or Not! 'Odditorium' - a first for the region; this museum attraction has six galleries full of fascinating artefacts, visual oddities and interactive exhibits

Global Village Dubai: Key attractions

To celebrate its 27th season, a 200-foot high, six-storey helium balloon will offer visitors a 360-degree bird's eye view of the entire Global Village.

The 65-foot-wide balloon can accommodate more than 20 people at a time and is set to become a new landmark on the city's skyline.

Naveen Jain, Business Development Director, Global Village, said, "Every season we ensure that our guests are able to experience new and exciting attractions. A hot air ballooning experience is on many people's wish lists, so we are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to our guests. As we approach the opening of the season, we will be unveiling more fun experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Activities at Global Village Dubai

1. Globetrot the World in a Day

Global Village's 30+ pavilions, featuring over 75 countries including Egypt, Turkey, China and India, are undoubtedly the main attraction.

What's more, the addition of two new destinations to the Global Village this year: Russia, Cambodia and Vietnam. This is your chance to see the cultures, traditions and other must-see delights of different parts of the globe in one day.

Isn't that amazing? You can expect unforgettable cultural experiences as your visit here takes you through each pavilion.

2. Carnival at Dubai Global Village

The Carnival has enough attractions to keep everyone entertained throughout their visit. This elaborate carnival features a variety of exciting rides and play areas designed especially for young visitors. The World Wheel is a 60 metre high observation platform offering panoramic views of the entire Global Village. It is located in the heart of the Carnival Zone.

You can also enjoy a range of special experiences, including the Hotel Transylvania themed haunted house. There are numerous snack stands on the Carnival grounds. The Global Village Carnival promises a great experience, with plenty of food and entertainment.

3. Shopping at Global Village Dubai

The Global Village shopping experience is unique, even though Dubai is a well-known shopping destination. The Village offers a wide range of cultural options with souks from all over the world.

The African souks are a great place to find natural beauty products and traditional jewellery; while the Indian soul boasts a wide range of textile products. Fashion products are what East Asian stalls (especially Thailand and China) are best known for. The Global Village offers everything a shopper needs, from clothing to handicrafts.

4. Dining at Global Village Dubai

The Global Village Dubai delights everyone from the traveller to the gourmet. True to its purpose, the Global Village becomes a melting pot of cultures, and this extends to the culinary offerings of the villages as well.

The Global Village offers more than just a wide range of cafes and restaurants. There are also a number of themed restaurants: Happiness Street offers a selection of shops selling a variety of fast food products; the Floating Market is filled with sweet and savoury Asian treats; the Indian Chaat Bazar offers authentic Indian fast food at your table; and Fiesta Street offers a unique fusion dining experience.

5. Enjoy the fireworks

Global Village hosts a fireworks spectacular twice a week. This spectacular fireworks display usually starts at 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

This spectacular display can also be seen on other special occasions, such as UAE National Day or New Year's Eve. Surprisingly, the New Year's Eve fireworks display has taken place seven times in previous years. It has happened in seven countries; including the Philippines, India, Pakistan and Thailand. We hope this year's show will be even bigger and more impressive.

Best time to visit

There are many events you can choose from to see at the global village if you're looking forward to it. The best days for a fireworks display are Thursday and Friday. Choose Monday for a family outing. If you are looking for the most relaxed atmosphere of the event, choose any day of the week.

Hosting cultural experiences at Global Village Dubai

The organisers will be opening 27 pavilions representing over 80 cultures. However, as there are many more countries, a special pavilion called 'Asian Route' has been introduced to give visitors a chance to experience the many beauties of these places.

The 13 nations that will be represented here in over 40 booths are

• Sri Lanka

• Indonesia

• Cambodia

• Malaysia

• Brunei

• Laos

• Hong Kong, Taiwan

• Vietnam

• Nepal

• Bhutan

• Myanmar

• The Philippines.

Other confirmed pavilions this season are United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Africa, Americas, China, Egypt, Europe, India, Iran, Oman, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria. Thailand, Turkey, Yemen and Russia.

To further enhance the customer experience, a third entrance called the Happiness Gate was introduced this year. This new gate will ease the flow of traffic and help customers discover the wide range of street food available at Global Village.

When to visit Global Village

There are many events you can choose from that you would like to see at the Global Village if you are looking forward to going. The best days for a fireworks display are Thursday and Friday. Choose Monday for a family outing. If you are looking for the most relaxed atmosphere of the event, choose any day of the week.

How to get there

You have these options when travelling to the Global Village from Dubai Airport:

Metro/Taxi - Take the red line from First Gulf Bank to the end, then take a taxi to Global Village. It takes approximately 50 minutes to reach this destination.

Car: Pick up your car at the airport and drive 28km to the village.

Bus: Take the red line to Rashidiya. Then transfer to the metro bus stop for the blue tower. Take a taxi to the village.

Health and Safety

Safety measures are always taken into consideration. You will be pleased to know that the iconic destination has been awarded the Dubai Assured label by the Dubai Municipality.

This assures all visitors that every health protocol is followed and the safety of all visitors is the top priority.

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FAQ

How long does it take to visit Global Village?

Covering over 17 million square feet, a visit to Global Village will take a few hours to fully enjoy. Those coming with family and friends for a relaxing outing of shopping, food and fun should allow a minimum of three to four hours here. This should leave enough time to explore some of the pavilions, fairground rides and of course, various treats.

What months is Global Village open?

Global Village, a staple of Dubai's winter calendar, is open from October to April each year. In some years, the season has been extended by a month into May. The destination is a popular tourist and family attraction, popular for its various cultural displays and merchandise, street food stalls and entertainment offerings.

Which metro serves Global Village?

Currently, there is no Dubai Metro station that goes to Global Village. An open-air mega destination with 27 cultural pavilions; carnival rides, food stalls and more attractions, Global Village is located away from the city centre and offers ample access for parking and entertainment to thousands of visitors every day.

How much does it cost to enter Global Village?

Entry to Global Village starts at €5 for tickets purchased online, while prices start at €5.5 when purchased on site. Tickets are more expensive for weekend visits. However, admission is always free for children under three years of age; the elderly and the disabled.

When is the best time to visit Global Village Dubai?

Perhaps the best time to visit Global Village is in the early evening, when the sun is about to set and the inspiring lights of the sprawling destination come on. There is bound to be less traffic before 8pm and an evening spent at the open-air venue with funfairs and live entertainment is a memorable, colourful and relaxing time. For those planning an afternoon or late night visit, Global Village is open daily from 4pm to midnight, with extended closing times of one hour between Thursday and Saturday.