• Al Sana'a and the Khalifa Foundation pavilions will return for the 27th season. All photos: Global Village
    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 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.
    A rendering of the cabanas that will be introduced for season 27.
  • More entry points and information centres are being added this year.
    More entry points and information centres are being added this year.
  • A new Happiness Gate, a third entrance, is also being added.
    A new Happiness Gate, a third entrance, is also being added.
  • VIP Packs went on sale in September.
    VIP Packs went on sale in September.
  • In-park transportation is offered for VIP Pack holders.
    In-park transportation is offered for VIP Pack holders.
  • VIP parking is also available.
    VIP parking is also available.
  • A rendering of the Iraq Pavilion, added during season 26.
    A rendering of the Iraq Pavilion, added during season 26.
  • The 26th season of Global Village opened on October 26, 2021.
    The 26th season of Global Village opened on October 26, 2021.
  • The attraction lit up to delight by night.
    The attraction lit up to delight by night.
  • For season 27, there will be 27 pavilions, representing more than 80 global cultures.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Craftsmen from around the world bring their wares to the village.
  • Craftspeople and entrepreneurs show their skills on site.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Global Village season 27 will run from October 25, 2022 until April 2023.

Lifestyle

Things to do

Global Village Dubai to reopen today: ticket prices, timings and new attractions

Family-friendly attraction opens its 27th season on October 25

Katy Gillett
Katy Gillett

October 25, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Global Village reopens on Tuesday with an array of new attractions, shows and additional amenities that will make visiting the wildly popular family-friendly destination much easier.

Last season, it had a record 7.8 million guests visit during the six months it was operational, including an extended period, as it stayed open an extra four weeks until May 7.

This year marks its 27th season, with 27 pavilions representing more than 80 cultures from around the world.

Here's everything you need to know about Global Village's 2022 season.

When does Global Village reopen?

The attraction will reopen to the public on Tuesday at 6pm and run until April next year. A specific closing date has yet to be announced.

What pavilions and attractions will be there?

The pavilions, each themed according to a different nation or culture, are a star attraction at Global Village.

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 and 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.

A new concept, Road of Asia, will be a pedestrian street with 43 kiosks, offering food and products from countries not represented in the pavilions.

The 13 countries to be featured here include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan and the Philippines.

There will also be a new haunted house, a Big Balloon experience and a Heroes Gallery, an exhibition inspired by superheroes and movie memorabilia.

What shows can visitors see during season 27?

Global Village has revealed a packed new season line-up, featuring more than 400 performers from around the world. This includes more than 200 performances each night.

Putting on the Glitz will bring jazz music to the theme park, while London Calling takes music-lovers through nostalgic songs from the 1960s and punk-rock trends to top tunes of today.

Clowns to the Rescue is a group of performers from Colombia, while Bank Heist is a slapstick comedy troupe.

Enter Loud House for a big Bollywood soap opera-style show. Skyline is a showcase of music, style, dance and light that will also transport fans to the heart of Bollywood come evening.

V.Unbeatable, a dance crew from Mumbai that won season two of America's Got Talent: The Champions in 2020, will perform on the Main Stage from January 4 for a month.

Filipino troupe Urban Crew, who competed on the latest season of America's Got Talent, will return to Global Village to showcase their acrobatic skills all season.

Another international ensemble back by popular demand is Colombian Aaijaa, a group of young percussionists setting the beat for the evenings.

Global Village favourites making a return include The Wonderers — Ozka, Waleef and Zoya, who bring a new production to the Kids Theatre called The Mystery of the Golden Rock.

Last year's new attraction, the Peter Rabbit Adventure Zone, will also return, and the Octonauts are back for another season.

Ben & Holly, and PJ Masks, will host their own shows, and there will be a sequel to Aqua Action, a water-based stunt show that will bring new fire effects, LED car scenes, high-powered street bikes and a big monster truck.

Amenities being introduced this season

A third entrance called Happiness Gate is being introduced to help stem traffic flow and ensure shorter walking distances from the car parks. It will also have valet parking.

Happiness Street has been extended, with a new layout giving guests plenty of room to discover more street food.

Cabanas will be available to book this year for groups of up to eight people. It allows people to book a base to return to throughout their visit and have a private butler on hand.

There will also be more information counters, revamped prayer rooms, more vending machines at entry points and extra lockers for guests.

A new range of branded merchandise and souvenirs to take home have also been created for this season.

How much do Global Village tickets cost?

Tickets purchased online are cheaper than those bought at the venue. For entry on Sunday to Thursday, tickets are Dh18 online and Dh20 at the gate. For all other days, it's Dh22.5 online and Dh25 at the gate.

Entry is free for children under the age of 3 and senior citizens aged 65 and above, as well as people of determination.

Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families only, except for on public holidays.

What are opening hours?

Global Village is open from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday.

How to get there

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.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices start from Dh18 this season for tickets bought online, while they're Dh20 at the gate from Sunday to Thursday. On other days, it's Dh22.5 online and Dh25 at the gate.

New ticket options are being introduced for season 27. There's the Value ticket, valid from Sunday to Thursday, excluding public holidays, and the Any Day ticket gives guests the flexibility to attend on any day, including public holidays.

Entry is free for children under the age of 3 and senior citizens aged 65 and above, as well as people of determination.

Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families only, except for on public holidays.

Tickets bought on the mobile app or website are discounted by 10 per cent.

Opening hours

Global Village is open from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday.

More information is available at globalvillage.ae

Scroll through the gallery below to see images of Global Village season 26

  • 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.
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5

MATCH INFO

Uefa Nations League

League A, Group 4
Spain v England, 10.45pm (UAE)

Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

On Women's Day

Adele: The Stories Behind The Songs
Caroline Sullivan
Carlton Books

How it works

Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.

Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.

As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.

A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.

Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.

Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

MATCH INFO

Day 2 at Mount Maunganui

England 353

Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88

New Zealand 144-4

Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28

More on Quran memorisation:
Yemen's Bahais and the charges they often face

The Baha'i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha'i faith in 1844.

The Baha'i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran. 

Today, some 2,000 Baha'is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf. 

"The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen," the charge sheet said. 

Baha'Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith's highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer. 

The Houthis cite this as collective "evidence" of Bahai "links" to Israel - which the Houthis consider their enemy. 

 

The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net

Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.

Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.

A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.

Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.

RACE CARD

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m

7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m

8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m

8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m

9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m

Results

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (Dirt) 1,000m, Winner: Hazeem Al Raed, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 85,000 (D) 1,000m, Winner: Ghazwan Al Khalediah, Hugo Lebouc, Helal Al Alawi

6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,400m, Winner: Dinar Al Khalediah, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi.

6.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Faith And Fortune, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Only Smoke, Bernardo Pinheiro, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: AF Ramz, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi.

8pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: AF Mass, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

UAE currency

Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press

Updated: October 25, 2022, 11:44 AM
FamilyDubaiGlobal Village