Visitors share excitement as Dubai’s Global Village launches Season 31

First‑time visitors share their thoughts

Lamees Kadhim, a tourist from Iraq who lives in Germany, visited Global Village with her husband and son. She said she had never been to the attraction before and was eager to see everything. “I am a tourist here and I never visited the Global Village, so I’m excited about sightseeing all the places, from all areas and all the countries,” Kadhim told Gulf News. She added that she had heard about the attraction through the media and viewed the trip as a chance to explore the different countries represented. “I know about it from before. I heard a lot about it. I see it on the media, so I thought it is a good opportunity to visit it while I’m here.”

Urvi Battol, a Pakistani expatriate visiting for the first time, said her main goals were to try different foods and experience various cultures. “I am here to explore different food, and see the different kinds of culture for myself,” shared Battol. She also looked forward to shopping for distinctive items such as shawls, rings and other accessories, and placed food firmly on her list of enjoyments during the visit.

Priscilla Abban, a tourist from Ghana, noted that Global Village was the final stop on her Dubai itinerary before heading home. “I really want to see it. This is my first time here and I was told it is a must-see if you’ve been to Dubai. So it’s the last thing on my list before I go back to Ghana,” stated Abban. She explained that her decision to include the stop came from a ChatGPT suggestion. “My ChatGPT told me to visit Global Village before I go back. I am doing that!”

Balbir Singh, an Indian tourist visiting with his wife and daughter, said the attraction offered cultural experiences and activities for all ages. “It’s very exciting here because there are different types of culture and fun activities for kids and everyone,” shared Singh. He added that this was the family’s first experience of Global Village and they were impressed. “This is our first time experiencing Global Village. It’s amazing.”

Food draws crowds

Areff Issack Sairah and Gabiolla Rasoarinasy, expatriates from Madagascar, said they came to enjoy a variety of international dishes and take in the atmosphere, planning to sample as much food as possible. Sairah, who has visited the attraction three times, exclaimed, “We are looking forward to food. All the food. We want to test all food, like Chinese food and Indian food.” Rasoarinasy, attending for the first time, agreed that food was a priority. Sairah also mentioned that, besides food, she loved the views of the venue.

The Floating Market proved popular with food lovers, offering dishes such as tom yum fried rice, dumplings, spring rolls and Thai shrimp fritters. UAE resident Izzy de Meo explained that the reason to return year after year was simple: “The food. Every time. Always the food,” said Izzy. She was accompanied by Una de Meo, who was experiencing Global Village for the first time and remarked, “It is amazing. There is just so much to choose from,” added Una.

Dubai‑based influencer Aishwarya also enjoyed the Floating Market, saying she was particularly keen on the Thai mussels and was trying mango sticky rice for the first time. Her verdict on the dessert was clear: it was perfect.

Returning guests talk about community and memories

Luna Anais Weyer, an Algerian‑French Year 10 student based in Dubai, said she had been visiting Global Village for around six years. She arrived with her friends Nessya and Melodie and explained that the community and the variety of international food were the main reasons she kept coming back. “I love the community and I love the food that they have. They have so many varieties of different countries and everything. It’s so fun,” explained Weyer. She recalled favourite memories involving arcade games and winning prizes. “My most favourite memory is by the arcades and the games that you get to win things.” Weyer noted that visiting with friends and family added to the experiences she had built over the years.

As Global Village opens Season 31, visitors have different motivations, ranging from exploring cultures and buying souvenirs to sampling international food and enjoying entertainment with family and friends. For first‑time visitors the attraction offers a chance to discover many experiences in one place, while returning visitors point to favourite dishes, familiar views and shared memories as part of its appeal. Whether they are exploring the destination for the first time or coming back for another season, all arrive with a shared eagerness to see what Global Village has to offer.