Global Village is one of Dubai’s most popular and world’s largest tourism, leisure, and entertainment project that’s perfect for all ages. The Global Village 2022 opened last October 2021 and will end on May 7, 2022.
Global Village combines both festival and theme park to give visitors a virtual world tour. Here, you can see the replica of internationally famous architectures, cultural zones, and food pavilions featuring flavors of the world, rides, and markets. This is also a perfect place to buy some souvenirs if you are coming here as a tourist like me.
The place is huge so, go there early if you want to visit a lot of pavilions. We arrived there at around 7:30 pm and we did not have enough time since we have to leave by 9:00 pm.
Before this, we went to the Dubai Expo a few days before coming here and I liked this place better. Global Village offers more food trips from around the world compared to the Expo. We went to the Dubai Expo around March before it ended and there were a lot of people that’s why I wasn’t able to enjoy the Expo that much. There were too many lines everywhere and I felt like I just wasted a day in Dubai. Anyway, it was still a good experience. Well, that’s the reason why I appreciated the Global Village better. There were many people too but at least there were no long lines and again, there’s a lot of food to try! Most importantly, I was able to tick off some of my UAE food trip itinerary.
What can you see at the Global Village?
The Global Village boasts the portrayal of culture, heritage, and culinary flavors from over 90 countries around the world. Among the countries are UAE, South Korea, Thailand, Lebanon, Taiwan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, China, America, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, China, Japan, Turkey, Syria, Russia, and Palestine.
You can see a lot of internationally famous architectural sites from all over the world like New York’s Statue of Liberty, and the Colosseum in Italy.
There are also a number of rides in the Global Village like the Fly Rance, Global Burj, and Honolo Loop which are perfect for thrill-seekers. There are also rides that are perfect for families like Mumbai Express, Miami Surf, and Cuban Dance. If you are going here with kids, there are also rides just for them like the Seven Sea Pirate, California Highway, and Beijing Bungee.
Aside from that, there are also attractions like Peter Rabbit Adventure Zone, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Ripley’s Believe It or Not is one of the Global Village’s top attractions this year. The museum features interactive exhibits, curiosities, and antiques including the 4DX movie theatre, mirror maze, and a dark gallery.
They also have shows and events like traditional cultural performances, street entertainment, main stage performances, and stunt shows that are perfect for everyone.
Note: Each attraction has a separate entrance fee which varies per attraction.
Shopping & Dining at the Global Village
Another reason why I really enjoyed the Global Village is the bazaar-style shopping. There were various shops from all around the world and they are selling stuff that represents their country.
At the South Korea Pavilion, they are selling Korean merchandise from various K-Pop Idol groups like BTS. There was a lot but we weren’t able to buy any. At the Japan Pavilion, you can buy various ceramics like plates, and vases. If you have something specific that you want to buy might as well visit each country’s pavilions and you might be able to see it there.
And now, the food! There are plenty of food stalls and even dine-in restaurants from around the world. Each features authentic food that each country is known for. Also, I have noticed that street food is not actually a thing in Dubai, or in UAE in general but I was glad that they have it here!
Aside from these, they also have a Floating Market where stalls aboard boats offering East Asian cuisines. Check out what we ate at the Global Village 2022 here.
How to Get to the Global Village
We went there via private vehicle.
For commuters, you can commute going to the Global Village using a taxi. Dubai has various grab-a-cab services like Careem, Uber, and RTA Taxi which you can use to go around Dubai City.
Another alternative, which is more cost-efficient is by riding the 4 RTA bus routes to Global Village. You may check out the Global Village’s website for the updated bus routes and operating hours.
Another way to go around Dubai and UAE is by downloading the 2GIS. 2GISapplication where you can access a detailed map of the city, public transport routes, and even contact details. This application was recommended to us by someone who is living in Dubai. I tried the app once and it did bring me where I want to go though I noticed that its feature is almost the same as Google Maps. I actually tried using both apps at the same time and it said the same thing.
Global Village Tickets
We got our tickets on-site for 20 AED but you can also get them in advance on their website or through the Global Village mobile app. You can get the ticket online for only 15 AED. So, might as well get your ticket in advance if you want to save up.
Children below 3 years old and senior citizens above 65 years old can enter for free.
Tickets for other attractions and rides can be bought on-site.
Global Village Operating Hours
The Global Village is open from Monday to Sunday, from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families, except on official public holidays.
The Global Village started operating last October 26, 2021 and will end on May 7, 2022. The original end date was April 10 but they extended it for another month to accommodate more visitors.
Location: Global Village, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact No.: +971 4 362 4114
Facebook Page: Global Village
Instagram: @globalvillageuae
Website: www.globalvillage.ae
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Disclaimer: Global Village operating hours may change so, make sure to visit Global Village’s website and mobile app for any updates.