DUBAI, October 14, 2026 — Dubai’s Global Village threw open its gates on Wednesday evening for Season 31, welcoming thousands of visitors under the theme “A More Wonderful World” for what promises to be one of the biggest seasons in the multicultural destination’s 30-year history.
A Grand Opening Under the Dubai Sky
Gates opened at 6pm on Wednesday, with organisers staging a celebratory programme to mark the launch of the new season. Opening night festivities included a choir performance, the vibrant Parade of the World showcasing cultures from across the globe, the signature confetti shower at the Gate of the World, and a spectacular 600-drone show lighting up the night sky, according to Gulf News reporters on the ground.
Running until May 2027, Season 31 features 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, alongside over 3,500 shopping outlets, more than 250 dining options, over 200 attractions and a staggering 40,000 shows across the season, state news agency WAM reported.
What’s New This Season
Several pavilions have been refreshed for the new season — Sri Lanka, Russia and Azerbaijan have new looks, while the Syria and Kuwait pavilions sport redesigned facades. A redesigned Season 31 Passport and a new Kids Passport will let guests collect stamps as they explore the pavilions.
New dining additions include Trabzon Turkish Restaurant, Robo Al Sham, Hawawshi Al Rabie and Chicking at Restaurant Plaza, alongside cafes Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet and Uzungol Café. Returning attractions include Dragon Kingdom, The Horror Hotel, Secrets of the Lost City, Exo Planet City and the Festival Wheel with refreshed carts, while a new roller coaster, Tokyo Rush, will debut later in the season.
The entertainment line-up adds new shows including Fast Live 2: The Police Strike Back, Bollywood Idol and Bank Heist, joining the returning fan favourite Slam, entertainment reporters said.
A Beloved UAE Tradition
“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 the people they visit alongside,” Fernando Eiroa, chief executive officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said in a statement. “It has become a much-loved tradition for families and friends, reflecting the welcoming, multicultural spirit of the UAE.”
Over three decades, the destination has become one of the UAE’s most popular gathering places for communities — a cherished tradition for generations of residents that reflects the country’s multicultural character and spirit of inclusivity, WAM noted.
Tickets, Hours and Getting There
Entry costs Dh25 on weekdays and Dh30 on weekends and public holidays, unchanged from last season, according to the Dubai Media Office. One change this year: Sunday now counts as a weekend day, so Friday-to-Sunday visits cost Dh30. Tickets are on sale on the Global Village website and app, as well as at the gates; rides and some attractions cost extra.
Opening night ran from 6pm, with regular hours of 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and until 1am from Thursday to Saturday and on public holidays. Tuesdays remain reserved for families and ladies, except on public holidays.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is running four direct bus routes for the season connecting Global Village with four bus stations: Route 102 from Al Rashidiya, Route 103 from Union Bus Station, Route 104 from Al Ghubaiba and Route 106 from Mall of the Emirates. Two electric abras have also returned to ferry visitors along the park’s waterways.
