From opening day to Diwali, Union Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Ramadan, Eid, and more, Global Village has been here to celebrate all our best moments with us. And in one month, on Sunday, May 11th, we’ll have to say goodbye to Season 29. Although it will only be temporarily closed for the summer, as an honorary GV resident myself, this goodbye is always a bittersweet one to make. But the really scary part? I’m hearing you’re still yet to visit the park at least once this season! I don’t know how I let you fly under my radar, but I’m going to fix that right now. Come along with me, and I’ll show you all the fun and brilliant things you have to experience at Global Village before it ends for the season.
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A Quick Trip Around The World
One of the best things about Global Village is how you get to experience so many different cultures in one space. This year, there are 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures, and a few new ones have been added, like Jordan, Iraq, and a combined Sri Lanka–Bangladesh pavilion. Each one gives you a little taste of the country’s traditions – think local snacks, handmade crafts, spices, souvenirs, and more. It’s like a world tour packed into an evening.
There’s A Lot More Than Just Shopping
Yes, there’s shopping (and plenty of it), but that’s just the beginning. You’ll find rides, games, and attractions spread across the Carnaval® area – over 175 of them! Whether you’re into something chill or adrenaline-pumping, there’s something for every energy level. There’s also a new stunt show and plenty of live performances happening across different stages, including family-friendly stuff at the Kids’ Theatre and all sorts of acts on the Main Stage.
For The Foodies
If you like your food with a view, the new Restaurant Plaza is worth checking out. It’s right near the Carnaval zone and features 11 double-storey restaurants overlooking the park. But if you’re not interested in a sit-down restaurant and want a more hands-on food experience, here are all the places you can eat at GV:
- Pavilions
- Fiesta Street
- Happiness Street
- Arabian Square
- Fireworks Avenue
- Floating Market
- Indian Street Bazar
- Road of Asia
- Railway Market
- And kiosks and food trucks scattered across the park
No ones leaves Global Village hungry.
What’s New This Year: Exo Planet City
This season also brought us a new space-themed entertainment area called Exo Planet City. It’s a bit of an immersive, futuristic zone with some fun and unusual experiences. Here’s a quick peek:
- Infinity Mirror Maze: A trippy maze full of lights and reflections that plays with your senses.
- Galaxy Hunter: You get to “pilot” your own spaceship in a virtual universe.
- Gravity Vortex: A tunnel that messes with your balance and feels like you’re floating through space.
- Neo Flight Flying Theatre: A motion ride that lets you “fly” through magical and futuristic landscapes with familiar characters like Aladdin and Peter Pan.
I won’t spoil too many of the surprise because I want you to experience it for yourself. But trust me, Exo Planet City is quirky, fun, and definitely different from anything else at the park.
Where & When To Catch Glittering Fireworks In The Sky
If you happen to go on a Friday or Saturday, stick around for the 9 PM fireworks show at Fireworks Avenue. It’s a stunning way to end your night, especially with all the extra seating and grassy areas they’ve added this year. Bring snacks, find a cosy spot, and you’re all set.
Make The Most Of The Time Left
So, if you’ve been thinking about checking out Global Village but just haven’t made it yet, now’s your (final) window. Looking for a great bite to eat, watch a killer performance, or test out your bravery on a rides, Global Village makes sure everyone has something fun to do. And with just a few weeks left, it might be your last chance to see what all about hype has been about this season.
- AED 25 for weekdays (Sunday to Thursday, except public holidays)
- AED 30 for any day access
- Free for kids under 3, seniors over 60, and People of Determination
The doors close Sunday, May 11th – so get your tickets now on the Global Village website.
