Global Village, one of the world’s most diverse cultural and entertainment hubs, is gearing up to open its doors on October 18, 2023.
The renowned theme park has been a beacon of cultural exchange, global cuisines, exciting entertainment, and fun for over 25 years already. Each year, millions of visitors, residents and tourists alike, gather to revel in the park’s festive atmosphere, captivating shows, delectable cuisines, and unique shopping experiences.
As the anticipation builds, here’s a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about this extraordinary Dubai destination:
When is Global Village opening in 2023?
The park is opening its doors on October 18, 2023, and will remain open for 193 days until April 28, 2024.
What time does Global Village open?
Monday to Thursday, the park opens 4pm and closes at 12am.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the park opens at 4pm and closes at 1am.
How many country pavilions are there in the Global Village?
Guests can explore the world and its many facets, with over 90 country pavilions expected to participate. Shop in bustling bazaars, indulge in delicious delicacies, admire the immense talent on display, and connect with cultures as you make your way across the world, one pavilion at a time.
Each pavilion reflects the regional ambiance of the country it represents through local arts and crafts, national foods, cultural entertainment, and native products.
It’s a trip around the world in one day—or as many days as you want to come back!
How much are tickets to Global Village?
Regular value tickets cost AED25 at the gates, but you can buy them online for only AED22.50. Here’s the link to buy via Platinum List.
Any day tickets are for AED 30 (AED 27 online)
Park entry tickets are valid for a single entry during Season 28 (Tuesdays are family days).
Entry is free for kids under 3 years, senior citizens, and people of determination (plus a companion).
Parents are encouraged to register and pick up a free wristband for children at the entrance. If you get separated from your child during your visit, our experienced guest service team will be able to contact the parents through this smart wristband.
What’s included in the ticket?
- Park entry – single entry during Season 28 (please note Tuesdays are family days)
- Access to 27 country pavilions where you can tour unique cultural treasures including new additions like Oman and Qatar
- Access to an authentic Emirati heritage area
- Access to 200+ shows every day
- Access to the Kids’ Theatre with plenty of fun for the little ones, starring all their favorite characters and much more
Is Global Village wheelchair-friendly?
Reserved parking, accessible toilets, and wheelchair-friendly access to all attractions ensure that all our guests can enjoy their day at Global Village.
Are there exclusive families and ladies’ nights in Global Village?
Except for those falling on a public holiday, Tuesdays are exclusively reserved for families and ladies.
What time do fireworks go off in Global Village?
Last season, fireworks happens every Friday and Saturday at 9pm. It is yet to be confirmed if this is the same schedule for this season.
Carnival
With over 170 rides, games, and attractions to explore and enjoy, all visits to the Carnaval are filled with fun and wonder. It is home to some pretty epic rides, and not just for the tiny tots. Although there are super fun rides for the little ones, too, the others can spin with gravity-defying, stomach-churning, high-intensity, spinny rides. With 125+ arcade and skill games, guests enjoy everything from new-age virtual games to classics like shooting hoops and throwing darts. Carnaval will leave you with a smile as big as our famous giant banana plushie! View the gallery to see some of the fun and frolic moments enjoyed in Season 27!
What food and cuisine are available in Global Village?
Global Village is a food lover’s paradise, with over 200 restaurants, cafes, and street food options from around the world available.
Visitors can explore the following thematic food areas in the park:
Street Food
If you’re looking for the best street food options in Dubai, GV is the place for you. From savory Asian bites and fresh, juicy fruits to spicy street snacks and sweet desserts, treat your taste buds to a wide variety of flavors across our specialty concepts.
Floating Market
An Asian culinary haven, the baos, bites, bowls, and barbecue plates are creative and very cool at the Floating Market. Find oodles of seafood dishes, steaming bowls of Indonesian ramen, Vietnamese pho, Malaysian spicy grills, Thailand’s pad thai and coconut and mango smoothies, and Korean dumplings.
Road of Asia
Guests got to experience the cuisine, cultures, and colors of Asia as they strolled down the Road of Asia in Season 27. This special pedestrian street brought the bustling atmosphere of the best Asian markets to Global Village with authentic street food, products, and crafts from 13 Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, the Philippines, and more.
Savour Asian flavors at their best with signature street food including Taipei Hotpot, Pancit from the Philippines, Pho from Vietnam, and authentic Ceylon Koththu from Sri Lanka.
This is your one-stop shop for homegrown products from 13 Asian countries.
Indian Chaat Bazaar
Reflecting the hustle and bustle of the rustic old-world bazaars, the Indian Chaat Bazaar brings in a twist of flavors, from sweet and spicy to tangy and savory. The samosas, dosas, and spicy grilled sandwiches should have your taste buds intrigued.
Happiness Street
The food at Happiness Street is sure to cheer up everyone and their bellies too! Bringing quirky twists to popular staples, the food here is a must-try. From Mac & Cheese with crunchy, fiery Cheetos to dynamite shrimp with oodles of cheese, heavily loaded potatoes, and 60-cm slices of pizza, you’ll leave happily satisfied.
