For whatever reason you are in Dubai you are more than likely to see Dubai’s Global Village advertised everywhere! But is this an anti-climax, or is Global Village Worth a Visit? Here we have put together a full guide to help you make your decision.
Dubai Global Village is absolutely worth a visit! With so much to see and do here, adults and children are sure not to be bored. Tickets are reasonably priced and the village has great transport links.
What is There to Do at Global Village?
This foremost seasonal attraction of Dubai is a tremendously popular crowd-puller in the town. Let’s discover what you can do there at Global Village.
1. Head Round The World in Just 1 Day
The best way to introduce Global Village is to describe it as a fabulous multi-cultural theme park. The prime highlight of this park has to be those 30 something pavilions erected for your eyes to behold the charms all across the globe.
The pavilions at Global Village give you a rare opportunity to get a vivid glimpse of various countries and their cultures under one roof. The most captivating pavilions from the park include India, Egypt, China, Turkey, Russia and Cambodia. What’s more, the park keeps adding new pavilions so that you don’t miss any scope to get familiar with new nations paired with new surprises.
2. Spectacular Live Shows and Concerts
The Global Village is preparing to celebrate its 25th birthday and you must fasten your seat-belt before joining them for a rollercoaster ride in terms of exciting live shows, concerts and performances.
The concerts at the Global Village feature some of the most popular celebrities and influential performers across the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the globe. Watching your stars performing in front of your eyes is common at Global Village. You can also groove to your favourite tunes and enjoy the music in the air.
Global Village also allows you to witness a series of sanity-defying stunt shows and mesmerizing street entertainment.
Don’t forget to attend the Monster Stunt Show and the Haunted House. There are indeed thousands of shows waiting for you particularly if it’s a Friday night.
3. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
You got it right. Of course, the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum can be found in Dubai and it is right at the Global Village actually. This American museum franchise knows exactly how to lure people with its most bizarre, unusual and weird collection of displays.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! The museum displays everything from prehistoric specimen to futuristic inventions. It expands through six galleries of the Global Village to accommodate its huge collection. Some of the most popular and fascinating items from the museum include a wooden Ferrari, real heads and skulls and the Mirror Maze.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! guarantees nothing but a mind-blowing experience that you can’t get anywhere else in the Middle East. Before leaving the pavilion, don’t forget to grab some memento of unusual nature from its visibly strange souvenir store.
4. Explore the Secrets at the Fantasy Island
Although there are hundreds of things at the Global Village to entertain you and your kids, but there’s nothing so alluring like Fantasy Island. With a giant Ferris Wheel and thrilling rollercoaster rides, this theme park is a must-visit for visitors, especially with kids.
The Fantasy Island is the latest addition to the Global Village is a wonderful place that wins everyone’s heart. A hoard of events such as firework display, live music, dance performances and musical fountain shows will keep you (and your kids) glued for the whole day.
Fantasy Island is a true down memory lane experience for every adult. This theme park aims to take you back to those wonderful childhood days. There are ample activities that parents and kids can take part in. So, time flies in the blink of an eye when you are at Fantasy Island.
5. Live the Colours of the Carnival
Carnival held at the Global Village is something that you and every one of your family will absolutely love. Carnival time is all about feeling the true essence of an outstanding fair experience right at the heart of Dubai.
The Carnaval spot is decorated with all sorts of vibrant lightings. There are more than 30 enthralling rides for both kids and adults. The Beijing Bungee is surely not for the faint-hearted but you will not mind giving it a try once you blend with the mood of the Carnaval.
Carnival is loaded with too many exhilarating rides and games. The play and win concept games assure you of a fun-filled day. This is the time to enjoy with your family and little munchkins. Exploring the excitement at the Carnival seems a never-ending process.
So, be ready to enter a whole new world of thrill and fun at the Carnival just with your Global Village ticket.
6. Witness Some Gravity-Defying Act at Circus Circus
Circus Circus is the most celebrated live performance in the Global Village where nerve-wracking acrobatic stunts give you some serious goosebumps. Circus Circus brings the best and most brilliant talents all across the world so that you can understand how perfect timing and rigorous training can make everything possible!
The circus can accommodate maximum of 500 spectators for a single show. So, booking your seat well ahead will save you from disappointment. High wire acts and the Russian Wheel of Death are surely the most captivating parts of the circus. Besides gravity-defying acts, a team of Columbian Clowns is there to split some funny beans for you.
7. Go Back to the Ancient Emirati Era
Not a great number of foreign tourists are aware of the legendary culture and heritage of Emirati people. The Global Village has taken the pledge to spread the words through a well-planned and impeccably executed program, the “Live Our Heritage Festival”. This is truly a unique opportunity to explore Emirati lifestyle and culture.
This program presents the region’s age-old practices, traditions and crafts in the best possible way. It is interesting to gain knowledge on thread weaving, palm frond braiding, coffee making and perfume designing. Arabian folk dances are performed at the venue so that learning more about the ancient Emirati era doesn’t look that flat.
