Evenings in Dubai are finally cool enough to spend outdoors, and Global Village is back to make the most of it. The park opened its gates for season 31 on October 14, and it’s already buzzing with lights, music, and the smell of street food.
If you’ve visited before, you’ll spot a few changes right away. Some pavilions have been reshuffled, there are plenty of new places to eat, and a couple of big attractions are still on the way. If it’s your first time, there’s even more to take in.
Before you plan your trip, here are six new things worth knowing about, from fresh food stalls to a rollercoaster that’s coming later in the season. Global Village has returned for its 31st season, and it has plenty of fresh things to see, eat, and ride. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what’s new.
1. Refreshed Pavilions
The country pavilions got a shake-up this year. Sri Lanka now has its own space after sharing one before, and Azerbaijan is paired with Russia in a new combined pavilion. The fronts of the Syria and Kuwait pavilions have also been given a fresh look.
Pavilions are the heart of the park, with products from around the world, cultural shows and traditional snacks. This season, the source says there are 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Turkey and Egypt.
2. New Stalls for Food Lovers
There are more than 250 dining options this season. New names include Taco-Ji for Indian Mexican fusion, Sikka Dogs for nostalgic hot dogs, Tuk Tuk for Thai desserts, Gooey for scoopable desserts and The Fat Monkey for smash burgers.
Beyond the stalls, Trabzon Turkish Restaurant has joined the lineup. The Restaurant Plaza has added three new concepts: Levantine Robo Al Sham, Egyptian brand Hawawshi Al Rabie, and fried chicken outlet Chicking. Three new cafés, Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet and Uzungol Café, round things out.
3. A New Live Stunt Show
Expect a huge number of live shows through the season. One new addition is Fast Live 2: The Police Strikes Back, an action stunt show that follows an earlier production at Global Village. It joins the musical play Bollywood Idol and the true crime-inspired show Bank Heist on the regular schedule.
4. A Kids’ Attraction Opening Soon
A refreshed construction-themed attraction inspired by PAW Patrol is on the way. Called Rubble and Crew, it’s a small interactive play area where kids can ride mini diggers and play with construction themes. A sign at the entrance says it’s still under construction but will open soon, with no date given.
5. Tokyo Rush Rollercoaster Is Coming
Thrill seekers have something to look forward to. Tokyo Rush is a new rollercoaster with sharp turns, high-speed action, and a loop. It’s due to be unveiled later in the season. A sneak peek shows a red ride with a design inspired by a Torii gate.
It will join more than 200 attractions this season, including favorites like The Dragon Kingdom, The Horror Hotel, Secrets of the Lost City, and Exo Planet City.
6. A New Kids’ Passport
There’s also a fun souvenir for little visitors. A Dhs10 kids’ passport works alongside the redesigned season 31 passport, which lets visitors collect stamps at pavilions. It’s a nice way for frequent visitors to keep track of which stalls they’ve been to.
Timings and Tickets
Global Village is open from October 14 until May 2027. Opening hours are 4 pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 4 pm to 1 am from Thursday to Saturday. Tickets start from Dhs25. For the latest prices and details, check the official website of Global Village.
If you want the basics of the season’s launch, we covered it in our story on the Global Village Season 31 opening date.
Tips for Your Visit
The park gets busy on weekends, so go early in the evening if you want shorter queues. Wear comfortable shoes, since you’ll do a lot of walking. If you’re bringing kids, remember the new rides, like Rubble and Crew and Tokyo Rush, aren’t open yet, so check before promising anything.
And if you’re visiting Dubai from abroad, it’s worth checking the rules before you travel. Visa rules have changed recently, and our guide on what residents and visitors should know about Dubai’s latest visa updates can save you time.
Season 31 has a lot to offer, from new food stalls and a refreshed pavilion lineup to a stunt show and a rollercoaster still to come. Whether you go for the food, the shows or the shopping, there’s plenty to fill an evening, so pick your night and enjoy.