Fiesta Street
Join the joyful street food celebration at Fiesta Street! Here you’ll find some of our most mouthwatering street food concepts, serving dishes like toasted chicken sandwiches and loaded fries to creamy risottos and baklava frappes!
Railway Markets
Inspired by the famous Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok, Thailand, this specialty dining concept promises you a sweet experience. A paradise for everyone with a sweet tooth, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store among the variety of sweets, cakes, pastries, chocolates, ice creams, and desserts available!
The Cabanas
Treat yourself to a premium experience by spending a relaxing day in the Cabanas at Global Village. Enjoy comfortable and private seating, butler service to meet all your needs, and a menu that has something to suit every palate.
Fine-dining Restaurants
Whether you like Italian or Thai, steak or seafood, eating out is fun. So, we offer you a selection of restaurants to suit all your whims and fancies that are perfect to relax and enjoy authentic food with exemplary service and Global Village’s great ambiance.
Cafes
Serving up cold concoctions, lattes, cakes, toasties, and more, GV’s specialty cafes excel when it comes to Instagrammable treats and offer great brews with great views!
What to see in Ripley’s Believe it Or Not?
“Ripley’s Believe It or Not,” the first ‘Odditorium’ in the region is home to a host of eccentric displays from visual illusions and pop culture memorabilia to unusual artifacts and features of tales so unbelievable, they must be true.
Ripley’s Odditorium
A display for all ages, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum attraction is an ode to all things bizarre, intriguing, and fascinating. Travel deep into the curious nature of humanity with galleries that are curated to mystify and delight as you come across authentic historical artifacts, engaging interactives, awe-inspiring art, and incredible stories untold of people and places from across the globe.
Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze
This room full of mirrors is an avenue to learn more about the science behind lights, colors, and reflection as you wander through the whimsical labyrinth of twisting walls and mirrored panels.
Moving Theater 4D
It’s a state-of-the-art theater in which your senses will run wild as you experience every bump, drop, and turn at what you are seeing on the screen.
Are there cultural shows in Global Village?
There’s always something cool going on in every pavilion at Global Village. With amazing performances full of infectious energy and stirring music, guests can witness different cultures first-hand through folk songs and dance!
What is the shopping experience like in Global Village?
From colorful stalls to bespoke boutiques, discover the best shopping experiences at Global Village. It’s that unique combination of browsing, handpicking, and haggling—things that you won’t be able to do online—where guests are spoilt for choice with everything from antiques, handicrafts, furniture, clothing, and jewelry to artworks, skincare products, and so much more on display.
Are there live artisan shows?
Watch Dubai-based craftsmen showcase their intricate skills and technique as they hand-weave fabric, carve wood for furniture, handcraft shoes, and detail fine pieces of jewelry and souvenirs. The best part is that you can purchase these wonderful artisanal pieces that have been handcrafted in front of your eyes!
What can visitors experience in the Heritage Village?
Get a glimpse of Bedouin life at the Heritage Village, a hidden gem nestled behind the UAE Pavilion. Mount a camel and make your way caravan-style through a traditional village with sand houses and street shops to a majlis, where you’ll be entertained by a live falcon show as you enjoy Arabic coffee, dates, and age-old Arabian hospitality.
Where is Global Village located?
The park is located at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and E311. Visitors can reach Global Village by car or by RTA bus and taxi. Simply type Global Village on your Google Maps or Waze and you’re good to go.
Which bus should I ride to go to Global Village?
There are four routes to choose from:
- Bus 102 from Rashidiya Metro Station
- Bus 103 from Union Metro Station, which passes through Al Rebat Street
- Bus 104 from Ghubaiba Bus Station passing through Al Jafiliya Metro Station
- Bus 106 from Mall of Emirates Metro Station passing through Al Barsha A2, Al Barsha Lulu Supermarket, Dubai American Academy 2, Classic Crystal 2 and Al Quoz, Clinical Pathology Services.
You can check the bus schedules via the RTA website.
What’s the parking situation in Global Village?
There is a huge free parking at Global Village. You can also avail of the VIP parking for AED 200. Valet parking is available in front of the Happiness Gate, and costs AED150.
Are bicycles, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, and roller skates allowed in Global Village?
No. This is to prevent any untoward incidents among the massive number of visitors to the park.
Is Global Village a safe and secure environment?
For the second consecutive year, Global Village has won the Gold RoSPA Leisure Safety Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes excellence in health and safety management among companies that primarily offer services directly to visitors.
Year after year, Global Villages remains dedicated to establishing the highest safety to ensure the well-being of visitors, partners, and staff. This repeated recognition reaffirms the park’s unwavering dedication to continuously working on exceptional experiences within a secure and safe environment.
Are pets allowed in Global Village?
No. Pets are not allowed inside the park.
When is Global Village closing in 2024?
Global Village will close on April 28, 2024.
