Global Village Season 31 opens today: What’s new, what’s back, and what to eat first

Global Village Season 31 is set to open its gates today, bringing with it a host of new attractions, returning rides, and a revamped dining scene for visitors to enjoy. The theme for this season is 'A More Wonderful World', and it will run until May 2027.

Dubai Holding Entertainment CEO Fernando Eiroa emphasized the significance of the event, stating that Global Village serves as a cherished tradition for families and friends, fostering connections across cultures and celebrating the multicultural spirit of the UAE.

This year, the event will feature 29 pavilions, each representing over 90 cultures, along with more than 3,500 shops, 250+ dining options, over 200 attractions, and 40,000 shows. Visitors should know that it's impossible to see everything in a single visit, but that's part of the appeal.

On opening night, the festivities kick off at 6pm with a choir performance, followed by the Parade of the World, showcasing performers from diverse backgrounds. Visitors can also expect a confetti shower at the Gate of the World and a dazzling display of 600 drones lighting up the sky later in the evening.

For families with children, the new Season 31 Passport or the Kids Passport can be picked up to encourage exploration and collection of stamps at various pavilions, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Food lovers will be pleased to know that several new dining options have joined the roster this season. These include Trabzon Turkish Restaurant, Robo Al Sham, Hawawshi Al Rabie, and Chicking, all located at Restaurant Plaza. The new cafés Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet, and Uzungol Café, alongside the return of Dessert District, offer a sweet ending to your meal.

Thrill-seekers can look forward to Tokyo Rush, a roller coaster set to arrive later in the season, featuring high speeds, sharp turns, and a loop. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can stroll through the Gardens of the World, admiring themed gardens and snapping photos along the way.

Live entertainment has also been expanded, with new productions such as Fast Live 2: The Police Strike Back, Bollywood Idol, and Bank Heist. Visitors can enjoy these performances between exploring the pavilions, browsing shops, and indulging in meals.

Other enhancements include a self-pay system for VIP parking, improved directional signage, more ticketing capacity at Happiness Gate, additional family washrooms, bilingual signs, a themed Sharjah tunnel, and even a WhatsApp chatbot to assist visitors with their queries.

Global Village Season 31 opens its doors to the public tomorrow, with opening hours extending from 4pm to midnight on Sundays to Wednesdays, and from 4pm to 1am on Thursdays to Saturdays and public holidays. Visitors can reach the destination by bus from Dh10.