Season 27 of Global Village to feature 27 pavilions and a new Road of Asia

The family attraction in Dubai reopens to the public in October

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.

As a nod to its 27th season, family destination Global Village will be back in October with 27 pavilions. A new concept called Road of Asia, which will be a dedicated street featuring kiosks by 13 Asian countries, has also been announced.

A main feature of the Dubai shopping and entertainment destination, the pavilions offer arts and crafts, foods, entertainment and products from the country or region they represent.

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. 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.

The new concept, Road of Asia, will be a pedestrian street with 43 kiosks, offering products from countries not represented in the pavilions. The 13 countries to be featured here are Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and the Philippines.

New attractions introduced last season, which ran for an extended period until May 7, 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.

More new attractions will be revealed, organisers said.

International dance show 'Burn the Floor' made its Middle Eastern debut at Dubai's Global Village. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

A 'Burn the Floor' performance at Global Village, Dubai.

One of the dance routines is inspired by the Michael Jackson hit 'Smooth Criminal'.

The performance features 22 cast members who dance in pairs.

'Burn the Floor' features an eclectic soundtrack of modern and vintage pop music hits.

The main stage of Global Village is big enough to accommodate the 22 fast moving dancers.

The dancers get ready before their performance at Global Village.

One hour before show time.

The dancers stretch before the big show.

“Global Village has been a regional and international phenomenon for over two decades, helping cement Dubai as a global hub for entertainment and tourism," said Mohamed Sharaf, chief operating officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment. "Planning and construction is on track for the October 25 opening, and we are all looking forward to an unmissable line-up of new attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.”

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.

More information is available at globalvillage.ae.

Scroll through the gallery for pictures from 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.