Global Village, Dubai, UAE

Dubai
Written By Shivani .

Global Village Dubai: A Cultural Extravaganza Like No Other!

From the moment we arrived at Global Village Dubai, we were captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. The colorful lights illuminating the intricately designed buildings created a mesmerizing scene, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Upon entering, we were greeted by pavilions representing countries from around the globe. It felt like embarking on a world tour within a single venue! We marveled at replicas of iconic landmarks: the Colosseum in Italy, Eiffel Tower in France, and Big Ben in London. Each pavilion's architecture authentically reflected its nation's heritage, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

For dinner, we of course ventured into the Iranian pavilion and indulged in a delectable kabob platter. The flavors were delicious, offering a true taste of Persian cuisine. Exploring further, we discovered that each pavilion housed unique shops so we had to do some browsing. In the India pavilion, vibrant sarees (traditional clothing) and juttis (shoes) adorned the walls, while the Dubai section offered an array of exquisite perfumes. A highlight was visiting the Syria pavilion, where I finally tried knafeh for the first time, a sweet and cheesy dessert I'd been wanting to sample—it did not disappoint!

Global Village isn't just about shopping and dining; it's a full-fledged theme park. There are classic rides like the ferris wheel and swing ride, making the theme park exciting for children and adults. The Turkish ice cream vendors provided both a treat and a show, playfully teasing customers before handing over their cones. In the India section, a chai wallah served up aromatic tea, and we even encountered a cotton candy vendor reminiscent of those in the U.S.

Compared to theme parks in the United States, Global Village offers a refreshingly unique experience. The blend of cultural immersion, diverse cuisine, and entertainment—all at reasonable prices—makes it a must-visit destination. Our only regret was not having more time to explore every corner. We'll be returning to uncover more of what this incredible place has to offer!

Additional Information for Your Visit:

  • Operating Season: Global Village operates seasonally, its best to check when they open for the season to plan your trip right!

  • Opening Hours:

    • Sunday to Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM

    • Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM

    • Tuesdays: Reserved exclusively for families, couples, and ladies (except on public holidays).

  • Ticket Prices:

    • Weekday Ticket (Sunday–Thursday, excluding public holidays): AED 25 per person

    • Any Day Entry Ticket: AED 30 per person

    • Free Entry: Children under 3, seniors above 65, and People of Determination (with one companion).

  • Tickets can be purchased online through the official Global Village website or at the entrance gates. We purchased our tickets at the gate.

  • Getting There:

    • By Car: Global Village is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Exit 37. Ample parking is available, with nearly 20,000 spots. We opted to take an Uber.

    • By Public Transport: RTA operates buses to Global Village from various metro stations:

      • Bus 102: From Rashidiya Metro Station

      • Bus 103: From Union Metro Station

      • Bus 104: From Al Ghubaiba Bus Station

      • Bus 106: From Mall of the Emirates Metro Station

Tips for an Enjoyable Visit:

  • Plan Your Visit: Allocate at least 4–6 hours to fully experience the pavilions, shows, and rides. There is so much to see and do, even after 4-6 hours you’ll still wish you had more time!

  • Dress Modestly: While there's no strict dress code, it's advisable to dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees. Global Village is also only open during the evenings, so the weather will be nicer than earlier in the day with the scorching heat.

  • Stay Updated: Check the official website for the latest information on events, shows, and any changes to operating hours.

Global Village Dubai offers an unparalleled journey through the cultures of the world, all in one place. Whether you're a foodie, a shopaholic, or an adventure seeker, there's something here for everyone. Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience!

Shivani .