It might seem like only yesterday that Global Village closed its gates for another season, but plans are already in place for its reopening.
The family-friendly event, which wrapped up events in May, will begin its 26th season on October 26, and will continue to operate for 167 days, until April 10, 2022.
The popular festival, which usually runs in Dubai throughout the cooler months, features pavilions from countries around the world.
Scroll through the gallery below to see more from the 25th season of Global Village:
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Ali Al Gabri, 45, from Yemen has been managing Anhar Honey at the Yemen Pavillion for 20 years now. All photos by Victor Besa / The National -
The main entrance of Global Village, busy with visitors -
Elif Ordu, 63, from Turkey has been working for the K-14 Turkish pastry stall for 10 years -
Mr Ali has been selling balloons at the Global Village for 10 years now. He is from India -
The 'Americas' pavilion -
Ginna Florez sells handmade garments from Ecuador. She has been working at the 'Americas' pavilion for two years -
Azat Lale, 24, from Morocco has been working for the K-14 Turkish pastry stall at the Global Village for three years -
Jose Manuel Guandinango, from Ecuador sells handmade garments from his home country and has been working at the 'Americas' pavilion for four years -
The Vietnam and Philippines pavilions -
Ibrahim Al Ameri, 23, from Syria has been working for the Leather Rose perfume store at the UAE Pavillion for seven years -
AHadeir Ibrahim, 25, from Egypt has been working at the Global Village Sultana Garments shop, which her mother owns, for 10 years. She has now taken over the shop -
Um Zayed, who does not know her age, is Emirati and became a mother while working at Global Village. She owns the Um Zayed 85a Oud and Perfumes shop at the UAE Pavilion -
Global Village is also home to rides and a funfair -
Ali Kaci, 25, from Turkey has been serving Turkish ice cream at Global Village for four years -
Malik Abdul Rehman, 49, right, and Mohammad Bashir, 50, are cousins and business partners of Karachi Nimko, a snack stall that sells peanuts, peas and other finger snacks. They are both from Islamabad, Pakistan -
Shazaib Beeba, 26, from Pakistan has been working for a garments stall in the Pakistan Pavilion for three years -
A Ripley's Believe it or Not exhibition is on display at this year's Global Village season -
A silverwoks stall at the Yemen Pavilion -
Adnan Al Hajj, 29, from Yemen has been working at several different stalls at the Global Village over the course of 12 years. He now works at the Iqra Book Shop stall in the UAE Pavilion -
Ahmed Al Asmoori, 22, from Yemen has been selling Yemeni honey at Global Village for two years -
A carpet shop inside the Iran Pavilion -
Okanta, left, and his wife Diana own the Diana African Soaps and Creams shop at the Africa Pavilion. They have been operating this shop for nine years -
Inside the Africa Pavilion -
A boy plays with an African figurine at the Africa Pavilion -
Tribal statues inside the Africa Pavilion -
A view of the Syria Pavilion -
Deepinder Singh, 32, from India has been in the Indian hand embroidery apparels business for five years. He opened Changé Shop at the India Pavilion one year ago -
Inside a Moroccan kitchenware shop at the Morocco Pavilion -
Lollipops on display at the South Korea Pavilion -
Clay figurine artist, Du Junbaa, 65, from China has been working in a stall at the China Pavilion for a year -
Du Junbaa admires his handiwork -
Statues inside the China Pavilion -
A South Korean caricature artist busy at work in Global Village -
Another caricature artist working in Global Village -
Thai fan artist Aishaa has been making fans for 15 years -
Bosnian House Kebab at Global Village -
A mannequin inside the Japan Pavilion
Plans are already under way to bring new food concepts to the entertainment destination ahead of its next season.
Organisers are currently hunting for fresh ideas, with entrepreneurs and interested parties encouraged to register as the “final touches are made to the season 26 master plan”, the Global Village organisers said.
Those interested in setting up kiosks and food carts have until Sunday, August 1, to submit their bids before proposals close.
Global Village is famous for its street food offerings. During its previous seasons, kiosks offered several popular food items from around the world.
Kiosks are also popular for food entrepreneurs in the region because of their low rent, free amenities, and the lack of requirement of a trade licence. It’s the reason Global Village is the destination of choice for many brands that are just starting out or expanding to the region. Last season, for example, South Korean brand Samyang Foods launch a noodle bar at Global Village’s Korean pavilion. It has no other outlet in the UAE.
“Last year, we created Fiesta Street which proved to be a great success for the kiosks that were positioned in that area. This season, we have planned major enhancements to the street that runs between the Main Stage and Carnival with a beautiful new fountain feature, seating area and a photo opportunity for great family memories,” said Bader Anwahi, chief executive of Global Village.
“We are committed to serving as a launchpad for both local and international businesses. Our ongoing investment in improved guest experience directly impacts revenues for our partners and is key to their continued success.”
Last season, Global Village celebrated its silver jubilee by breaking 25 Guinness World Records.
Some of the records broken included: the longest line of mandi and largest display of mandi (after which it donated 4,880 mandi meals to charity); largest mosaic that read "100,000,000 meals" and used 2,500 lanterns; most number of nationalities on a theme park ride; largest pin badge to celebrate International Happiness Day; and the world's largest ticket.
It celebrated its silver jubilee season finale by teaming up with Skydive Dubai to break the Guinness World Records title for “highest altitude fireworks display” with 20 skydivers jumping from an altitude of more than 4,570 metres lighting the skies with 78 fireworks – a representation of the 78 cultures that were present during its 25th season.
More information is available at globalvillage.ae
