Global Village's 30th season in Dubai: Every country pavilion has a new look

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.