Global Village opens 30th season in Dubai with spectacular fireworks - as it happened

Global Village wrapped up its Season 30 opening night with a spectacular finale — first lighting up the sky with dazzling fireworks, followed by a breathtaking 600-drone show that painted the night with vibrant colours and shapes. The stunning display marked the end of the first day and officially welcomed visitors back for the new season.

Fireworks show in the night celebrating the first day of Global Village Season 30.

The Asian pavilions are your place to be. At the Thailand pavilion especially, you come across rows of oils

There’s never a dull moment at Global Village. The Main Stage hosts a different cultural performance every hour, showcasing music and dance from the park’s diverse pavilions. Right now, a vibrant traditional performance from Colombia has the audience captivated.

If you’re the kind of foodie who likes to eat with one hand while exploring with the other, Global Village is the place to be. True to its nature, the 2025 season is packed with street-style bites — fun, flavour-packed, and easy on the wallet.

Whether it’s the cute yet cheeky design or its unstoppable internet fame, one thing’s certain, Labubu mania is far from over at Global Village Season 30.

Happiness Street at Global Village is a must-visit for food lovers, serving up the UAE’s trendiest street eats in one vibrant spot.

From inventive twists on classics to viral food trends, Happiness Street at Global Village is a paradise for anyone craving Instagram-worthy bites.

Mango sticky rice spotted as a new instagram favourite food at Global Village surrounded by flashing cameras.

Global Village veterans, Anu and Kirthi have come with their families and enjoy breezing through the Africa pavilion, though they admit that it is difficult to pick a favourite. "I have been coming for as long as I can remember," says Kirthi. And it's a family tradition, with her mother and daughter accompanying them. Best memories, we ask. "Shopping!" say Kirthi and Anu in chorus.

It's a feast for the soul, snacking solo or dining with friends. The Floating Market is Global Village’s flavour-packed gem — easy food, big taste, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

While rides and attractions at Global Village come with extra costs, your entry ticket still gives you access to a free interactive kids’ theatre. Catch jugglers, magic shows, and fun performances that will keep little ones entertained without spending an extra dirham.

Global Village offers a range of rental options to make your visit easier:

• Trolleys: Dh15 per hour or Dh70 per visit

• Wheelchairs: Dh15 per hour, automated Dh50 per hour or Dh250 per visit

• Baby carts: Dh20 per hour or Dh100 per visit

• Double baby carts: Dh25 per hour or Dh120 per visit

Rentals are available on-site to help you enjoy a hassle-free day at the park.

Just when you thought the excitement was over, the skies came alive with an incredible drone display. Hundreds of drones dazzled the crowd, forming the number 30 to celebrate the 30th season. Swooping patterns and shapes painted across the night sky, adding a magical finish to an unforgettable evening.

More drone light shows are expected at 9pm.

'We spoke to an excited family of four strolling in. Everything about Global Village excites them, says Jothilingam, who has been visiting for the past 14 years. Speaking about his first memory, he says, "There have been so many upgrades and good modifications. When I first came it was so simple. There was just a canal. Now it's much bigger and better."

And he and his family dont stop at just one visit. They come at least four times a year. As his wife says, the children go straight to the rides, and they decide to visit the pavilions. Iran for saffron, Yemen for honey, and the like. When we asked what a budget for a family of four at Global Village is, he noted that it should be around max Dh500. Enjoy yourself, eat well, and see how to maximise wisely.

Global Village burst to life with confetti, fireworks, and a grand parade featuring drummers, breakdancers, vibrant Latin performances, and a spectacular Levant show — a true celebration of cultures that perfectly captures the spirit of Global Village.

Global Village 2025 is back, and this year’s Carnaval is buzzing with bright lights, adrenaline-pumping rides, and fun games for all ages.

From themed rides to playful games, Global Village 2025’s Carnaval promises a night of joy, laughter, and unforgettable spins under the Dubai sky.

Spectacular fireworks light up Global Village as Season 30 opens.

Zeina Dagher, senior VP of operations at Dubai Holdings announcing what’s new including a new garden of the world

The Kid Zone: Every child loves the Merry Go Round and the Bumper cars, as Babita, an employee tells us. They always have to measure the child's height first---if the child is 1.1 m and above, they can go ahead without a parent. And if not, a parent can go with them for free.

New colourful dessert lanes this time, as Areeba says - it wasn't there last year. A candy wonderland, lined with sweet treats.

Desis always need their Indian Street Food, and Salman, his crew have been serving for a little less than a decade. He has seen quite a few changes for the Indian pavilion, and this time, he is quite impressed with the Elephant and the King designs on the outside. About his own stall, he says that a cherished favourite apart from kulfis and samosas, is a matka chai. Everyone loves a matka chai, he says.

Oratai T, manager of a popular Thai mango dessert stall at Global Village’s Floating Market, has been serving sweet treats here for eight years — and she’s thrilled to welcome both familiar and new faces.

