ONE of the region’s best-know entertainment destinations is open and greeting guests once again.
Having had the previous season cut short by Covid-19, Global Village has unveiled its 25th anniversary year with all the safety precautions that we’ve come to expect.
Having had the previous season cut short by Covid-19, Global Village has unveiled its 25th anniversary year with all the safety precautions that we’ve come to expect.
GLOBAL Village is such an unusual - if not unique - family attraction it is often a challenge to describe it to those who have never been.
With multicultural themes, products and costumes at its core, the sprawling Dubailand destination is home to a colourful mix of shopping, shows, food and culture from near and far.
In fact, in spite of what the pandemic might have thrown its way, Global Village is back with an even bigger offer to the millions who usual pass through its gates each season.
With multicultural themes, products and costumes at its core, the sprawling Dubailand destination is home to a colourful mix of shopping, shows, food and culture from near and far.
In fact, in spite of what the pandemic might have thrown its way, Global Village is back with an even bigger offer to the millions who usual pass through its gates each season.
This time, 78 cultures are represented in 26 themed pavilions - including debuts from Cambodia, Vietnam and Cambodia - and visitors will be tempted by more than 3,500 outlets.
Food products to take home or dishes to eat on site are always a strong aspect of the Global Village experience, and this time appetites can be satiated by offerings at 200-plus restaurants, cafes and street food concessions. Georgian, Syrian, American and South African are among newly added cuisines.
A fresh entertainment agenda will unfold via new main stage shows, kids features, cultural programmes, street entertainment and a reinvented stunt show.
Food products to take home or dishes to eat on site are always a strong aspect of the Global Village experience, and this time appetites can be satiated by offerings at 200-plus restaurants, cafes and street food concessions. Georgian, Syrian, American and South African are among newly added cuisines.
A fresh entertainment agenda will unfold via new main stage shows, kids features, cultural programmes, street entertainment and a reinvented stunt show.
CROWD SAFETY: This year main stage audiences will be seated for the park's biggest shows
The quirky Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum is back on site with more than 100 fascinating new exhibits.
The edutainment showpiece includes a collection of natural, scientific, artistic, and human oddities, artifacts and exhibits in six galleries. Watch out for some of the smallest handmade artworks and masterpieces in history, horror-themed old-age prison cell exhibits and the returning“Marvelous Mirror Maze”.
Thrill-seekers, meanwhile, can find their adrenaline rush in The Carnaval, home to 160-plus exhilarating rides, skill games, arcade games and other attractions.
One of the latest is “Manila Mayhem”, an Italian made reverse time ride, which hovers seven meters above ground with a 360-degree rotation at 20 revolutions per minute.
Needless to say, preparations for the 25-week season have been underway for a while, to ensure Global Village matches the expectations of regulars and newcomers while meeting all the requirements of the pandemic era.
The edutainment showpiece includes a collection of natural, scientific, artistic, and human oddities, artifacts and exhibits in six galleries. Watch out for some of the smallest handmade artworks and masterpieces in history, horror-themed old-age prison cell exhibits and the returning“Marvelous Mirror Maze”.
Thrill-seekers, meanwhile, can find their adrenaline rush in The Carnaval, home to 160-plus exhilarating rides, skill games, arcade games and other attractions.
One of the latest is “Manila Mayhem”, an Italian made reverse time ride, which hovers seven meters above ground with a 360-degree rotation at 20 revolutions per minute.
Needless to say, preparations for the 25-week season have been underway for a while, to ensure Global Village matches the expectations of regulars and newcomers while meeting all the requirements of the pandemic era.
WHEEL TIME: Plenty of new attractions on the Global Village agenda, but some old favourites still prosper
“We have been working around the clock over recent months to ensure this historic season delights our guests,” says Bader Anwahi, the destination’s CEO.
“Over the last quarter of a century, the profile and popularity of Global Village have continued to evolve, resulting in a loyal following at home and abroad.
“We are delighted to open our gates to the world for this milestone season and invite friends old and new to join us for the celebration.”
The park says more “comfort” and safety measures than ever before are in place as it operates under ‘new normal’ standards.
Social distancing is, of course, in effect and seating has been introduced in front of the main stage to ensure requisite guidelines can be easily respected. All guests and staff wear face coverings and Global Village has designed complimentary face masks for kids.
“Over the last quarter of a century, the profile and popularity of Global Village have continued to evolve, resulting in a loyal following at home and abroad.
