Visitors Share Excitement as Dubai’s Global Village Launches 31st Season

For tourists, the opening presented an opportunity to discover one of Dubai’s popular attractions before heading home, while UAE residents saw it as a chance to revisit the destination for its international food, cultural offerings and family‑friendly activities.

First‑time visitors’ impressions

Lamees Kadhim, an Iraqi tourist living in Germany, said she was eager to see the site for the first time after hearing about it in the media. “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 known about the attraction beforehand 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.”

Pakistani expatriate Urvi Battol, also attending for the first time, said her main goals were to sample international food and experience diverse cultures. “I am here to explore different food, and see the different kinds of culture for myself,” shared Battol. She looked forward to buying souvenirs such as shawls, rings and other accessories, and noted that food featured prominently on her list of enjoyments.

Gabiolla Rasoarinasy, a Madagascar expatriate experiencing Global Village for the first time, joined his compatriot Areff Issack Sairah in looking forward to a wide variety of dishes. “We are looking forward to food. All the food. We want to test all food, like Chinese food and Indian food,” exclaimed Sairah. Rasoarinasy, meanwhile, highlighted the scenery as her favourite part, saying, “I love the views.”

Priscilla Abban, a tourist from Ghana, described the visit as 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 revealed that a suggestion from ChatGPT prompted her to include the attraction, remarking, “My ChatGPT told me to visit Global Village before I go back. I am doing that!”

Una de Meo, accompanying UAE resident Izzy de Meo, said she was impressed by the breadth of choice on offer. “It is amazing. There is just so much to choose from,” added Una.

Indian tourist Balbir Singh, visiting with his wife and daughter, emphasised the blend of cultural experiences and family‑friendly activities. “It’s very exciting here because there are different types of culture and fun activities for kids and everyone,” shared Singh. He noted that this was the family’s first encounter with Global Village and they were impressed by what the destination offered. “This is our first time experiencing Global Village. It’s amazing.”

Returning visitors’ favourites

UAE resident Izzy de Meo explained that his reason to come back year after year is simple: the food. “The food. Every time. Always the food,” said Izzy. He highlighted the Floating Market as a favourite spot, where visitors can find dishes such as tom yum fried rice, dumplings, spring rolls and Thai shrimp fritters.

Areff Issack Sairah, who has visited Global Village three times, echoed the enthusiasm for culinary variety and also praised the setting. “We are looking forward to food. All the food. We want to test all food, like Chinese food and Indian food,” exclaimed Sairah. When asked about his favourite aspect of the venue, he replied, “I love the views.”

Dubai‑based influencer Aishwarya spent time at the Floating Market, saying she was particularly keen on Thai mussels and trying mango sticky rice for the first time. She declared the dessert perfect.

Community, memories and ongoing appeal

Luna Anais Weyer, an Algerian‑French Year 10 student based in Dubai, has been attending the attraction for around six years. She arrived with her friends Nessya and Melodie and said the community and the wide range of international food keep her 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. Her fondest memories involve the arcade games and the prizes they yield. “My most favourite memory is by the arcades and the games that you get to win things.” Visiting with friends and family has been an important part of her experience, adding to the memories she has built over the years.

As Global Village opens Season 31, visitors cite different reasons for being there – exploring cultures, buying souvenirs, sampling international food and enjoying entertainment with family and friends. For those experiencing the site for the first time, the attraction offers a chance to discover a variety of experiences in one location. Returning visitors point to beloved dishes, familiar vistas and the memories they have built over previous seasons as key parts of its appeal. Regardless of whether they are newcomers or long‑time patrons, everyone arrives with a common eagerness to see what Global Village has to offer.