A return to Global Village: what to expect as the Dubai attraction reopens for its 25th season

The multicultural theme park is embracing new technology and safety measures for its silver jubilee year

A mother helps her child put on his face mask at Global Village in Dubai as it reopens on October 25, 2020. EPA

Visitors wear face masks at the opening Global Village's 25th season. EPA

Staff line up at the entrance of Global Village as it opens for its 25th season. Reem Mohammed/The National

Global Village celebrated its soft launch on Sunday, October 25. Reem Mohammed/The National

The attraction's performers can be seen in face masks. Reem Mohammed/The National

Visitors flock to Global Village as it reopens for its 25th season. Reem Mohammed/The National

Confetti marks the reopening of Global Village for its 25th season. Reem Mohammed/The National

Global Village performers welcome guests back. Reem Mohammed/The National

Global Village celebrates its 25th season. Reem Mohammed/The National

Guests return to Global Village. Reem Mohammed/The National

Socially distanced spacing at Global Village. Reem Mohammed/The National

Hand sanitisers are present at some pavilions. Reem Mohammed/The National

A Carnaval employee wears a face mask and shield at Global Village. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Floating Market is back at Global Village. Reem Mohammed/The National

Signs to help maintain social distancing at Global Village 2020. Reem Mohammed/The National

Guests return to Global Village on its opening day. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Vietnam and Cambodia pavilion is new for 2020. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Japan pavilion at Global Village. Reem Mohammed/The National

Chefs at Global Village's Floating Market prepare to welcome back guests. Reem Mohammed/The National

A number of new safety measures are in place as Global Village reopens. Reem Mohammed/The National

Global Village is celebrating its silver jubilee this year. Reem Mohammed/The National

Teddy bears will be used at the children’s theatre to maintain social distancing. Reem Mohammed/The National

A packed Floating Market on Global Village's first day of opening for its 25th season. Reem Mohammed/The National

Performers at Global Village's Iranian pavilion. Reem Mohammed/The National

Global Village's Iranian pavilion. Reem Mohammed/The National

Global Village celebrates its 25th season this year. Reem Mohammed/The National

A food vendor serves Turkish simit at Global Village. Reem Mohammed/The National

Entrance and exit marks outside the pavilions remind guests to maintain social distancing. Reem Mohammed/The National

A new app has been launched to allow people to make cashless transactions. Reem Mohammed/The National

A general view of Global Village in Dubai as it reopens. EPA

Visitors wearing face masks enjoy the fountain at Global Village in Dubai. EPA

The latest season of Dubai's Global Village had its soft launch on Sunday, and it's set to be a big one for the attraction. The multicultural theme park marks its 25th year, and plenty of activities have been in the pipeline to mark this silver jubilee.

However, as Global Village's chief executive Bader Anwahi points out, 2020 is no ordinary year. Back in March, its 24th season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. And as it reopens, the attraction – which has an average footfall of 42,000 guests per day – has had to adapt to the extraordinary circumstances.

Anwahi said the team had been working around the clock over the past few months to ensure that this season impresses guests. “I am so proud of how our team has injected elements of fun into the exceptional precautionary measures that we have implemented. This is an extraordinary year, and we are confident that our improved customer experience together with the many exciting new offerings will make it one to remember.”

The safety measures start at the entrance with temperature checks and thermal scanners. Face masks are mandatory, social-distancing reminders have been positioned at checkpoints and more than 600 hand-sanitising stations have been placed throughout the area. At the children’s theatre, complimentary face masks will be handed out, while social-distancing teddy bears have been placed on alternate seats in place of audience members.

There has also been some creative incorporation of face masks among performers. From clowns to superheroes, the masks have been blended naturally into costumes, while temperature checkers at the entrance sport face shields.

Organisers have also subtly tweaked the structure of the attraction's performances to incorporate social-distancing measures. Seating has been installed in front of the main stage area to prevent overcrowding. The 26 pavilions – with the new additions of Russia, Cambodia and Vietnam – have designated entry and exit points, with most stating a maximum capacity at the entrance. Within, the kiosks and vendors have been spaced out so each pavilion feels less crowded. Tables at dining areas have also been set two metres apart, and guests will be discouraged from eating food as they move around the park.

Perhaps the most significant change are the two apps guests now need to access Global Village. There an eponymous one for information and ticket purchases, while another, GVPay by Noqodi, will allow guests to make cashless payments across vendors and outlets.

After setting up the app – a five-minute process that can be done at home – visitors can explore most of the attractions without their wallets. Haggling and purchasing products – be it saffron from Iran or honey from Yemen – is still just as satisfying.

What’s back?

This year features the return of Global Village trademark attractions – there will be fireworks every Thursday and Friday, and on special occasions such as New Year's Eve. Ripley's Believe It or Not "Odditorium", which launched last year, is back, and with 100 new attractions to boot. And Carnaval, the outdoor theme park area, will home exciting rides including the new Manila Mayhem that rotates at 20 revolutions per minute, seven metres above ground.

What's new?

While the soft opening took place on Sunday, October 25, the grand opening will be on Friday, October 30, with a virtual rock concert scheduled in the evening. Helmed by Fabio Zaffagnini, the concert by Rockin’ 1000 will unite audio and video submissions from about 2,500 artists from 100 countries, and be streamed across the Global Village main stage and social media platforms, along with fireworks at 9pm.

Changes aside, Global Village maintains its buzz. The miniature Eiffel Tower and Burj Khalifa are right where you left them; the smell of freshly cooked corn and other treats still hang heavy in the air; and the lights are just as bright.

Global Village is open daily; Saturday, 2pm-11pm; Sunday-Wednesday, 4pm-midnight; Thursday, Friday and public holidays, 4pm-1am; Monday is reserved as a family day except for public holidays; Dh15 per person; www.globalvillage.ae