Global Village will return for its 26th season in October 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Global Village will return for its 26th season in October 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Global Village will return for its 26th season in October 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Global Village will return for its 26th season in October 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Global Village to reopen in October 2021: destination announces dates for 26th season


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

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:

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

The story in numbers

18

This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens

450,000

More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps

1.5 million

There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m

73

The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association

18,000

The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme

77,400

The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study

4,926

This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

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Cherry

Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo

Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo

1/5

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Updated: July 13, 2021, 9:12 AM`