Epic adventure awaits at Global Village’s exciting new season!
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a resident, a trip to Global Village Dubai gives you a fresh understanding of the diverse tapestry that makes up our planet. It’s a place where cultures connect, differences are celebrated, and lifelong memories are created.
The region’s largest and most diverse outdoor attraction is back for its new season. Commencing on 18th October 2023, the celebration will continue till 28th April 2024. Want to know what will happen during this six-month cultural extravaganza? Here’s everything we know so far.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SEASON 27
As we are keeping our eyes on the latest updates about the new season, let’s peek into the past and find out what was so special about Season 27. From handcrafted souvenirs to tasty meals from around the world, Global Village’s last year edition had it all — an event that featured 27 pavilions spanning an amazing 78 cultures.
This year, the hub of good times will also feature a host of different activities packed with lots of fun for people of all ages. So without further ado, let’s revisit the memories of chapter 27.
Road of Asia
“Road of Asia”, a special boulevard with kiosks from 13 Asian countries, was unveiled as an exciting new addition. Genuine arts and crafts from the countries were available in this new section. The represented countries include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and the Philippines.
Virgin Radio Birthday Concert
Commemorating Virgin Radio Dubai’s 15th anniversary, top musician RAYE and MOBO and BRIT award-winning artist Tinie Tempah performed at the stage of Global Village.
In support of earthquake affectees in Syria and Turkey, 15% of all entry ticket receipts and proceeds from the final stunt show of the day were contributed to the Red Crescent Bridges of Giving, the UAE relief programme.
Majlis of the World: Eid & Ramadan special
During Ramadan, friends and family enjoyed wonderful outdoor Majlis from Iftar to Suhour during the auspicious month of Ramadan.
Visitors created joyful memories while playing board games, taking in the tradition of live folk performances, and listening to the calming beats of the oud drums. A lavish Iftar and Suhour feast featured tastes from around the world.
HOUSE OF FEAR
Visitors enjoyed some spooky and exhilarating moments in an all-new horror house! Arriving just in time for Halloween, House of Fear was the scariest new experience in Global Village. There were nine unique adventures, including a haunted cemetery, a hospital psych ward and a screaming tree.
Cave Entertainment curated this 660-square-metre space. The unique concept featured the latest animatronic technology creating an immersive experience.
DIGGERS LAB
Diggers Lab, the hydraulic digger experience, was another new attraction of Global Village. Here the little ones could don a construction hat and be a part of an entertaining edutainment activity. The lab allowed young builders to operate dumpers, diggers, and other construction equipment near the Carnaval entrance.
The Big Balloon Ride
There have always been some fabulous rides in the Global Village for adventure lovers, the newbie on the scene last season was the “Global Village Big Balloon” ride. The unique helium balloon ride soared more than 200 feet above the ground, offering those onboard a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire venue.
Meet The Wonderers
We met The Wonderers, the mascot of the global attraction. Fascinated by the famous Legend of the Staff, Waleef, Zoya, Ozka and Aiyah set off on an adventure that gave them the power to go anywhere in the world. And guess where they decided to go??? Yes. They landed in this enchanting tourist attraction we call Global Village!
Global Village also released a new line of products related to these special guests.
Cabanas
Last season at GV, friends and family groups of up to eight could hire cabanas. With a private butler attending to their every need, guests could unwind while taking in the scenery. For great views of the award-winning and awe-inspiring stunt acts, visitors had a choice to upgrade to the Star Seating experience.
Happiness Gate
There were three entrances to Global Village 2022 Dubai: The Gate of the World, the Cultural Gate, and the newly developed Happiness Gate. This new gate maintained the traffic flow and ensured shorter distances from parking areas. Valet parking was also available near the new gate. However, Gate of the World was used for the self-parking option.
THINGS TO DO AT GLOBAL VILLAGE
Shopping
The fair is ideal for anyone who wants to experience “bazaar-style” shopping at its best. In the last season, numerous retail brands and businesses worldwide had set up their pavilions and outlets at the festival.
