Global Village Dubai is a large-scale international event that turns into a center of trade, recreation and entertainment for the duration of its holding. Over the long years of its existence (more than 25), it has already managed to change several sites. Initially, the World Village was located in Creekside, then-in Oud Metha, now it has moved to the famous entertainment park Dubayland. You can get inside through 2 entrances – Cultural Gate and Gate of the World. As a rule, the fair lasts about 5 months. During this time, the number of its visitors reaches several million people. We will also visit there!
Pavilions and fairs
On the territory of the Global Village in Dubai, there are more than 30 stylized pavilions, each of which represents a specific country. Each of them can be called a unique miniature, combining key attractions, national flavor and cultural features of the participant. Here you can see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Matryoshka, Taj Mahal, cowboys and other characteristic images.
According to the idea of the organizers, any country in the world can take part in the event. Representatives from Vietnam, Turkey, the United States, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany come to Global Village on a regular basis.
In addition to national outfits, food and themed attributes, there are goods that you can buy at the fair. We are talking about souvenirs, spices, cosmetics, clothing, jewelry, perfumes, leather goods, and much more. The number of retail outlets operating in the Global Village reaches 4 thousand. This is many times more than in the Dubai Mall shopping center. Such a variety not only emphasizes the global nature of the idea itself, but also turns its visit into a real round-the-world trip.
Shows and events
The Global Village Dubai hosts thousands of shows and entertainment events designed for visitors of all ages. These include international street festivals, traditional cultural performances, stunning stunt shows, and special commemorative events. Let’s consider only the main ones.
Concerts
On the Main Stage, the main concert stage of the complex, 4-5 times a day there are spectacular performances, fashion shows, performances, etc. They last no more than 20 minutes, but it is interesting to see. The program of most of them is devoted to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. But to understand something, you will need to know Arabic or the language of these countries.
In the evenings, the pavilions organize free concerts aimed at popularizing folk art. The most visited are circus, musical, acrobatic performances, as well as performances in folk costumes. It is very convenient to keep track of their location and schedule in the app.
Carnival
The Global Village Center in Dubai has a “Carnival”. This is an amusement park with carousels, roller coasters, trampolines and other entertainment. Among them, there are options for the youngest and those who love extreme sports.
In addition, you can play slot machines, visit interesting museums and get acquainted with thematic galleries filled with artifacts, visual oddities and interactive exhibits. The only drawback is the high prices. You will need at least 1 thousand dirhams to play all the slot machines and ride the rides. Payment is made with a Wonder card.
Wheel of the World
Wheel of the World, which is 60 m high, allows you to see the Global Village in all its beauty. The wheel glows in the dark, so you can easily spot it from anywhere in the park.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
A museum with a mirror maze, wax figures, photographs, installations and facts that are impossible to believe. Guests can choose whether this is true or false. It is expensive to visit here, but interesting. You can purchase a combined ticket.
Stunt Show
Stunt shows on cars, buggies and motorcycles are held in a special arena 4 times a day on all days except Tuesdays. Judging by the reviews of tourists, it is not very interesting here, and the acoustics in the arena are not at the highest level.
Children’s Theater
Young visitors are advised to visit the “Kids Theatre” (admission is free). There are regularly held ten-minute shows, the participants of which are well-known heroes-Angry Birds, masked heroes, Holly and Ben, etc. The repertoire is good, but everyone communicates in English.
Circus
The local circus tent is designed for 500 spectators. The duration of the show is half an hour and takes place three times a day.
Aqua Fantasia
Dancing fountains with laser lighting, fireworks and light music. During the evening, they are turned on several times for about 30 minutes.
Another interesting object is an artificial river. Several bridges have been built across it, and excursion boats pass through the water surface every now and then. There are also street musicians, clowns, actors on stilts, and life-size dolls on the streets of Global Village in Dubai. You can take photos with them for free.
Where to eat?
Walking around the World Village, you will definitely not stay hungry. On its territory there are more than 100 public catering outlets – cafes, restaurants, kiosks, stalls. Here you can taste dishes of different peoples of the world – Arabs, Pakistanis, Hindus, Americans, etc.
Fast food is especially popular – a quick snack will be prepared right in front of your eyes. There are also baby food establishments here. Most of them are located near entertainment facilities for children.
Ticket price
Admission to Global Village Dubai costs 15 dirhams (tax included). Seniors over 65, children under 3, and people with disabilities can pass free of charge. Tickets are sold at the box office (2.5 dirhams more expensive) and online on the website www.globalvillage.ae for 22.5 AED.
Attractions in the park are paid separately, but you can purchase a Multi Pass-it costs 150 dirhams and allows you to ride them at no extra cost. This is much more profitable than paying for everything separately. There is also a “Family Pass” package, which includes a Multi Pass, an entrance ticket and a parking ticket.
Opening hours
This season, Global Village Dubai runs from October 25, 2022 to April 30, 2023. Her schedule is as follows:
- Sunday-Wednesday: from 4 am to midnight;
- Thursday-Saturday: from 4 am to 1 am.
Only families and women are allowed to visit the park on Mondays (except holidays). It doesn’t work out of season.
How to get to the complex?
The World’s Fair is located at Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road-Exit 37-E311-Dubai-United Arab Emirates. There are 3 ways to get to Dubai Global Village.
Method 1. By car
Follow Route 37, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. Near the World Village there is a parking lot designed for 23 thousand cars. For the convenience of visitors, there are several entry and exit points.
Method 2. By taxi
Major taxi services such as Careem, RTA Taxis and Urban operate in Dubai. These companies offer standard and cost-effective services. However, due to the great distance of the exhibition complex from the city, the trip will still be expensive.
Method 3. By bus
During the season, RTA city buses provide access to Global Village Dubai. They depart from the main areas of the city and follow 4 routes— № 102, 103, 104, 106.
Public transport moves according to the fair’s opening hours. Flights run from 15:15 to 23:15 with an interval of half an hour. For a day trip, you can use the tourist bus offered by the hotel.
Rules of conduct
When visiting the Global Village in Dubai, you must adhere to certain rules:
- Observe the dress code-clothing should cover both the knees and shoulders.
- It is not necessary to publicly demonstrate feelings, as well as ride on different types of transport (bicycles, roller skates, scooters, hoverboards, skateboards, segways).
- Keep an eye on the information signs – video shooting without permission is prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed in the park.
Useful tips
If you decide to visit Global Village Dubai, listen to these useful tips:
- Do not plan your visit for Friday and Saturday – these days the locals have a weekend off, so there are a lot of people;
- It is better to come to the park in the late afternoon – in the rays of the setting sun it is especially beautiful;
- To avoid the queue, book your tickets through the app. Among other things, it displays the schedule of planned events, it is possible to pay for a parking space, etc.;
- Prices in Global Village Dubai are much higher than in the city, but you can bargain – this will bring down the cost of goods by 2-3 times;
- Take cash with you– cards are not accepted everywhere;
- If you want to see the fireworks, come on Thursday or Friday-however, public transport after it is crowded, so it is better to take a tour with delivery to the hotel;
- The park occupies a huge area (1.6 million square meters) – In order not to get lost, download the app or use the pocket guide (it is issued at the entrance). In addition, maps and navigation signs are installed throughout the complex, making it easier to find the right place.;
- For children, you should use a free wristband – if the child gets lost, the guest service team will be able to find it.
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