• Global Village will remain open until May 18, 2025, for season 29. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Global Village will remain open until May 18, 2025, for season 29. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • The multicultural park is made up of 30 pavilions, plus family-friendly rides, shows and food vendors
    The multicultural park is made up of 30 pavilions, plus family-friendly rides, shows and food vendors
  • The Sri Lanka and Bangladesh joint pavilion is one of the three new ones at the park
    The Sri Lanka and Bangladesh joint pavilion is one of the three new ones at the park
  • More than 200 food vendors are available
    More than 200 food vendors are available
  • The main stage hosts shows on a daily basis
    The main stage hosts shows on a daily basis
  • The pavilions offer everything from spices and souvenirs to fashion and home decor
    The pavilions offer everything from spices and souvenirs to fashion and home decor
  • A dedicated Kids' Theatre has shows and mascots
    A dedicated Kids' Theatre has shows and mascots
  • Several areas have been redesigned this year, including the Floating Market, which is home to Asian food kiosks
    Several areas have been redesigned this year, including the Floating Market, which is home to Asian food kiosks
  • The Carnaval arena has more than 200 rides and games
    The Carnaval arena has more than 200 rides and games

Lifestyle

Things to do

Global Village extends opening period until May 18

Popular Dubai attraction announces new summer closure date

David Tusing

May 12, 2025

  • English
  • Arabic

Global Village will remain open for an additional week.

The Dubai outdoor attraction, which closes every year for the summer, announced on Sunday that its gates will remain open until May 18. It was originally scheduled to close on Sunday, May 11.

“You asked, and we delivered. Seven extra days of A More Wonderful World,” the attraction posted on social media.

The 29th season opened on October 16 and is home to 30 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, with more than 3,500 shopping outlets and 250 dining options. Visitors can also enjoy the park's 200 rides and games as well as be entertained by more than 400 performers.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan performed for fans in Global Village on January 26, to mark India's Republic Day. Photo: Global Village
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan performed for fans in Global Village on January 26, to mark India's Republic Day. Photo: Global Village

This year, it has hosted concerts by top Arab stars as well as Bollywood and international celebrities. Egyptian pop star Amr Diab performed to a record crowd last week while Pakistani singer Atif Aslam took the stage on April 27.

Syrian singer Assala Nasri performed for fans on April 6, while stars of Bollywood film Abir Gulaal – Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Indian actress Vaani Kapoor – interacted with fans on April 19.

There were also tribute shows taking place weekly, from Queen to Abba and Bon Jovi to Taylor Swift.

One of the biggest attractions this season has been Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who met and interacted with fans on January 26. Khan, known as “King Khan” in India, spoke and performed some of his popular songs to a record crowd. The event was also marked India's Republic Day, which included special celebrations at the India Pavilion within the attraction.

  • Sichuan chicken and prawn dumplings, Dh40, Su's Dim Sum. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Sichuan chicken and prawn dumplings, Dh40, Su's Dim Sum. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Musakhan rolls, Dh35, Fatteh
    Musakhan rolls, Dh35, Fatteh
  • Tteok kkochi, Dh30, Meokja
    Tteok kkochi, Dh30, Meokja
  • Pineapple fried rice, Dh50, Zubaidah Kitchen
    Pineapple fried rice, Dh50, Zubaidah Kitchen
  • Lamb chops, Dh40, Skewers
    Lamb chops, Dh40, Skewers
  • Inegol kofta sandwich, Dh35, Turkish Kofta & Grill House
    Inegol kofta sandwich, Dh35, Turkish Kofta & Grill House
  • Lobster roll, Dh38, Lobster Roll
    Lobster roll, Dh38, Lobster Roll
  • Nodo with prawn, Dh38, Nodo
    Nodo with prawn, Dh38, Nodo
  • Mango sticky rice, Dh30, Mango Tango
    Mango sticky rice, Dh30, Mango Tango

Global Village has welcomed more than 100 million guests since its opening in 1997. Last season, which ended on May 8 last year, it set a record of a crowd footfall of 10 million.

New attractions this year include Secrets of the Lost City, which is set inside a themed Mayan temple; Restaurant Plaza, made up of 11 double-storey restaurants; and a transformed Railway Market and Floating Market.

In 2023, it was named the most popular attraction in the UAE by British market research company YouGov.

Updated: May 12, 2025, 5:18 AM
Global VillageDubai