• Acrobats entertain visitors on the opening day of Global Village's 26th year. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    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.
    A confetti blast signals the opening of the event.
  • Crowds gather to be part of the opening day.
    Crowds gather to be part of the opening day.
  • This year, Global Village has introduced new walkways and paths.
    This year, Global Village has introduced new walkways and paths.
  • Balloons on sale at Global Village.
    Balloons on sale at Global Village.
  • The enhanced seating area near the main stage.
    The enhanced seating area near the main stage.
  • Visitors watch the 'PJ Masks' show.
    Visitors watch the 'PJ Masks' show.
  • Artists perform on opening day.
    Artists perform on opening day.
  • Visitors enter the Global Village gate.
    Visitors enter the Global Village gate.
  • There have been 2,500 square metres of new streets added.
    There have been 2,500 square metres of new streets added.
  • Visitors can find games for the whole family.
    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.
    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.
    Rides in action on opening day.
  • The entrance to the Iraq pavilion, which is new this year.
    The entrance to the Iraq pavilion, which is new this year.
  • A mascot parades at the India pavilion.
    A mascot parades at the India pavilion.
  • Children enjoy the rides at Global Village.
    Children enjoy the rides at Global Village.
  • Families pour in on opening day.
    Families pour in on opening day.

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


Evelyn Lau
  • English
  • Arabic

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
    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.
    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.
    A toddler enjoys herself at the annual event, which is marking its silver jubilee edition.
  • Ramadan decorations have enhanced the grandeur of Global Village.
    Ramadan decorations have enhanced the grandeur of Global Village.
  • Moutyaa Al Chayah, a cook from Baalbek, Lebanon, bakes manakeesh.
    Moutyaa Al Chayah, a cook from Baalbek, Lebanon, bakes manakeesh.
  • Global Village also offers delicious food options.
    Global Village also offers delicious food options.
  • Friends gather for iftar.
    Friends gather for iftar.
  • Luqaimat is also a favourite among those breaking the fast.
    Luqaimat is also a favourite among those breaking the fast.
  • Queue builds up in front of a Turkish ice cream outlet.
    Queue builds up in front of a Turkish ice cream outlet.
  • It's prayer time at Global Village.
    It's prayer time at Global Village.
  • The traditional cannon fire marking the end of the day's fast is quite a spectacle.
    The traditional cannon fire marking the end of the day's fast is quite a spectacle.
  • Food is cooked on the floating market.
    Food is cooked on the floating market.
  • A musician plays oud at the Majlis of the World.
    A musician plays oud at the Majlis of the World.
  • Global Village hosts more than 3,500 shopping outlets.
    Global Village hosts more than 3,500 shopping outlets.
  • An impromptu iftar gathering at Global Village.
    An impromptu iftar gathering at Global Village.
  • The Majlis of the World has been put up exclusively for Ramadan.
    The Majlis of the World has been put up exclusively for Ramadan.
  • The majlis hosts traditional entertainment such as live music.
    The majlis hosts traditional entertainment such as live music.
  • Ramadan decorations at the Syria pavilion.
    Ramadan decorations at the Syria pavilion.
  • Opening hours have been changed to accommodate guests over iftar and suhoor.
    Opening hours have been changed to accommodate guests over iftar and suhoor.
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 325bhp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh359,000

On sale: now 

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

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)
SPEC%20SHEET
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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Updated: October 14, 2022, 7:36 AM