Global Village Dubai to reopen today: ticket prices, timings and new attractions

Family-friendly attraction opens its 27th season on October 25

Al Sana'a and the Khalifa Foundation pavilions will return for the 27th season. All photos: Global Village

A new concept called Road to Asia is being introduced with 43 kiosks, offering food and products from countries not represented in the pavilions.

A rendering of the cabanas that will be introduced for season 27.

More entry points and information centres are being added this year.

A new Happiness Gate, a third entrance, is also being added.

VIP Packs went on sale in September.

In-park transportation is offered for VIP Pack holders.

VIP parking is also available.

A rendering of the Iraq Pavilion, added during season 26.

The 26th season of Global Village opened on October 26, 2021.

The attraction lit up to delight by night.

For season 27, there will be 27 pavilions, representing more than 80 global cultures.

The cultural destination will return with many of the culinary, shopping and entertainment attractions visitors will be familiar with from past seasons.

Every year, the park attracts millions of visitors. Season 26 of Global Village had a record 7.8 million guests visit during the six months it was operational.

Craftsmen from around the world bring their wares to the village.

Craftspeople and entrepreneurs show their skills on site.

The pavilions confirmed for season 27 are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Afghanistan, Africa, Americas, China, Egypt, Europe, India, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Yemen, Russia.

Guests are encouraged to download the Global Village app to help them navigate the various pavilions, attractions and restaurants.

Global Village season 27 will run from October 25, 2022 until April 2023.

Global Village reopens on Tuesday with an array of new attractions, shows and additional amenities that will make visiting the wildly popular family-friendly destination much easier.

Last season, it had a record 7.8 million guests visit during the six months it was operational, including an extended period, as it stayed open an extra four weeks until May 7.

This year marks its 27th season, with 27 pavilions representing more than 80 cultures from around the world.

Here's everything you need to know about Global Village's 2022 season.

When does Global Village reopen?

The attraction will reopen to the public on Tuesday at 6pm and run until April next year. A specific closing date has yet to be announced.

What pavilions and attractions will be there?

The pavilions, each themed according to a different nation or culture, are a star attraction at Global Village.

The pavilions confirmed for season 27 are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Afghanistan, Africa, Americas, China, Egypt, Europe, India, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Yemen and Russia.

New for the 27th season are the Oman and Qatar pavilions.

Two pavilions, Al Sana'a and Khalifa Foundation, will also return, with UAE entrepreneurs showcasing their businesses.

A new concept, Road of Asia, will be a pedestrian street with 43 kiosks, offering food and products from countries not represented in the pavilions.

The 13 countries to be featured here include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan and the Philippines.

There will also be a new haunted house, a Big Balloon experience and a Heroes Gallery, an exhibition inspired by superheroes and movie memorabilia.

What shows can visitors see during season 27?

Global Village has revealed a packed new season line-up, featuring more than 400 performers from around the world. This includes more than 200 performances each night.

Putting on the Glitz will bring jazz music to the theme park, while London Calling takes music-lovers through nostalgic songs from the 1960s and punk-rock trends to top tunes of today.

Clowns to the Rescue is a group of performers from Colombia, while Bank Heist is a slapstick comedy troupe.

Enter Loud House for a big Bollywood soap opera-style show. Skyline is a showcase of music, style, dance and light that will also transport fans to the heart of Bollywood come evening.

V.Unbeatable, a dance crew from Mumbai that won season two of America's Got Talent: The Champions in 2020, will perform on the Main Stage from January 4 for a month.

Filipino troupe Urban Crew, who competed on the latest season of America's Got Talent, will return to Global Village to showcase their acrobatic skills all season.

Another international ensemble back by popular demand is Colombian Aaijaa, a group of young percussionists setting the beat for the evenings.

Global Village favourites making a return include The Wonderers — Ozka, Waleef and Zoya, who bring a new production to the Kids Theatre called The Mystery of the Golden Rock.

Last year's new attraction, the Peter Rabbit Adventure Zone, will also return, and the Octonauts are back for another season.

Ben & Holly, and PJ Masks, will host their own shows, and there will be a sequel to Aqua Action, a water-based stunt show that will bring new fire effects, LED car scenes, high-powered street bikes and a big monster truck.

Amenities being introduced this season

A third entrance called Happiness Gate is being introduced to help stem traffic flow and ensure shorter walking distances from the car parks. It will also have valet parking.

Happiness Street has been extended, with a new layout giving guests plenty of room to discover more street food.

Cabanas will be available to book this year for groups of up to eight people. It allows people to book a base to return to throughout their visit and have a private butler on hand.

There will also be more information counters, revamped prayer rooms, more vending machines at entry points and extra lockers for guests.

A new range of branded merchandise and souvenirs to take home have also been created for this season.

How much do Global Village tickets cost?

Tickets purchased online are cheaper than those bought at the venue. For entry on Sunday to Thursday, tickets are Dh18 online and Dh20 at the gate. For all other days, it's Dh22.5 online and Dh25 at the gate.

Entry is free for children under the age of 3 and senior citizens aged 65 and above, as well as people of determination.

Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families only, except for on public holidays.

What are opening hours?

Global Village is open from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday.

How to get there

Global Village is located on Exit 37 of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (311) in Dubailand. It is about a 20-minute drive from Dubai Marina, and a 25-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices start from Dh18 this season for tickets bought online, while they're Dh20 at the gate from Sunday to Thursday. On other days, it's Dh22.5 online and Dh25 at the gate.

New ticket options are being introduced for season 27. There's the Value ticket, valid from Sunday to Thursday, excluding public holidays, and the Any Day ticket gives guests the flexibility to attend on any day, including public holidays.

Entry is free for children under the age of 3 and senior citizens aged 65 and above, as well as people of determination.

Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families only, except for on public holidays.

Tickets bought on the mobile app or website are discounted by 10 per cent.

Opening hours

Global Village is open from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday.

More information is available at globalvillage.ae

Scroll through the gallery below to see images of Global Village season 26

Acrobats entertain visitors on the opening day of Global Village's 26th year. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

A confetti blast signals the opening of the event.

Crowds gather to be part of the opening day.

This year, Global Village has introduced new walkways and paths.

Balloons on sale at Global Village.

The enhanced seating area near the main stage.

Visitors watch the 'PJ Masks' show.

Artists perform on opening day.

Visitors enter the Global Village gate.

There have been 2,500 square metres of new streets added.

Visitors can find games for the whole family.

This year, there are 26 pavilions representing countries and continents including the UAE, Africa, the Americas, China, Europe, India, South Korea, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine and Russia.

Rides in action on opening day.

The entrance to the Iraq pavilion, which is new this year.

A mascot parades at the India pavilion.

Children enjoy the rides at Global Village.

Families pour in on opening day.