As soon as that first winter breeze hits, all of Dubai knows what time it is. Forget pumpkin spice, Fall announces its arrival in the form of Global Village reopening its gates. The outdoor carnival-style park is a rite of passage for anyone who’s ever called Dubai home.
Whether you’re an OG Dubai kid with nostalgic winter-break memories or a newbie being dragged along by one, there’s no denying the charm of those Disneyland-esque pavilions that cast colourful halos across the night sky.
But fair warning, you do not want to show up without a plan. With around 30 country pavilions, 3,500 shopping outlets, 200-plus rides and games, and over 250 food options, it’s part carnival, part mall, part exhibition, and fully overwhelming (in the best way).
Timing is everything
Arrive early. The Village opens at 4 PM, so aim to get there between 3:30 and 4 PM to snag a good parking spot, preferably near the Kuwait Pavilion, which tends to be less crowded. Too much hassle? Use the valet, grab a taxi, or hop on one of the Global Village buses to skip the parking stress altogether.
While everything is officially open for the season, November is the sweet spot for exploring without melting. If you’re crowd-averse, plan your trip on a weekday, Monday through Wednesday is usually way calmer than weekends.
And if you are visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the fireworks! They light up the sky every Friday and Saturday at 9 PM, visible from almost anywhere in the park.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for student, kid, or senior-citizen discounts and passes at the entrance.
Dress the part
We get it, the Dubai urge to step out in kitten heels is strong. But Global Village is a 10,000-steps-minimum kind of day. Go for comfy sneakers that can handle the mileage. Your ankles will thank you.
If you’re visiting in October, bring a handheld fan because, well… the sun still does what it wants. And wear loose, elastic trousers, you’re going to be eating. A lot.
Eat like you mean it
Show up hungry and with an open mind (and wallet). Here are our tried-and-tested favourites this season:
Floating Market and the Thailand Pavilion
The Floating Market brings the best of Southeast Asia to Dubai. Mango sticky rice is a must, though you can’t really go wrong with any of the mango desserts or ice cream. We love Coco Mango, but feel free to taste-test everything.
(Bonus tip: there’s a Coco Mango outlet in Jumeirah, no need to trek back to Global Village when the cravings hit.)
Right next door, hit up the grilled seafood station for mussels, prawns, and squid served with tangy Thai dips and sauces.
Takoyaki at the Japan Pavilion
Step into the Japanese Pavilion and it’s like being dropped straight onto the streets of Osaka. After browsing the kawaii-coded toy stores and stationery stalls, head to Jimoto for their perfectly savoury takoyaki (grilled octopus balls). Follow it up with a Japanese soufflé pancake, and don’t forget to ask for a side of strawberries and cream.
Bosnian House
No trip to Global Village is complete without a stop at Bosnian House. Try the Pljeskavica or Cevapi, meat-heavy sandwiches topped with bell-pepper sauce and onions, tucked into fluffy bread. They’re super rich, so maybe split with friends to save room for more food. Wash it down with a chilled bottle (or two) of ayran.
(You’ll find kiosks all over, but the OG sit-down spot is opposite the Oman Pavilion.)
GCC Classics: Oman & UAE Pavilions
For a taste of local flavour, grab Luqaimat, Omani halwa, and a hot cup of Arabic coffee. It’s the perfect sugar-meets-caffeine combo to fuel your next shopping spree.
Shop Smart (and Haggle Like a Pro)
We’ll be honest, Global Village shopping can feel like a tourist trap, but that’s no excuse not to get a good deal. Most vendors expect a bit of haggling; just remember to keep it friendly and fair.
Here’s your cheat sheet for where to shop what:
Fur coats: Afghanistan Pavilion
Head over to the afghan pavilion for a wide collection of fur jackets and hats, that are sure to have you looking like an oligarch with a mysterious source of generational wealth. Again, we recommend walking between stores to find styles that suit you best.
Shea Butter: Africa Pavilion
While it is true that you must be careful while buying topical products. We find that the shea butter at the African pavilion is an exception, but again, walk through the store- most stores will offer you samples so you can try it out for yourself. Make sure the shea butter is unscented and non-dyed to ensure you’re getting the best product.
Press-On Nails: China Pavilion
If you’re someone who likes to switch up their nails often, spare your nail beds the harsh procedure and splurge on a collection of press-on nails available at the China pavilion. They have all the trending designs, especially Douyin-inspired ones that are sure to up your nail game.
Abayas: Kuwait & UAE Pavilions
A total Dubai rite of passage. You’ll find the trendiest abayas and matching shaylas, often sold as bundle deals. Don’t skip these. You can commit to the look and also purchase unstitched material for a traditional mukhawwar, to wear under your new abaya.
Leather & Pashminas: Pakistan Pavilion
Finally, ditch the boring grey Zara jacket this winter. At the Pakistan Pavilion, you’ll find a variety of leather accessories and jackets that will instantly level up the cool-girl factor of any outfit. Their pashmina collection at the Kashmir store is also a great way to add a pop of colour and culture to your look.
(Keep in mind, pure pashmina is rare to find outside Kashmir, so don’t let yourself be charged a “real pashmina” price point. Pro tip: genuine pashmina should be fine enough to pass through a ring!)