Dubai: Global Village, the region’s leading multicultural family destination for entertainment, dining, shopping and attractions, will open its doors today (14/10/2026) for Season 31 at 6pm, welcoming guests to ‘A More Wonderful World’ with new attractions, entertainment and cultural experiences alongside returning favourites.
Running until May 2027, the new season builds on Global Village’s 30-year legacy of bringing people and cultures together. Families and friends can discover traditions, explore diverse cuisines and enjoy shared experiences from around the world. Over the past three decades, the destination has become a popular gathering place for communities and a cherished tradition for generations of guests, reflecting the UAE’s multicultural character and inclusive spirit.
Fernando Eiroa, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “Global Village holds a special place in people’s lives because of the connections they make here, with their own roots, with other cultures and with the people they visit alongside. It has become a much-loved tradition for families and friends, reflecting the welcoming, multicultural spirit of the UAE.”
He added: “As we open Season 31, we are delighted to welcome guests back to the tastes, traditions and experiences they love, while giving them new opportunities to explore and discover together. Above all, we want every guest to feel that they belong and to leave with memories that stay with them long after their visit and inspire them to return.”
Season 31 features 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, alongside over 3,500 shopping outlets offering products from around the world. Guests can also enjoy more than 250 dining options, 40,000 shows and over 200 attractions, combining familiar experiences with new experiences for all ages.
Opening day celebrations
Season 31 will begin at 6pm with a special programme of celebrations, featuring a choir performance followed by the vibrant Parade of the World, showcasing cultures from across the globe.
The opening festivities will include Global Village’s signature confetti shower at the Gate of the World, along with surprises and photo opportunities. A spectacular drone show featuring 600 drones will illuminate the night sky, marking the start of the new season with a memorable celebration.
Cultural experiences and dining
This season introduces refreshed experiences at the Sri Lanka Pavilion and the Russia and Azerbaijan Pavilion, while the Syria and Kuwait pavilions feature renewed façades. A redesigned Season 31 Passport and a new Kids Passport will allow guests to collect stamps as they explore the pavilions, giving families an interactive way to discover different cultures and a keepsake of their visit.
Dining remains central to the Global Village experience, with a wide range of international street food, restaurants and cafés serving familiar favourites alongside emerging culinary trends and flavours from around the world.
Located next to Carnaval and overlooking the Falcon Stage, Restaurant Plaza combines dining with live entertainment, allowing guests to enjoy meals while taking in the surrounding atmosphere.
New dining additions this season include Trabzon Turkish Restaurant, alongside Robo Al Sham, Hawawshi Al Rabie and Chicking at Restaurant Plaza. New cafés, including Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet and Uzungol Café, provide additional options, while Dessert District returns with a refreshed façade and a variety of sweet treats.
Attractions and family experiences
Global Village offers more than 200 attractions for families, children and thrill-seekers, including a wide range of rides and games at Carnaval.
Popular attractions returning for Season 31 include Dragon Kingdom, The Horror Hotel, Secrets of the Lost City and Exo Planet City. The Festival Wheel also returns with refreshed carts, offering panoramic views of Global Village.
Later in the season, Tokyo Rush will make its debut, introducing a new roller-coaster experience featuring sharp turns, high-speed action and a thrilling loop.
Guests can also explore the refreshed Gardens of the World, providing an ideal setting for leisurely walks and family photographs.
Live entertainment
Global Village will present 40,000 shows throughout Season 31, featuring music, dance, acrobatics and live performances for guests of all ages.
Among the new highlights is Fast Live 2: The Police Strike Back, a stunt show featuring daring manoeuvres and high-energy action.
New productions Bollywood Idol and Bank Heist will join returning favourite Slam, bringing a mix of musical storytelling and acrobatic performances to the destination.
Younger guests can also look forward to the return of popular characters from Care Bears and PJ Masks at the Kids Theatre, offering entertainment designed for children and families.
Enhanced guest services and facilities
Global Village has introduced a range of improvements to parking, wayfinding and guest facilities to enhance convenience and accessibility throughout Season 31.
These include a new VIP parking self-payment system, enhanced directional signage and expanded ticketing capacity at Happiness Gate to support smoother arrivals and departures. Additional family washrooms have also been introduced, including accessible facilities for People of Determination.
Other enhancements include new bilingual signage at the Gate of the World, upgraded lighting at Cultural Gate and a new theme for the Sharjah tunnel, all designed to improve navigation and the overall arrival experience.
A new WhatsApp chatbot will also provide guests with convenient access to information and assistance throughout their visit.
Opening hours and tickets
Global Village will operate from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and from 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday and on public holidays.
Tickets are available through the Global Village website, mobile app and ticket counters at all gates. Tuesdays will be reserved exclusively for families and ladies, except on public holidays.
As Season 31 gets underway, Global Village continues to bring people from diverse backgrounds together through cultural experiences, entertainment, dining and shopping. Under the theme ‘A More Wonderful World’, the destination welcomes returning and first-time guests to explore cultures, reconnect with familiar traditions and create new memories with family and friends.
For the latest updates, visit https://www.globalvillage.ae/ or follow Global Village’s official social media channels.