Fireworks displays will coincide with midnight celebrations in the Philippines, India and other countries. Photo: Global Village
Fireworks displays will coincide with midnight celebrations in the Philippines, India and other countries. Photo: Global Village
Fireworks displays will coincide with midnight celebrations in the Philippines, India and other countries. Photo: Global Village
Fireworks displays will coincide with midnight celebrations in the Philippines, India and other countries. Photo: Global Village

Lifestyle

Things to do

Global Village to ring in new year seven times

International visitors can celebrate with loved ones in their home country

Farah Andrews
Farah Andrews

December 31, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Cementing its status as a truly international destination, Global Village will ring in 2023 not once, but seven times this year.

The Dubai entertainment park will celebrate with a New Year's Eve countdown for countries across Asia, allowing visitors to mark the new year with loved ones around the world.

As well as midnight in Dubai, Global Village will mark the new year to coincide with time zones in the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Turkey. The full list of GST times is below.

There will be seven-minute-long firework displays throughout the evening and entertainment on the main stage, with a DJ entertaining the crowd all night.

According to the park, "in true Global Village style, each country celebration will include a spectacular cultural show and stunning fireworks display".

In line with park rules, December 31 is a family and ladies-only day, with restrictions on the gate. Global Village runs family days every Tuesday and on public holidays and select events.

Entry to Global Village for New Year's Eve is Dh22.5; the park will be open until 2am.

Full timings for international New Year's Eve celebrations at Global Village:

  • Philippines: 8pm
  • Thailand: 9pm
  • Bangladesh: 10pm
  • India: 10.30pm
  • Pakistan: 11pm
  • UAE: 12am
  • Turkey: 1am

Festivities at Global Village

  • The Christmas tree at Dubai's Global Village was lit on Thursday. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    The Christmas tree at Dubai's Global Village was lit on Thursday. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • The tree stands at 21m tall
    The tree stands at 21m tall
  • And features decorations celebrating various cultures
    And features decorations celebrating various cultures
  • The tree lighting attracted a festive crowd
    The tree lighting attracted a festive crowd
  • Naturally, Father Christmas attended celebrations
    Naturally, Father Christmas attended celebrations
  • A surprise flurry of snow
    A surprise flurry of snow
  • Performers paraded during the lighting ceremony
    Performers paraded during the lighting ceremony
  • The grand arrival of Santa Claus
    The grand arrival of Santa Claus
  • Glittering decorations in Global Village's Winter Wonderland
    Glittering decorations in Global Village's Winter Wonderland

The festive season is still in full swing at Global Village, with Christmas and holiday decorations on display until January 8.

This year, the park boasts a 21-metre-high tree, which is decorated to celebrate various cultures. Elves are currently performing flash mobs around the park throughout, while gingerbread men strolling are posing for photos with visitors.

Bauble-shaped kiosks have also been set up with stalls selling artisanal gifts, from decorations to foodie treats.

Also boosting the festive spirit is the park's new eco-friendly Snowfest Ice Rink, which it describes as eco-friendly. The custom-made rink uses synthetic ice, which is a solid polymer material specifically designed for skating.

  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Snowfest ice rink at Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
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If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

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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. 

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Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

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Updated: December 31, 2022, 9:18 AM
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