Revealed: Dubai's favourite Global Village moments

Nineteen years later and still going strong – millions of visitors still flock towards Dubai’s largest outdoor family entertainment attraction.

And this year Global Village is proving no different.

The sights, the pavillions, traditional music, the smell of food past different corners.
The village means something different, or perhaps similar, to other visitors from other regions.

We spoke to a few of them at the Global Village this week to find out what was their favourite spot there, and what keeps them coming back for more.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Emirati family of 5, the Al Za’abis, said they find themselves repeatedly at the venue since its first opening.

“We live closeby, in Muhaisnah, so this is a very good place especially for the family, my wife and kids come here every week, you can get tired from the malls, but not this place,” explained Ali.

He added, “It’s an open area, children playing games, it’s a good environment, and we also enjoy the live shows.”

First time visitors to Global Village, two Ukrainian nationals, happen to have the same first names, Iryna and Iryna.

“This is our first time here, we love everything about Dubai, we love the UAE pavilion and that’s where we bought our son his very own national dress and headgear for him to enjoy back home!” explains Iryna.

Albeit the size of the venue is indeed large, it’s inevitable to miss out a few of the sights on your first visit.

So repeated visits do come in handy. One visitor who’s also a regular with his family, are the Bahulayans.

“This is my 3rd year at Global Village,” explains Indian national Binoy, who enjoying the village with his wife and son. 

He found it hard to name a favourite, “We love everything about this place, it’s amazing, my wife and son enjoy it here too, we’ve been around the place and now we’re chilling before we move around again.”

Another attraction at Global Village that aims towards the adrenaline junkies, are the rides.

They do pull in crowds, including a particular group of girls that I came across for a quick chat.

“We come just for the rides and games, but our moms go and shop, so we arrive together but we ditch them once we’re inside,” explains Salha M, Kenyan national.

She added, “And even after we’re finished and tired with the rides, our moms still haven’t finished their shopping.” 

Yes, retail therapy is an addiction when it comes to Global Village.

A pair of Emirati sisters spoke of their own addiction.

“The one best thing about global village, is they have ‘karak chai’ on every corner. So while we’re shopping and if you’re a tea addict, like we are, on one trip alone we have at least four cups during our time here. So, thank you Global Village,” explained Awatif AJ.

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