Global Village

The basics

Global Village is packed with attractions for all ages. Admire replicas of world-famous buildings, sample international flavors at the food stands, browse a floating market, shop for global crafts, and head for the Carnaval zone for themed fairground rides, roller coasters, and games. Live concerts, fireworks, children’s entertainment, and stunt shows provide extra fun.

Visitors can prebook Global Village tickets online to avoid waiting in lines. Alternatively, consider a ticket-and-transfer package that incorporates hassle-free return transport from Dubai. It’s also possible to book Global Village tours which are part of sightseeing tours from Dubai that stop at other attractions such as the Miracle Garden.

Things to know before you go

• Global Village is ideal for families, fun-lovers, and culture-vultures of all ages.

• Wear comfortable shoes; the park covers a huge area.

• Haggle at the stalls and bazaars to secure the best prices.

• ATMs can be found near the gates if you need cash.

• Pick up a park map just beyond the main gates.

• Men and women should dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered, or entry may be refused.

How to get there

Global Village is on the E37 exit of the E311 highway southeast of Dubai and offers two entry gates and ample on-site parking. Alternatively, catch one of the public buses that run to the park from various Dubai locations, including the Mall of the Emirates metro station. Another option is to book a tour that offers convenient round-trip transfers from Dubai hotels.

When to get there

Global Village is open every evening during its annual season, which usually runs November through April. Monday night entry is reserved for women and families with children.

Tips for hassle-free visits

Bring folding chairs or beach mats for picnics and seating at the shows. Plus, take photos of the car park markers when parking so you can find your vehicle—the parking lots are vast.

Ways to explore

To fully experience the Global Village, plan to spend an entire evening there. Start by exploring the 30 different pavilions, hopping from the Eiffel Tower to the Pyramids of Giza, tasting foods from Indian to Iranian, and enjoying live music and entertainment, say K-pop or Bollywood. Also check out the floating market at Dragon Lake, with fire fountain shows.

Global Village admission tickets include full access to the complex, plus the live shows and performances, while food, carnival rides, and some special events are extra. Many Global Village tours include hotel pickup, round-trip transportation from Dubai, and nearby attractions such as the Miracle Garden or Butterfly Garden.

Accessibility

The Global Village is fully wheelchair accessible; accessible restrooms are available; wheelchair rentals and electric mobility scooters are available for a fee.

Age limits

None; optional child wristbands are available in case your children get lost.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, phone/camera, powerbank (you will likely take lots of photos), cash (not all vendors accept cards and machines sometimes malfunction), a reusable shopping/tote bag, photo ID, sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, reusable water bottle, light jacket or scarf (for the evening), mosquito repellent

What to wear

Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (both men and women), comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Public displays of affection; bikes, scooters, and other recreational vehicles; pets (except service animals); professional cameras, drones, or tripods

Amenities

Wide variety of restaurants and food stalls, free parking, restrooms, pharmacy vending machines, storage lockers (fee), free Wi-Fi, ATM, portable charging stations (fee), baby carts (fee), lost and found, shopping trolleys (fee), nursing room, prayer room, medical clinic

Address

The Global Village is in the Dubailand area, about a 30-minute drive east of central Dubai. It’s accessible by car, taxi, or public transit.

Driving

From Dubai Marina, head south along Highway E11 (Sheikh Zayed Rd), exit onto the D59, then continue along E311 to exit E37. Free parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

Take the Dubai Metro to the Mall of the Emirates (MOE) station, then bus route 106 to the Global Village.

Best times to visit

Arrive at opening (4pm) to make the most of your time at the Global Village—there’s a lot to see and do. The biggest crowds usually gather around 7pm and begin to thin out from 9pm onwards, so a late visit is another option; the park closes at midnight or 1am.

Best days to visit

The busiest nights are usually Thursday to Saturday, when the Global Village stays open until 1am; there are far fewer crowds from Sunday through Wednesday. If you’re a female traveler or traveling with kids, plan your visit for Tuesday—it’s family day, so only women or families are permitted (men must be accompanied by a female partner).

Best months to visit

The Global Village is open seasonally, from the start of October to mid-May. While the cooler weather from December through February is preferable for sightseeing, October and March are typically the best months to avoid the crowds.

Special events

Each year, the opening and closing days of the Global Village are honored with spectacular fireworks displays, and special celebrations are also held during the Diwali Festival of Lights (in October or November), Christmas, and to mark the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.