Global Village in Dubai opened its 31st season on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, under the theme “A More Wonderful World”, with 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures and a programme of 40,000 entertainment performances. The season runs until May 2027.
According to a report by the Emirates News Agency, the new season features more than 3,500 shops and retail outlets, over 250 restaurants, cafés and food and beverage kiosks, and more than 200 rides, games and attractions for families and visitors.
The opening celebrations, starting at 6 p.m., include a musical performance and a parade representing cultures from around the world, celebrations at the Gate of the World, and an aerial show featuring 600 drones.
Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said Global Village continued to develop its cultural and entertainment experiences while retaining the activities visitors had enjoyed in previous seasons.
He added that the season combined established experiences with new additions for different age groups, focusing on cultural interaction and family activities.
Refreshed pavilions and new experiences
Season 31 brings enhanced experiences to the Sri Lanka, Russia and Azerbaijan pavilions, along with updated façades for the Syria and Kuwait pavilions.
The Global Village passport returns with a new seasonal design. A children’s passport also allows younger visitors to collect stamps from different pavilions during their visit.
New dining additions include the Turkish restaurant Trabzon, alongside Robou Al Sham, Hawawshi Al Rabee and Chicking outlets in the Restaurant Plaza.
Three new cafés—Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet and Uzungol Café—also join the line-up, while the sweets district returns with a refreshed façade.
More than 200 attractions and 40,000 performances
The season offers over 200 rides, games and attractions, including activities in the Carnaval area and the return of Dragon Kingdom, the House of Fear, Secret of the Lost City and Exo Planet City.
The Festival Wheel returns with updated cabins. A new roller coaster, Tokyo Rush, will open later in the season, featuring sharp turns, high speeds and a loop. The season also includes a redevelopment of the World Gardens, providing spaces for walks and family activities.
The entertainment programme comprises 40,000 musical, dance, acrobatic and live performances. These include “Fast Live 2: The Police Are Ready for a Showdown”, “Bollywood Idol”, “Bank Heist” and “Salam”. Global Village’s stages will also host Care Bears and PJ Masks characters as part of the children’s entertainment programme.
New services to make visits easier
Operational improvements for Season 31 include a new self-payment system in VIP parking, more ticket counters at the Gate of Happiness, and improved signage to make entry and exit easier.
Global Village has added accessible family toilets in several areas, along with new Arabic and English signage at the Gate of the World.
Other upgrades include refreshed lighting at the Cultural Gate and renovation of the Sharjah tunnel, as well as a WhatsApp chatbot providing visitors with information and assistance.
Opening hours and ticket booking
For the rest of the season, Global Village opens from 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday and on public holidays. Tuesdays are reserved for families and ladies, except on public holidays.
Tickets are available through Global Village’s official website and mobile app, as well as ticket outlets at the entrances.
The 31st season continues until May 2027, with cultural and entertainment activities, tourism experiences, shopping and dining throughout its operating period.
