Dubai gears up for Global Village Season 31

The Kuwait Pavilion at Dubai's Global Village returns for Season 31 featuring a brand-new exterior facade as part of the park's latest updates.

Visitors can explore traditional Arabic calligraphy, enjoy Kuwaiti Qahwa (coffee), and experience cultural music and arts inside.

A walk through the Garden of the Worlds will be a peaceful break for residents. It has now a new look with dancing dolls every few steps, and pink flowers wherever you go. The walls too are adorned with plants and flowers and there are strict instructions not to pluck them.

Priscilla Abban, visiting Dubai from Ghana for the first time, said Global Village was the final stop on her itinerary before heading home.

“I was told it is a must-see if you've been to Dubai,” she said. “My ChatGPT told me to visit Global Village before I go back. I am doing that!”

The waiting time might take a bit, but residents are keeping themselves busy. While some are queuing up for Karak chai, others are planning selfies. Madagascar expats Areff issack Saïrah and Gabiolla Rasoarinasy are ready for the fun and the feast. Sairah has already been thrice, while Gabiolla is attending for the first time. "We are looking forward to food. All the food. We want to test all food, like Chinese food and Indian food;" says Sairah. Her favourite part about Global Village? "I love the views," she says.

Urvi Battol, a Pakistani expat, is excited for her first time at Global Village. "I am here to explore different food, and see the different kinds of culture for myself." So what does she want to buy? As she says, unique items that represent different countries such as shawls, rings and more. And obviously, food is a given as she says. And why not: This time Global Village has different plans for food, too.

Trabzon Turkish Restaurant joins the line-up alongside Robo Al Sham, Hawawshi Al Rabie and Chicking, all at Restaurant Plaza. The dining area sits beside Carnaval and overlooks the Falcon Stage, so you can eat well and not miss the fun.

And there is coffee and dessert, too. New cafés Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet and Uzungol Café are worth checking out, while Dessert District returns with a fresh new look.

Lamees Kadhim is a tourist from Iraq residing in Germany. She is visiting Global Village with her husband and son.

"I am a tourist here and I never visited the Global Village, so I'm excited about sightseeing all the places, from all areas and all the countries.

"I know about it from before. I heard a lot about it. I see it on the media, so I thought it is a good opportunity to visit it while I'm here."

Ok, so technically, the family-friendly spot will open for its 31st season at 6pm, but people, like us, are already here.