We’ve got excellent news for all the denizens out there! The current season of Global Village has been extended by four weeks until May 7. It means visitors will have more time to explore the UAE’s most popular multicultural family attraction before it closes for the summer. Originally, the attraction was due to shut its doors on April 10.
This year the leisure and entertainment hub celebrates its 26th anniversary, with millions expected to visit. From much-loved attractions and hundreds of eclectic dining choices to breathtaking music shows and stunning retail antiquities, here’s everything you need to know about this fantastic cultural extravaganza.
Why visit Global Village 2022?
From handcrafted souvenirs to tasty meals from around the world, you can find it all at the Global Village — an event that features 26 pavilions spanning an amazing 78 cultures.
A visit to Global Village 2022 is your chance to witness international cultural diversity come to life. This hub of good times features a host of different activities that are fun for people of all ages. There are also a number of exciting rides in the Global Village for adventure lovers. From stunt shows to heritage shops and street food kiosks, find out why the venue is regarded as one of the best places for family-friendly activities in Dubai.
Activities and Shows at Global Village
There’s plenty to keep everyone engaged at this iconic entertainment and shopping destination. To help you plan your trip, let’s take a look at all the things you can do at Global Village 2022!
Shopping
The Global Village Fair is ideal for anyone who wants to experience “bazaar-style” shopping at its best. Like every year, numerous retail brands and businesses from all around the world have set up pavilions and outlets at the festival. Needless to say, it is all set to be the ultimate shopping paradise!
COUNTRY PAVILIONS
Countries from across the globe have their own pavilions in the village, with products and food items typical to their culture, heritage and history. Countries with their own pavilions throughout Season 26 include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Africa, Afghanistan, China, Americas, Egypt, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Europe, India, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Thailand, Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia and Yemen.
This year, Al Sana’a pavilion and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation pavilions are back — providing Emirati entrepreneurs with the opportunity to sell their products.
Dining
What’s a fair without food? There are plenty of street food stalls and dine-in restaurants at Global Village. Savour flavours from around the world! Season 26 of Global Village features over 150 food kiosks, most of which are located on the dedicated food street. Some of the delicious items on offer are authentic Thai, Egyptian koshari, Turkish potato, dynamite shrimp and more.
The Railway Market, inspired by Thailand’s Umbrella Market, sells pastries, delicacies and other products from Asia as well as other destinations. There are 14 train compartments with over 30 vendors selling desserts, frozen yoghurt, baked products, beverages and confectionaries.
Additionally, visitors can also visit the several food trolleys, cafes and restaurants. For a more offbeat foodie experience, visitors can head to the Floating Market – with stalls aboard boats offering East Asian cuisines. The market has been relocated to a new place on the park’s iconic lake coastline.
There is something for every taste at the Global Village — with cuisines ranging from Arabic, Indian and Pakistani food to East Asian and Italian fare.
Brace yourself for a taste of authentic cuisines and a culinary journey like no other. Take your tastebuds around the world by visiting the food stalls.
Shows
Apart from retail therapy, Global Village Dubai has plenty to keep visitors entertained. Watch out for the street artists and kid-friendly entertainment.
SIGNATURE SHOWS
The signature shows on the main stage include performers from all over the world.
SHOWS FOR KIDS
What are your plans for the weekend with your kids? Catch the live shows at Global Village. Kids love seeing their favourite characters like PJ Masks and Peter Rabbit perform on stage.
STREET ENTERTAINMENT
The fair returns with a range of “scintillating street acts” like the Double Dutch Skippers, Bollywood Flash Mob and more. Keep your cameras ready!
STUNT SHOWS
Prepare to see death-defying stunts at Global Village Dubai 2022. From buggies to tanks and gravity-defying tricks, the festival’s 26th season promises to be the most exciting yet!
The current season includes its first-ever water-stunt show and the all-new ‘Harbour Force’ Stunt Show. Also catch other attractions like jet-skiing, fly-boarding and a death-defying 75-foot high dive into the water.
FIREWORKS AND FOUNTAIN SHOWS
One of Global Village’s many new features this year is a stunning fountain. This beautiful addition to the landscape has an extensive seating area providing perfect photo opportunities for those family moments.
Here you can enjoy a unique fire fountain show over the weekends. Throughout the season, it will serve as a stage for various live performances. From this area, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the famous Floating Market.
Dubai Global Village Carnaval
Global Village is the perfect family-friendly destination. Topping the list of kids’ activities in Global Village is the ‘Carnaval’ area. The place will keep you busy for hours with more than 160 rides, arcade games, attractions and an array of skill-based games.
RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Every season, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum — the region’s first “Odditorium” — showcases the newest wonders. Get ready to be thrilled by visiting six themed galleries with over 50 interactive exhibitions, curiosities and antiques.
This year, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! has started a 4DX moving theatre and a “dark gallery.” Don’t forget to check out the Marvelous Mirror Maze before you leave!
Prospective visitors must note that Global Village is yet to release a full list of events for this year. Keep watching this space for more updates!
Global Village 2022 timing
Plan your visit according to these hours at the Global Village:
- Thursday and Friday: 04:00 pm to 01:00 am
- Saturday to Wednesday: 04:00 pm to 12:00 am
Mondays are family days. This means that while the Global Village timings will remain the same, entry will only be allowed to women, couples and families. This is unless Monday is also a public holiday.
Global Village 2022 tickets price
Visitors to the Global Village 2022 Dubai can enter the venue at one of two gates – the Gate of the World or the Cultural Gate. Here is an overview of ticket prices:
- Global Village Ticket Price: AED 15 (If purchased online) | AED 20 (If purchased at the gate)
- Free entry for children aged less than 3 and senior citizens aged above 65.
- People of Determination with one carer can enter free of charge.
- Children under the age of three and seniors over the age of 65 also enjoy complimentary entry.
The following terms and conditions apply to the purchase of Global Village entry tickets:
- Season 26 entry tickets are valid from 26 October 2021 to 10 April 2022 or as circumstances require.
- All purchased Global Village tickets are non-refundable.
- A ticket is only valid for a single entry for one person on the day of purchase. The same cannot be used for multiple entries.
- Free entry for people of determination is guaranteed on the basis of their ID cards.
- The ticket price includes 5% VAT.
Aside from ticket pricing, visitors must be mindful of these regulations:
- Pets and animals are not permitted inside the Global Village park.
- Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the park, including restaurants and the funfair.
- You are not allowed to bring hoverboards, tricycles, bicycles, roller skates or skateboards inside the Global Village park.
Global Village VIP Packages
Season 26’s VIP Packs have all sold out. if you have already purchased yours, make sure to activate it to discover the benefits that await you at the start of the season. Here they are:
- VIP parking
- Skipping the queues
- Restaurant reservations
- Dedicated concierge service and VIP hotline
- Exclusive offers from Global Village partners
Also included in the packs are exclusive offers from Dubai Parks & Resorts, The Green Planet, Roxy Cinemas and Laguna Waterpark.
Global Village Location
- Location: Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-362-4114
Safety Measures
Strict health and safety protocols are to be followed at the venue:
- Guests must wear face masks at all times.
- Maintain a 2-metre physical distance from other people.
Additionally, visitors are expected to be mindful of their own and the safety of other guests:
- Elderly guests and people with chronic illnesses must avoid crowded areas during their visit.
- People with symptoms like cough and fever must refrain from visiting Global Village.
As precautionary measures, the park is also doing its part to safeguard guests:
- Thermal cameras are installed at all entry points.
- Over 600 hand sanitisers are installed all over the premises.
- Disinfection of shopping trolleys, wheelchairs and kiosk utensils after each use.
- Physical distancing, disinfection of tables and chairs at restaurants.
- Dedicated seating area with physical distance from the stage.
FAQs
What was the Dubai Global Village opening date for 2021?
The Global Village opening date was 26 October 2021. As per the event’s official website, Season 26 of the festival will continue until 7 May 2022.
Where do I purchase tickets for Global Village 2022?
Entry tickets to the Global Village are available at the designated Ticketing Booths. You can also get the tickets online from the Global Village website or through the Global Village mobile app.
How to go to Global Village?
The Global Village location is conveniently accessible for those living in Motor City or villas in Arabian Ranches. A location along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, close to the Cityland Mall, means that the park is easily reachable by car. The best way to get to Global Village is to drive or use one of the car-sharing services in Dubai.
If you’re looking for public transport options, you can take bus 102, 103, 104 or 106. All four buses will bring you straight to the Global Village. This option is the cheapest way to reach the venue. It’s also important to keep track of the Global village opening and closing times to ensure you do not miss the last bus out of the area.
As for parking, there are spaces available for around 23,000 cars at the venue with multiple exits and entry points.
A visit to Global Village is one of the best things to do in Dubai. You can consider going there with your family during the public holidays in the UAE. Once you do, you will know what it is a celebration of diversity in its truest sense.
If you are looking for budget-friendly pursuits for your children, check out the several free activities in Dubai for kids. For a better experience, you can consider the many play areas for kids in Dubai.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on the ultimate shopping extravaganza of the year.
Note: The cover image is courtesy of the official Facebook page of Global Village.
