The Dubai Global Village shares the same philosophy as a universal exhibition, or “expo”. In this huge theme park, visitors will find the world’s most famous artistic and architectural icons in a single venue. It is only open from October to March. While it was first opened in 1996 as a small and unassuming complex on the shores of Dubai Creek, it has since become one of Dubai’s main tourist attractions and one of the main hubs of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
The Dubai Global Village currently has 40 large pavilions representing more than 75 countries from around the globe. These pavilions allow visitors to get a better insight into the different cultures and traditions of other countries through their handicrafts, products and typical cuisines. So, if you feel the urge to buy Moroccan furniture or Indian fabrics during your time in Dubai, just head to the Global Village. You can also buy carpets from Iran, honey from Yemen, nuts and cotton from Syria, creams from Jordan and even handicrafts and products from Spain.
- Todo el mundo concentrado en un lugar
- Qué puedes ver y hacer en la Global Village de Dubái
- Cómo visitarla: información de interés
- Dónde alojarse en Dubái
The whole world in one village
The Dubai Global Village seeks to bring the whole world together in a single space. It is designed to be enjoyed by all kinds of public. This includes families with young children, who will be able to enjoy theatre, dance and international folklore performances; musical shows, ranging from Chinese opera to the whirling dervishes; and designated “selfie spots”, where they can immortalise their visit to the Global Village with a souvenir.
Things to do and see in the Dubai Global Village
The most popular pavilion at the Dubai Global Village is the Iranian Pavilion, which showcases the delights of Persian culture and authentic products such as handmade rugs, precious stones and saffron. Another very popular pavilion is that of Saudi Arabia, where visitors can discover the star products of this desert kingdom such as perfumes, dates and coffee. The Thailand Pavilion is also highly regarded for its exotic fruits, massages and range of glittering accessories. The Pavilion of Azerbaijan —a country renowned for its blend of Iranian, Turkish and Caucasian influences— is also much-frequented by visitors, attracted by its hand-woven rugs and hand-made shoes. In the Afghanistan Pavilion, you can pick up stone pendants with laced borders and silver-beaded earrings; in the Palestine Pavilion, you can find traditional cross-stitched “kamburas” and beautiful cushion covers; in the Yemen Pavilion, you can admire authentic Bedouin daggers; in the Indian Pavilion, babouche slippers and sequined fabrics; and in the Kenyan Pavilion, unique bags made from bottle caps. In the Europe Pavilion, you’ll be able to take a whistle-stop tour of the culture and fashion of the ‘Old Continent’. Remember that it takes approximately half an hour (sometimes more!) to visit each of the aforementioned pavilions. For some, such as the Thailand Pavilion, you’ll need at least an hour to enjoy everything it has to offer.
The Dubai Global Village is home to around 200 different restaurants, serving culinary delicacies and specialities from all over the world with traditional and exciting recipes. Get ready for a unique and unforgettable experience!
Information of interest
The Dubai Global Village is only open from October to March, with doors opening at 4 p.m. and closing at midnight. There are also qualified guides who speak a range of different languages, including English and Spanish. You can also choose the duration of your visit, which tends to range between 4 and 8 hours. General admission tickets cost €3.66, while visitors aged over the age of 65, under the age of 3 and those with disabilities (accompanied by a carer) enter for free. On Mondays (non-bank holidays), the Global Village is reserved exclusively for women and families. Please note that women cannot enter the Global Village in shorts or vest-tops.
You’ll be able to enjoy a truly international experience at the Dubai Global Village, with a wide range of entertainment shows, daily concerts, magician and musician performances and stand-up comedy sets on the World Culture Stage. You can also sample dishes from different international cuisines in its restaurants, cafés and street food stalls.
Where to stay in Dubai
The best places to stay in Dubai have a Spanish seal. Given their excellent value for money, we recommend staying at Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, which is located in the iconic Palm Jumeirah standing opposite the Nakheel shopping centre; the Barceló Residences Dubai Marina, which boasts spacious apartments in the Dubai Marina; the Occidental Dubai Production City, standing close to the site of the Expo 2022; and the Occidental Al Jaddaf, with spacious rooms and possibly the largest suites in the city.
