Global Village dubai is a big amusement park/outdoor market in Dubai. It is only a 20-minute drive from Dubai Marina, but except for a half-hearted attempt in June, 7 years ago (when the park was closed for the summer) I had never been to Global Village until a couple of weeks ago, when I finally decided to go. While Global Village is certainly a great spot for families, I was surprised to see how much more the park has to offer.
The market section of the park features 20-something country-themed pavilions with snacks and souvenirs, but the main draw (for me) is the numerous food stalls selling authentic, delicious street food from all over the world. global village dubai
You know how I have been complaining about how hard it is to find authentic Thai food in Dubai? Well not in Global Village. At the Floating Market you can find seafood salads (yum woon sen), Pad Thai and papaya salad (som tam) which is just as delicious (and spicy) as in the streets of Bangkok, and if you want to sit down at a table while enjoying your dinner, try the Dubai-famous tom yum soup at Yahya, it’s delicious. global village dubai
Compared to other theme parks I have visited, Global Village come off as unique and authentic in a way that feels very true to the spirit of Dubai. The real magic begins after sunset, when neon lights of all colors of the rainbow light up the park and all the pavilions, and the 5 hours we were there just flew. Will definitely be back soon, and if you are considering going, here is a quick guide: global village dubai
When to visit Global Village dubai ?
Global Village is open in the cooler months (October 25- April 18 in 2021) all days from 4pm to midnight (1am on Thursdays and Fridays). Mondays are reserved for ladies and families only. global village dubai
It is after dark that the park really comes alive, so I would recommend arriving around 6pm.
The park is busy on weekends (Thursday and Friday), so if you want a more laid-back experience (and shorter lines to the attractions), try to go during one of the weekdays instead. global village dubai
How to get to Global Village dubai ?
Global Village is a 20-minutes ride from Dubai Marina by car or Uber outside rush hours. There is plenty of free parking close to the Gate of the World entrance, but if you arrive with Uber, ask the driver to drop you off at the Cultural Gate. global village dubai
Hypothetically, you could take the metro and a bus to get to Global Village, but it is not something I had been looking into.
My favorite spots in Global Villagedubai
The Floating Market
Indulge in delicious street food served from the small boats in the canal. Most of the boats are serving Thai food such as grilled squid, grilled oysters and irresistibly spicy salads, but there is also a ramen boat that looked promising, but that I did not have the time to try.
Yemen Pavilion
This is the place to go shopping for handcrafted souvenirs, spices and the famous Yemeni honey. Among the pavilions we visited, this felt like the most authentic one. global village dubai
The Athens Slingshot
If you are looking for a thrilling ride, you have to try the Athens Slingshot. I don’t remember the last time I laughed and screamed so much.
The Wheel of the World
It is only up there you realize have large Global Village is. You get two rounds with the wheel so use the first round to enjoy the view, leaving your phone in your bag, and use the second round to take photos. global village dubai
Some of the things I want to try next time
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
I was very close at visiting Ripley’s, because it is always good fun, but I decided to save it for later, and spend the time exploring the Global Village essentials instead. global village dubai
A street full of stalls selling chaat and other kinds of Indian sweets. This is the place to go for vegetarian food in Global Village, and choosing between the Floating Market and the Indian Chaat Bazaar was a difficult choice. Next time I will head straight to the chaat. global village dubai
Zombie Laser Tag Arena
This attraction was closed due to covid-19, but when it opens again, I will be there!
Haunted House
What can I say? I love this kind of places.
How much does it cost to visit Global Village?
The entrance fee is only 15AED, and a lot of people just visit the park to enjoy the nice views and relax on the big lawn in the middle. Food and beverages are reasonably priced compared to Downtown and the Marina, and you won’t have any troubles finding meals below 50AED. Expect to spend 150-200AED or more on an evening at Global Village with meals, shopping and a couple of rides at the Carnaval.
Nice to know, read this before you go
The park is very popular among locals and people dress conservatively. No alcohol is served at the park.
It can get chilly after dark, so you might want to bring a jacket or a scarf to wear after sunset.
Remember that Mondays are ladies and families only, so single guys would need to pick another day for their visit.