8. Gorge On Delicious Food
Although the Global Village is known for its unmatched pavilions and unbelievable performances, food is a great aspect of this theme park. Just like the multiple nationalities, you have this rare chance in Global Village to relish food from all around the world.
You will be surprised to know that there are as many as 200 plus restaurants within the periphery of the Global Village. So, going empty stomach is not going to happen here. Apart from local and indigenous delicacies, you can head for the specialty counters to order lip-smacking dishes around the globe.
9.Go Shopping for Some Amazing Items
It is impossible to resist your urge of shopping after looking at the stimulating collection of stuff at the Global Village shops. Shopping here is very unique and interesting too. You will encounter something strikingly unusual every now and then when you decide to shop from its more than 3500 outlets. Things that you love to shop at the Global Village are –
- Abayas (check here our review of Global Village and best places for abayas)
- Authentic Turkish Sweets
- Iranian saffron
- Perfumes
- Spices
- Honey from Yemen
- Afghani and Indian outfits
- Moroccan Argan Oil
- Antiques like wooden chests and glass work furniture from India
10. Make the Most of Dubai Shopping Festival
In order to give the shopaholics a great way to fulfill their dreams, Dubai has planned one of the most extravagant events of the Middle East, the Dubai Shopping Festival. This much-anticipated event can be best exploited right at the Global Village.
Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long haul that allows you to own anything that your heart desires. At Global Village, you can shop items with never-before price tags. You can also take part in several shopping contests to win some jaw-dropping prizes.
Dubai Global Village Location
Near Dubailand, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, Exit 37, E311, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Opening Hours
Saturday to Wednesday: 4.00 PM – 12.00 AM
Thursday, Friday and Public Holiday: 4.00 PM – 1.00 AM
Exclusive Mondays: Only Ladies and Families are allowed
Is Global Village Open Throughout The Year?
Global village Dubai is not something that you can experience all year round. This season-specific event comes with revised opening dates for each year. It is set to open its 27th season from October 25, 2022 to May 7, 2023.
When is the Best Time to Visit Global Village?
The best time to visit Global Village is around 4.00 PM, as soon as the park opens its doors! After that, it gets quite crowded very quickly.
Global Village is a seasonal set-up that comes up during the months of October to April. Usually, it remains overly crowded on weekends. If you are not comfortable dealing with too much crowd, better you choose weekdays to visit the park.
Mondays are exclusively reserved for the ladies and families. So, there is less crowd in the Global Village on Mondays.
Before planning your visit to the Global Village, you must check the show timings that you are interested in. Pick your favourite events and then decide which time will be better to reach there. For breathtaking firework displays, Thursday and Friday evenings are best. Mondays are ideal to avoid the rush.
How Much Is the Entrance Fee to Global Village?
Below are ticket prices at Global Village Dubai.
| Entry Type | Ticket Price Per Person |
| Adult | AED 15 |
| Children Under 3 | Free |
| Seniors Above 65 | Free |
| People of Determination (with one companion) | Free |
| Limited Edition Silver Plated Ticket | AED 250 |
How to Get to Global Village
From Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
There is no direct connection from JBR to reach Global Village. We would suggest you walk up to the Jumeirah Beach Residence Station 2 and then board a Line 84 bus to Electro Industrial Corporation. Then you can get a taxi from there to get to Global Village. Taxi costs from Jumeirah Beach Resort are approximately 50AED.
From The Palm
Distance between The Palm and Global Village is just 24 kilometres by road. The quickest and easiest way to reach Global Village is to hire a taxi. It will cost you around AED 45 – AED 55.
From Downtown Dubai
From Downtown Dubai, it is hardly a half an hour journey to reach Global Village. Distance is more or less 25 kilometres. It is best to take a taxi to cover this distance at a rough cost of 45AED.
Handy Tips for Your Global Village Visit
- Global Village Dubai spreads across a hopping area of 17,200,000 sq ft. It’s really huge. There is no way you can cover each and everything. What you can do is to pick your favourites and head for them first before you get distracted with something else.
- Fridays and Saturdays attract a massive crowds while Mondays experience the lowest crowd due to exclusive Ladies and Family access.
- Reach the ticket counter early to avoid long queues.
- Get a Global Village Map as soon as you enter.
- You can get your VIP pass to access loads of additional benefits and discount coupons.
- Always check the event timings before leaving so that you don’t miss them.
- Friday concerts are an immensely popular event in the village so you must book your ticket well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Dress modestly and avoid showing off too much skin in public.
- Refrain yourself from Displaying Affection in Public or getting too intimate with your loved one.
- You are not allowed to bring your pet to Global Village.
- Parents must keep an eye on their kids to keep them safe from the crowd.
- Every sort of food and beverages are available in the Global Village. There is no point in carrying them from outside!
Conclusion
Global Village Dubai is an enchanting experience that comes with a more promising and rewarding trip in the city. Is it worth a visit? At the cost of just 15AED, absolutely!
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