Dining
What’s a fair without food? There were plenty of street food stalls and dine-in restaurants at Global Village. Guests savoured flavours from around the world! Some delicious street food items offered were pizza in a cone, steamed dumplings, doner kebabs, upgraded hot dogs and more.
The Railway Market, inspired by Thailand’s Umbrella Market, had pastries and other delicacies from Asia and other destinations.
For a more offbeat foodie experience, there was the Floating Market – with stalls aboard boats offering East Asian cuisines.
Shows
Aside from retail therapy, Global Village Dubai had street shows and kid-friendly entertainment. These include the signature shows with performances of artists from all around the world.
Additionally, there were various scintillating street acts like the Double Dutch Skippers, Bollywood Flash Mob and more. The death-defying stunts at Global Village Dubai 2022 also vowed the audience in the 26th season of the grand attraction. Last but certainly not least were the fireworks and fountain shows.
Dubai Global Village Carnaval
Global Village is the perfect family-friendly destination. The’ Carnaval’ area topped the list of kids’ activities in Global Village in the last season. There were more than 160 rides, arcade games, attractions and an array of skill-based games to keep kids and adults busy for hours.
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. Last time, visitors were thrilled to visit themed galleries with interactive exhibitions, curiosities and antiques.
The Wonderers’ Kids Fest
Kids loved the adventure-packed “The Wonderers’ Kids Fest” at Kids’ Theatre! PJ Masks and Peter Rabbit — all took to the stage to entertain their little fans. The event started on the 10th of February and continued till the 28th of the month, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily. It comprised classic board games, interactive shows, exciting skill competitions, fantastic prizes and much more!
That’s not it. All kiddos participating in the festival enjoyed a free ride at the Carnaval…now that’s what we call the next-level fun!
Global Village timings
The Global Village timings usually remain the same in all seasons, entry is only allowed to women, couples and families. This is unless Tuesday is also a public holiday. Note that just like the last season, Tuesday is the family day.
The opening hours of Global Village Season 28 are:
- Monday to Thursday: 04:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Friday and Sunday: 04:00 pm to 01:00 am
Ticket prices
Here is an overview of the ticket prices for season 27:
- Global Village Ticket Price: AED 20 (Value day ticket) | AED 25 (Any day ticket)
- Free entry for children under three and senior citizens above 65.
- People of Determination with one carer can enter free of charge.
- Children under the age of three and seniors over 65 also enjoy complimentary entry.
The following terms and conditions usually apply to the purchase of Global Village entry tickets:
- Entry tickets are valid till the end of the season.
- 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 based on 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 park areas, including restaurants and the funfair.
- You cannot bring hoverboards, tricycles, bicycles, roller skates or skateboards inside the Global Village park.
Global Village Location
- Location: Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-362-4114
FAQS ABOUT GLOBAL VILLAGE 2023
What are the ticket prices for this year?
Tickets for Season 28 Global Village will be on sale later this year.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Global Village is easily reachable by car. It is also conveniently accessible for those living in Motor City or villas in Arabian Ranches.
There is also good news for those relying on public transport services. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reopened four bus routes to accommodate Global Village visitors. AED 10 is the fare for a single trip to the park.
Here are the details of the bus routes:
- Route 102: Available from Rashdiya Bus Station every 60 minutes
- Route 103: Service runs at 40-minute intervals from Al Ittihad Bus Station to the park
- Route 104: From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to the Global Village every 60 minutes
- Route 106: From the Mall of the Emirates Bus Station at 60-minute intervals
Additionally, RTA plans to resume operating electric Abra tours for Global Village visitors.
What was the Dubai Global Village opening date for the 27th season?
The Global Village opening date for Season 27 was the 25th of October, 2022. It continued till 29th April 2023.
What is the VIP pack?
This season, Global Village introduced the VIP Pack. These special tickets come with a plethora of extra benefits, such as a customised app, priority carnival queue lines and a designated VIP arrival area. There will also be an opportunity to win a big prize worth thousands of dirhams for the ticket holders! But note that the VIP tickets have already been sold out.
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 that 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.