Dubai's Global Village to return for Season 27 in October

The family-friendly attraction welcomed 7.8 million guests during its last season

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.

Global Village has announced its opening date for its coming season.

The popular family-friendly destination will reopen on October 25, although little other details are known yet including when exactly it will run until and what will be new. However, on the official website, it says Season 27 followed by the dates "October 2022 — April 2023" which follows the typical dates the attraction usually stays open for.

Scroll through the gallery above to see images from Season 26 of Global Village.

Last season's Global Village had a record 7.8 million guests visit during the six months it was operational. This also includes an extended period, which saw the attraction stay open for an extra four weeks until May 7.

The destination marked its 26th season with 26 pavilions representing more than 80 cultures from around the world.

Among the countries and continents represented were: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Yemen, Russia, the Americas, Africa and Europe.

New attractions included a Peter Rabbit Adventure Zone, which housed a series of fun and interactive activity areas based on the much-loved childhood character. Internationally acclaimed dance show Burn The Floor also made its regional debut at the event and had a regular slot on the attraction’s main stage.

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.

Why Global Village is a haven for Ramadan night owls - in pictures

Global Village in Dubai will remain open throughout Ramadan. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The family-friendly attraction hosts Ramadan Nights, an iftar and suhoor experience at the Majlis of the World.

A toddler enjoys herself at the annual event, which is marking its silver jubilee edition.

Ramadan decorations have enhanced the grandeur of Global Village.

Moutyaa Al Chayah, a cook from Baalbek, Lebanon, bakes manakeesh.

Global Village also offers delicious food options.

Friends gather for iftar.

Luqaimat is also a favourite among those breaking the fast.

Queue builds up in front of a Turkish ice cream outlet.

It's prayer time at Global Village.

The traditional cannon fire marking the end of the day's fast is quite a spectacle.

Food is cooked on the floating market.

A musician plays oud at the Majlis of the World.

Global Village hosts more than 3,500 shopping outlets.

An impromptu iftar gathering at Global Village.

The Majlis of the World has been put up exclusively for Ramadan.

The majlis hosts traditional entertainment such as live music.

Ramadan decorations at the Syria pavilion.

Opening hours have been changed to accommodate guests over iftar and suhoor.