“We are delighted to open our gates to the world for this milestone season and invite friends old and new to join us for the celebration.”
The park says more “comfort” and safety measures than ever before are in place as it operates under ‘new normal’ standards.
Social distancing is, of course, in effect and seating has been introduced in front of the main stage to ensure requisite guidelines can be easily respected. All guests and staff wear face coverings and Global Village has designed complimentary face masks for kids.
RIPLEY'S RETURN: Parts of the park have been refreshed, but some crowd pleasers have returned for the 25th season
Expect thermal screening at all entry points and more than 600 hand sanitiser stations while disinfection procedures will happen after every ride at Carnaval, on rickshaw trips and after the daily closure of the park.
“The incredible support we have received from our valued stakeholders, partners, staff and guests have led us to this very special moment and we are grateful for the opportunity to share it with our many patrons,” continues Bader.
“I am so proud of how our team has injected elements of fun into the exceptional precautionary measures that we have implemented.
“This is an extraordinary year and we are confident that our improved customer experience, together with the many exciting new offerings, will make it one to remember.”
“The incredible support we have received from our valued stakeholders, partners, staff and guests have led us to this very special moment and we are grateful for the opportunity to share it with our many patrons,” continues Bader.
“I am so proud of how our team has injected elements of fun into the exceptional precautionary measures that we have implemented.
“This is an extraordinary year and we are confident that our improved customer experience, together with the many exciting new offerings, will make it one to remember.”
APPROVED MOVES: Some familiar faces return with new shows alongside fresh acts to provide main stage action
Main stage shows include Urban Crew returning with a new routine of tricks, stunts, flips and acrobatics; the StreetJam all-female dance crew; Auto Angels’ tongue in cheek nod to the ’70s; Slumber Tales’ Arabian adventure; and a Bollywood ‘spectacular’.
The Kids theatre will host newcomers Peter Rabbit, the Octonauts, and the Care Bears alongside Chotta Bheem, PJ Masks and Ben & Holly.
Watch out also for the team from Green Planet every Saturday and Monday for a fun and educational presentation featuring some of the City Walk attraction’s exotic animal stars.
Among the street entertainment line-up is Living Lamp-Posts, Retro Rocket, Global Village Knights and The Rolling Tones joining regulars Man in a Bin, Super Helpful Heroes, Gorilla in a Cage and Ollie the Ostrich.
The Kids theatre will host newcomers Peter Rabbit, the Octonauts, and the Care Bears alongside Chotta Bheem, PJ Masks and Ben & Holly.
Watch out also for the team from Green Planet every Saturday and Monday for a fun and educational presentation featuring some of the City Walk attraction’s exotic animal stars.
Among the street entertainment line-up is Living Lamp-Posts, Retro Rocket, Global Village Knights and The Rolling Tones joining regulars Man in a Bin, Super Helpful Heroes, Gorilla in a Cage and Ollie the Ostrich.
GLOBAL GATEWAY: Technology and now familiar precautions will help to keep visitor safe in the pandemic era
The Season 25 opening concert this Friday is Rockin’1000, touted as the largest virtual rock show in history - streamed on the main stage and GV’s YouTube channel as 2,500 singers and musicians from 80-plus countries perform.
DETAILS:
GLOBAL Village has introduced a new app and mobile website for easy online ticket purchase - tickets cost AED15 - and improved guest experience.
FOR those seeking contactless payment options, GVPay by Noqodi will enable diners and shoppers to pay with their smart phones at all outlets.
OPENING times on Saturdays are 2pm until 11pm; Sundays to Wednesdays from 4pm to midnight. On Thursday, Friday, and all public holidays, opening hours are 4pm until 1am. Monday will still be reserved as a Family Day except for public holidays.
FOR more information, go to www.globalvillage.ae or download the app
DETAILS:
GLOBAL Village has introduced a new app and mobile website for easy online ticket purchase - tickets cost AED15 - and improved guest experience.
FOR those seeking contactless payment options, GVPay by Noqodi will enable diners and shoppers to pay with their smart phones at all outlets.
OPENING times on Saturdays are 2pm until 11pm; Sundays to Wednesdays from 4pm to midnight. On Thursday, Friday, and all public holidays, opening hours are 4pm until 1am. Monday will still be reserved as a Family Day except for public holidays.
FOR more information, go to www.globalvillage.ae or download the app