If you want to try one of the Carnaval attractions, you have to buy a card in advance which you can charge with the desired amount at one of the small booths. Most rides suited for adults are around 25AED, but the Slingshot is 65AED
Have you guys ever wondered what makes a Dubai holiday so special? global village dubai
From beautiful over the top tourist attractions, thrilling amusement parks, serene beaches, swanky clubs, vibrant culture, adventure activities, to tallest skyscrapers, exciting nightlife and world class shopping, Dubai has everything you wish to enjoy on your perfect holiday. One such significant beauty in the Emirate city is the Global Village, which is claimed to be the world’s most remarkable and entertainment project of the UAE. The Global Village in Dubai ranks among the top four entertainment destinations in the world in terms of average daily visitors and has welcomed 90 million guests since its opening. global village dubai
The holy month of Ramadan is the perfect time to be closer to family and friends and share in the joy of giving. It is a time for contemplation and renewal and is marked by the generosity of the human spirit. Ramadan gifts are the ideal way of showing love and appreciation. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and extensive range of such gifts, you cannot do better than visitGlobal Village where a plethora of options are freely available for you to choose from. A range of clothing for the occasion
For the coming holy month garments are a very popular choice and at Global Village, you will find designs and cuts in various fabrics and colours to suit every taste. Saudi Arabia and Morocco are your favoured pavilions for the in-fashion abayas and gowns ranging from the very simple to those with more elaborate embroidery. Accessories include scarves and throw-overs and there is everything from leisurewear to more formal attire. Whether you are buying for yourself or a loved one you are guaranteed to be appreciated. global village dubai
There is something for everyone on the table
Delectable high quality foodstuff makes for the perfect gift and you can never go wrong, not with what Global Village has to offer at its various pavilions. Keeping in mind that at Suhoor and Iftar, such gifts are cherished. global village dubai
Honey & dates –Sweeten the moment with pure honey in a thousand exotic flavours. From honeycomb to cinnamon and saffron, a gift like this will always be treasured. Take your time choosing from the very attractive array of premium dates stuffed with irresistible fillings. Head to the Saudi Arabia pavilion for some sweet deals. golbal village dubai
There is so much more from caramelised honey cakes and imaginative and mouth-watering confectionary that include the most incredible biscuits and crackers to both savoury and sweet with several new fillings. Get to the Yemen pavilion and get a headstart on your Ramadan shopping. global village dubai
The region is known for its dry fruits and nuts and they are a staple offering during the holy month. Come Eid-ul-Fitr, they are central to the celebrations. The Afghanistan pavilion is your destination for these delicious and healthy goodies. global village dubai
The Middle East is also famous for its spices and the air at the Yemen and Turkey pavilions is redolent with their fragrance. Fresh spices and herbs add that extra zing and colour to traditional dishes. For main courses, you can add dried herbs like parsley, sage and curry leaves to make those dishes sing. You can also treat yourself and your loved ones with herbs like rosemary, thyme, rosebuds, cumin and cinnamon. global village dubai
Coffee – Fuel your Iftars with an equally brilliant brew made from freshly roasted coffee beans available at the Yemen pavilion. global village dubai
And if you are a Turkish delight fan go to the Turkey and Syria pavilions for the best choices of this delectable and much loved sweet. global village dubai
At the time of reverence
This year’s selection of prayer mats and beads, designed with Islamic calligraphy and intricate religious patterns will beckon you at the Yemen and Afghanistan pavilions. Crafted by experts with the perfect finish, these exquisite accouterments of prayer and worship will enhance your rituals. global village dubai
On sale are Islamic prayer beads in precious and semi-precious stones so well made and profound in their impact they give you a sense of peace and comfort and are easily affordable.
Enjoy other Ramadan activities like applying henna from artists who can create the most intricate designs to purchasing a soothing oudh and bukhoor fragrance that adds a certain flair to special moments. global village dubai
Your best options for fragrances that are ideal for the holy month are at the UAE, Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Turkey pavilions. global village dubai
Have an iftar at Global Village or enjoy Suhour with friends and family at any of the scores of high quality restaurants at Global Village. Great atmosphere, superb cuisines and the perfect choice to bond with loved ones on a special night, on a special day. global village dubai
The presentation counts
Presentation has a major role to play in giving the best impression to family and friends. So spend a little time at the Egypt pavilion checking out the various trays and platters that add that extra touch to your fare. Buy the latest kahwa set at the Turkey, Morocco and Egypt pavilions or go in for a crockery set with the latest patterns. global village dubai
Happy shopping and a peaceful and serene month of Ramadan to you and your family.