Global Village has come to be known for many things over its 25-year history – from country-specific pavilions and cultural performances to whimsical wares – but one of its biggest calling cards is the plethora of delicious dishes on offer, some of them unique to the annual event.
It’s impossible to leave here without stopping for a snack, with vendors to be found at every corner and selling everything from hot corn in a cup and roasted chestnuts to freshly prepared crepes, pastas and kebabs.
Myriad flavours of bubble tea (chocolate cheesecake, anyone?) await, as do Chips Oman sandwiches and mahshi, a popular Middle Eastern stuffed vegetable dish. It almost feels like there’s nothing you can’t find at Global Village.
Sampling these and more is an exciting prospect, but it can also feel a tad overwhelming if you don’t know exactly what you want or what’s out there.
Here, we profile the most unique and popular foodie offerings available this year.
Dishes available only in Global Village
Kokorec from Turkish Kokorec & Seafood
This kiosk is located in a little lane with food stalls on both sides, with the Indian Pavilion visible on one end and America’s Pavilion seen from the other.
But even packed between numerous tempting kiosks, Turkish Kokorec & Seafood stands out because it is one of the only places in the UAE where you can get authentic kokorec. The hearty dish is made from lamb or goat intestines, and is considered a delicacy in Turkey and surrounding countries such as Greece, perhaps because it's painstaking to make.
Enjoy it at Global Village with toasted bread and herbs such as cumin, oregano and chilli for Dh30. Be warned, though, that this dish is a complete meal in itself.
All things passion fruit at Passion Taste
New to Global Village this season is Emirati-owned Passion Taste, a brand that is yet to launch anywhere else.
The kiosk is located close to the Floating Market. Its calling card? Every dish – both sweet and savoury – incorporates a generous helping of passion fruit. The pina colada (Dh25) is a best-seller, and is both refreshing and Instagram-worthy.
But if you’re looking for something more unusual, the passion fruit dynamite shrimp and passion fruit chicken tikka wrap (both Dh25) offer an intriguing sweet-and-savoury flavour profile, and make for a lip-smacking meal.
Mala noodles and mussels at the Floating Market
Those craving Asian flavours can find no better place within Global Village than the picturesque Floating Market, modelled on the famous one in Thailand. The structure houses numerous kiosks serving well-loved and authentic Asian dishes, many of which are prepared on the spot and come piping hot (perfect for chilly evenings).
Many stalls serve chicken or seafood tom yum soups that are well worth your time (and your dirhams), while tom yum fried rice is also popular. A Global Village special is to be found at BKK Station, which does a mean mala noodles dish (Dh40), with spicy sauce imported from Thailand and tweaked to make it more palatable to UAE tastebuds. Even so, it packs quite the punch heat-wise.
On the way out, stop by for the freshly grilled garlic butter or spicy mussels from Zaab Zaab.
Khachapuri and khinkali from Old Tbilisi
Located just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UAE, Tbilisi has always been a popular travel destination for residents. Despite that, you’d be hard-pressed to find many delicious Georgian dishes around the Emirates.
Old Tbilisi, a new addition to the Global Village roster, is set to change all that with its pretty interiors and traditional favourites such as khachapuri, bread filled with cheese, egg or beef [from Dh25]; and cheese or lamb khinkali, flavourful dumplings (Dh25 for three) that take both time and effort to prepare.
Rainbow burgers and taco ice cream from Choices by MT
Located in the same lane as Turkish Kokorec & Seafood is Choices by MT, which is hard to miss thanks to the multicoloured burger posters plastered all over. In fact, rainbow-coloured dishes are the unique selling point of the restaurant, which is Emirati-founded and not available outside Global Village as of yet.
The restaurant serves chicken (Dh32) and beef burgers (Dh35) within colourful buns. If you have a sweet tooth, try the taco ice cream (Dh20); not only is this block of multicoloured ice cream served in a curved waffle perfect for the ‘Gram, but it also features flavours such as pistachio, rose water and saffron, which are popular in the region.
Cakes and custard from Custaphoria
Asian-style cakes have been growing in popularity lately, and this kiosk in Global Village takes things up a notch with custard and Nutella-filled versions. Try the bite-sized Korean cakes (Dh30 for 10), which come in photogenic shapes, or go for a Japanese cake that comes with Nutella, Oreo, custard and even baklava (Dh15). Another must-try is Custaphoria’s hot drink (Dh21), which tastes like you’re sipping on piping-hot, liquid custard.
Time-tested dishes at Global Village
Regag from Traditional Kitchen
There are two Traditional Kitchen outlets in Global Village where visitors can pick up authentic Emirati bites made fresh in front of them. A popular and pocket-friendly street food dish is regag (Dh15) – a thin and crunchy Emirati crepe made by spreading a dough of wholewheat flour over a hot pan and topping with an egg, plus additional fillings such as cheese, Nutella or Chips Oman.
The stalls also prepare fresh luqaimat, a sweet Emirati dumpling dessert that is served hot with sweet date syrup.
Chicken machboos from Al Garhoud Restaurant
For those looking for a sit-down Emirati dinner, Al Garhoud serves authentic flavours in a fuss-free ambience. There are plenty of traditional dishes, including balaleet, a sweet and savoury dish with vermicelli and egg; khameer flatbread; and machboos with chicken or meat (from Dh35), a popular Emirati rice dish served with salad and yoghurt. If you’re wondering what separates it from a biryani, it’s all about the spice combinations.
Cevapi at Bosnian House
Few dishes are as popular, filling and delicious as meaty cevapi or Bosnian kebabs, a delicacy you'll find in all corners of Global Village. Bosnian House, in particular, is popular for its tender and flavourful iteration, and serves the small oblong kebabs with pitta bread, red sauce, labneh and onion. Its cevapi goes for Dh39 for 10 pieces and is a great on-the-go snack .
Cheese wheel pasta from Wheel 35
Craving a cheese overload on a chilly day? Wheel 35 prepares its pasta fresh within a giant ring of cheese. You can also choose between truffle sauce and white sauce, and customise your ingredients and toppings. One generous serving starts from Dh25.
Churros from Churros
Those looking for a sweet snack can’t go wrong with these much-loved fried dough pastries that are native to Spain and Portugal. The sugar-crusted treats are served hot with a delicious chocolate dip and go for Dh25 for six pieces – perfect to share after a hearty meal.
Kebabs from Bundoo Khan’s
The Pakistani restaurant is a bona fide Global Village favourite for its kebabs and biryanis. There’s a reason it’s been coming back to the exhibition since year one.
Recycle Reuse Repurpose
New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors
Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site
Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area
Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent organic waste and 13 per cent general waste.
About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor
Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:
Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled
Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays
Glass waste into bowls, lights, candle holders, serving trays and coasters
Aim is for 85 per cent of waste from the site to be diverted from landfill
What it means to be a conservationist
Who is Enric Sala?
Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.
What is biodiversity?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The biog
Family: Parents and four sisters
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing at American University of Sharjah
A self-confessed foodie, she enjoys trying out new cuisines, her current favourite is the poke superfood bowls
Likes reading: autobiographies and fiction
Favourite holiday destination: Italy
Posts information about challenges, events, runs in other emirates on the group's Instagram account @Anagowrunning
Has created a database of Emirati and GCC sportspeople on Instagram @abeermk, highlight: Athletes
Apart from training, also talks to women about nutrition, healthy lifestyle, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure
India Test squad
Virat Kohli (c), Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill
More on Quran memorisation:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
