Global Village closing soon: What to see and do during the final weekend before it ends

What you need to see, eat, and try before Global Village closes for the season

Last updated:
Zainab Husain, Features Writer
3 MIN READ
Haven't visited Global Village yet? The popular seasonal outdoor attraction is wrapping up its incredible Season 29, and time is running out to experience all the exciting offerings.
Haven't visited Global Village yet? The popular seasonal outdoor attraction is wrapping up its incredible Season 29, and time is running out to experience all the exciting offerings.
Gulf News

Dubai: Global Village, one of the UAE’s most popular family attractions, will close its doors for the season on Sunday, May 11. To celebrate the end of Season 29, the multicultural destination is offering a range of special promotions, including free entry for children under 12, unlimited Carnaval rides, and new experiences for food and culture lovers.

The current season began on October 16 2024, welcoming millions of visitors from across the UAE and beyond.

Since its debut in 1997 with just a few retail kiosks, Global Village has grown into one of Dubai’s leading seasonal outdoor attractions. This year’s edition brings together over 90 cultures across 30 pavilions, along with more than 175 rides, games, and attractions, offering a celebration of diversity, entertainment, and global culture for all ages.

What to expect at Global Village's final week

Free entry for children under 12

For the final week of the season, children aged under 12 can enter Global Village for free. This is a significant change from the usual policy, which grants complimentary access only to children under three, seniors over 65, and People of Determination.

Unlimited Carnaval rides for Dh50

Guests can enjoy unlimited access to 31 Carnaval rides for just Dh50 per person. The offer is open to all ages and is valid daily until the end of the season. It's a great opportunity to make the most of Global Village’s thrilling rides without individual ticket purchases.

Explore with the Global Village passport

Pick up a Global Village Passport for just Dh10 at any ticketing counter and collect stamps as you explore the pavilions. It's a fun and interactive way to keep track of your global journey across the venue.

New pavilions this season

This year, Global Village introduced three new pavilions representing Jordan, Iraq, and a combined Sri Lanka and Bangladesh experience. These bring the total to 30 pavilions, each showcasing a country’s culture, traditional markets, food, and handcrafted goods.

Dine at the new Restaurant Plaza

With over 200 food outlets, dining at Global Village is always a treat. New this season is the Restaurant Plaza, a dedicated dining zone near the Carnaval area. The plaza features 11 two-storey restaurants offering panoramic views, making it an ideal place to relax and savour global cuisines.

Things to do at Global Village

  • Shopping: Browse unique items like Sidr honey from Yemen, Persian rugs from Iran, and spices, souvenirs, and handicrafts from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

  • Rides and games: The Carnaval features more than 175 rides, games, and attractions for all age groups.

  • Food: Enjoy cuisines from over 250 eateries, including Thai, Emirati, Bosnian, and Korean dishes.

  • Entertainment: With over 40,000 performances each season, visitors can enjoy concerts, children’s shows, street acts, and stunt shows with high-octane thrills.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Don’t miss this attraction with interactive exhibits, a mirror maze, oddities, pop culture artefacts, and a 4D moving theatre.

When will Global Village reopen?

There is no official announcement yet regarding the opening date for the next season.

Global Village ticket prices

Tickets can be purchased via the official website: www.globalvillage.ae

  • Dh25 – Weekday ticket (Sunday to Thursday, excluding public holidays)

  • Dh30 – Any day ticket

  • Free entry – For children under 12, seniors over 60, and People of Determination

What's included with your ticket

Your entry ticket gives you access to:

  • Over 30 country-themed pavilions

  • The Emirati Heritage Area

  • More than 200 cultural performances each day

  • Kids’ Theatre shows featuring beloved characters

Global Village opening hours

  • Sunday to Wednesday: 4pm – 12am

  • Thursday to Saturday: 4pm – 1am

  • Tuesdays are reserved for women, children, and families (excluding public holidays)

  • On the final day of the season, Global Village opens at 6pm

Location and parking

Global Village is easily accessible by car. Use Exit 37 on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) or Emirates Road (E611).

  • Free general parking is available in zones P1 to P12.

  • A rickshaw service from the car park to the entry gate starts at Dh5 per person.

Public transport: Dh10 RTA bus routes to Global Village

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) runs dedicated buses to Global Village, with a flat fare of Dh10.
Routes include:

  • Route 102 – Rashidiya Bus Station (every 60 mins)

  • Route 103 – Union Bus Station (every 40 mins)

  • Route 104 – Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (every 60 mins)

  • Route 106 – Mall of the Emirates Bus Station (every 60 mins)

This article was published on May 6 and has been updated since.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next