“We’re always happy to see new customers, but it’s even more special when our old customers return,” she said. “Our best-seller is mango sticky rice, but this season we’re adding mango and matcha flavours — it’s the latest trend!”

Yemen for honey, as we are told by Ahmed and Moqbal at the honey stall in the Yemen pavilion. As they proudly tell us, they have been to Global Village for the past 14 years. What do they like most about it? "Food, food, always. You can go to China pavilion for food. But for honey, come to Yemen. It is healthy."

The pavilions are getting ready for the grand beginning. In the Kuwait pavilion, we meet Ali Hossein, and his father who have been running the family business of earrings and necklaces in Global Village since 1996. While setting up the stall, we hear the story. Hossein's father, remembers the first few years of Global Village, as he says. "It was all so cheap, even free in the first year. And it wasn't here. It was in Al Garhoud." As they explain, their grandfather worked here too, before the sons and grandsons took the reigns.

It’s a rare sight, Global Village standing quiet and empty just hours before the gates open. In a few short hours, this space will be bursting with music, parades, and thousands of visitors.

Media outlets have been given early access ahead of the official reopening, offering a sneak peek into what’s in store for Global Village’s 30th season.

A family of four is ready for a fun evening. Dmitry Lebedev is ready with his wife and two children for a day of family fun. As he explains, he had already bought the tickets online and is now eagerly waiting. This is his second visit, he says. What did he like in his first visit? "The Iran pavilion. It was just beautiful. Everything was just wow on that first visit," he says. And this time? "I want to see the opening acts, dances and fireworks," he says

The ticket counter queues are getting longer as visitors arrive ahead of the official reopening ceremony. To skip the wait, guests can book tickets online through the official Global Village website, get digital entry passes, and head straight to the gates.

“I bought my tickets online so I don’t have to wait,” said Comepa, who is visiting with her mother, a tourist from the Philippines. “I came here in 2023, so I’m excited to see what’s new this season — especially the skydivers at the reopening ceremony. I’m also heading straight to the Korea Pavilion to stock up on some Korean makeup and skincare.”

“I came here last year for the first time with my wife, and we’re back again,” said MD Sharif, an Indian resident from Abu Dhabi.

“Honestly, I don’t have one pavilion in mind,” added his wife Nargis, who is visiting from West Bengal. “It’s just amazing to see so many cultures and countries come together in one place — and, of course, we can’t wait for the fireworks and drone shows.”

Fireworks, skydiving, that's what excites Dubai-based Pooja Nalinkumar as she waits with her mother, Shanta Kumari, outside Global Village. "My second time here, so I am just very excited about seeing everything, food, dances, stalls. There are five countries this time, they say, so I am waiting to see that." On the other hand, it's her mother's first time. "I am waiting to see all cultures in one place, you don't get to see that often. I have never seen that before."

Global Village always has something new and fresh to offer, no two visits are ever the same. Mina Karki, a Nepalese expat and security guard, who has been at Global Village for the past three years, teases that there will be 'quite a few changes' this time, "Global Village always something new, especially for families, there's food, cultural performances and fun at pavilions,' she says, adding these are the reasons why she likes Global Village so much.

Netr, from Albania, and Lory, from Germany, are friends visiting Dubai. They arrived four days ago.

'We found out today that Global Village is reopening. We are excited to see the India Pavilion the most and really want to try the Indian street food snacks. We’ve never been here before and are really excited to visit.'

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Just a few hours to go before Global Village opens and we’re heading out to capture the pre-launch buzz. Stay tuned as the crowds start to gather.

The UAE’s premier multicultural family destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and global attractions launches its 30th season tonight under the theme ‘A More Wonderful World’. Running until May 10, 2026, this season promises visitors an unforgettable cultural journey.

We will be covering the reopening of this beloved global attraction, which welcomed over 10.5 million visitors in Season 29, and this year’s celebrations are extra special as they mark 20 years since Global Village made Dubailand its home in 2005.

How much does it cost to get into Global Village? For most people, a ticket would cost Dh25 for admission between Sunday and Thursday (except on public holidays). And over the weekend that goes up to Dh30.

But for some people that cost dwindles… down... to zero.

Season 30 brings together 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures, more than 3,500 shopping outlets, 250 dining options, over 40,500 shows, and more than 200 rides, games, and attractions designed to delight every guest. The UAE’s favourite multicultural destination promises something for everyone.

If you’re among the first in line to enter the gates, it’s best to plan your transport in advance. You can choose between public transport options, including special seasonal RTA bus routes, or drive your own car with free parking available in selected zones.

Global Village opens its doors tonight, October 15, marking an incredible 30 years of bringing the colourful, chaotic world to Dubai. But behind the scenes, one man along with his sturdy team is keeping the magic alive. Meet Fernando Eiroa, the CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, who believes this beloved attraction represents everything Dubai stands for.