Thing to do
Deira Gold Souk
Deira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.
Global Village
A seasonal open-air park where pavilions representing more than 90 cultures sell food, crafts and goods, with rides, shows and fireworks through the winter season.
At a glance
- Type
- Seasonal cultural park
- Area
- Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Official site
- globalvillage.ae
Good to know
- Seasonal opening
- Food stalls
- Carnaval rides
- Stunt show
- Family-friendly
- Free entry for under-3s and over-65s
Why we recommend it
Global Village is a Dubai winter tradition: a huge open-air park of country and regional pavilions selling street food, crafts, textiles, spices, sweets and souvenirs from more than 90 cultures, alongside stage shows, funfair rides and fireworks. It started in the 1990s as a small creekside market and has grown into one of the city's biggest seasonal attractions, drawing residents and visitors alike in the cooler months.
Season 31 runs from 14 October 2026 to May 2027. The park opens at 4pm daily and closes at midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and at 1am from Thursday to Saturday. Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families, except on official public holidays. There are two entry tickets: one valid any day, including weekends and public holidays, and a cheaper weekday ticket valid from Monday to Thursday, excluding holidays. Children under three, visitors aged 65 and over, and people of determination with one companion enter free. Rides at the Carnaval funfair, some shows and extra attractions are paid for separately.
The pavilions are the heart of it. Each one is styled to evoke its country or region, and inside you will find stalls selling everything from carpets and honey to perfume and handmade crafts. Food is a big draw, with stalls and kiosks serving dishes from across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. Cultural performances run on stages around the park, and there is a stunt show and a programme of fireworks during the season.
Arrive close to opening time to browse before the crowds build, or on a weekday evening when it is calmer. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, are very busy. Wear comfortable shoes, as the site is large, bring a bag for purchases, and plan to spend at least three to four hours. Most paths are paved and suit buggies and wheelchairs, though crowds can make movement slow.
Global Village suits families and anyone who enjoys markets and street food. It is in Dubailand, off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, about 25 minutes by car from Downtown Dubai. There is a large car park, and taxis and ride-hailing cars wait at the gates; RTA buses also serve the park from Metro stations during the season.
Global Village FAQs
When is Global Village open?
Season 31 runs from 14 October 2026 to May 2027, opening at 4pm daily.
What time does it close?
At midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and at 1am from Thursday to Saturday.
Who gets in free?
Children under three, visitors aged 65 and over, and people of determination with one companion.
What ticket types are there?
An any-day ticket and a cheaper weekday ticket valid Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.
Are Tuesdays different?
Yes, Tuesdays are for ladies and families, except on official public holidays.
Are rides included?
No, Carnaval rides and some attractions are paid for separately.
How long should I allow?
At least three to four hours.
How do I get there?
By taxi or car via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road; RTA buses also run from Metro stations in season.