Global Village has come to be known for many things over its 25-year history – from country-specific pavilions and cultural performances to whimsical wares – but one of its biggest calling cards is the plethora of delicious dishes on offer, some of them unique to the annual event.
It’s impossible to leave here without stopping for a snack, with vendors to be found at every corner and selling everything from hot corn in a cup and roasted chestnuts to freshly prepared crepes, pastas and kebabs.
Myriad flavours of bubble tea (chocolate cheesecake, anyone?) await, as do Chips Oman sandwiches and mahshi, a popular Middle Eastern stuffed vegetable dish. It almost feels like there’s nothing you can’t find at Global Village.
Sampling these and more is an exciting prospect, but it can also feel a tad overwhelming if you don’t know exactly what you want or what’s out there.
Here, we profile the most unique and popular foodie offerings available this year.
Dishes available only in Global Village
Kokorec from Turkish Kokorec & Seafood
This kiosk is located in a little lane with food stalls on both sides, with the Indian Pavilion visible on one end and America’s Pavilion seen from the other.
But even packed between numerous tempting kiosks, Turkish Kokorec & Seafood stands out because it is one of the only places in the UAE where you can get authentic kokorec. The hearty dish is made from lamb or goat intestines, and is considered a delicacy in Turkey and surrounding countries such as Greece, perhaps because it's painstaking to make.
Enjoy it at Global Village with toasted bread and herbs such as cumin, oregano and chilli for Dh30. Be warned, though, that this dish is a complete meal in itself.
All things passion fruit at Passion Taste
New to Global Village this season is Emirati-owned Passion Taste, a brand that is yet to launch anywhere else.
The kiosk is located close to the Floating Market. Its calling card? Every dish – both sweet and savoury – incorporates a generous helping of passion fruit. The pina colada (Dh25) is a best-seller, and is both refreshing and Instagram-worthy.
But if you’re looking for something more unusual, the passion fruit dynamite shrimp and passion fruit chicken tikka wrap (both Dh25) offer an intriguing sweet-and-savoury flavour profile, and make for a lip-smacking meal.
Mala noodles and mussels at the Floating Market
Those craving Asian flavours can find no better place within Global Village than the picturesque Floating Market, modelled on the famous one in Thailand. The structure houses numerous kiosks serving well-loved and authentic Asian dishes, many of which are prepared on the spot and come piping hot (perfect for chilly evenings).
Many stalls serve chicken or seafood tom yum soups that are well worth your time (and your dirhams), while tom yum fried rice is also popular. A Global Village special is to be found at BKK Station, which does a mean mala noodles dish (Dh40), with spicy sauce imported from Thailand and tweaked to make it more palatable to UAE tastebuds. Even so, it packs quite the punch heat-wise.
On the way out, stop by for the freshly grilled garlic butter or spicy mussels from Zaab Zaab.
Khachapuri and khinkali from Old Tbilisi
Located just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UAE, Tbilisi has always been a popular travel destination for residents. Despite that, you’d be hard-pressed to find many delicious Georgian dishes around the Emirates.
Old Tbilisi, a new addition to the Global Village roster, is set to change all that with its pretty interiors and traditional favourites such as khachapuri, bread filled with cheese, egg or beef [from Dh25]; and cheese or lamb khinkali, flavourful dumplings (Dh25 for three) that take both time and effort to prepare.
Rainbow burgers and taco ice cream from Choices by MT
Located in the same lane as Turkish Kokorec & Seafood is Choices by MT, which is hard to miss thanks to the multicoloured burger posters plastered all over. In fact, rainbow-coloured dishes are the unique selling point of the restaurant, which is Emirati-founded and not available outside Global Village as of yet.
The restaurant serves chicken (Dh32) and beef burgers (Dh35) within colourful buns. If you have a sweet tooth, try the taco ice cream (Dh20); not only is this block of multicoloured ice cream served in a curved waffle perfect for the ‘Gram, but it also features flavours such as pistachio, rose water and saffron, which are popular in the region.
Cakes and custard from Custaphoria
Asian-style cakes have been growing in popularity lately, and this kiosk in Global Village takes things up a notch with custard and Nutella-filled versions. Try the bite-sized Korean cakes (Dh30 for 10), which come in photogenic shapes, or go for a Japanese cake that comes with Nutella, Oreo, custard and even baklava (Dh15). Another must-try is Custaphoria’s hot drink (Dh21), which tastes like you’re sipping on piping-hot, liquid custard.
Time-tested dishes at Global Village
Regag from Traditional Kitchen
There are two Traditional Kitchen outlets in Global Village where visitors can pick up authentic Emirati bites made fresh in front of them. A popular and pocket-friendly street food dish is regag (Dh15) – a thin and crunchy Emirati crepe made by spreading a dough of wholewheat flour over a hot pan and topping with an egg, plus additional fillings such as cheese, Nutella or Chips Oman.
The stalls also prepare fresh luqaimat, a sweet Emirati dumpling dessert that is served hot with sweet date syrup.
Chicken machboos from Al Garhoud Restaurant
For those looking for a sit-down Emirati dinner, Al Garhoud serves authentic flavours in a fuss-free ambience. There are plenty of traditional dishes, including balaleet, a sweet and savoury dish with vermicelli and egg; khameer flatbread; and machboos with chicken or meat (from Dh35), a popular Emirati rice dish served with salad and yoghurt. If you’re wondering what separates it from a biryani, it’s all about the spice combinations.
Cevapi at Bosnian House
Few dishes are as popular, filling and delicious as meaty cevapi or Bosnian kebabs, a delicacy you'll find in all corners of Global Village. Bosnian House, in particular, is popular for its tender and flavourful iteration, and serves the small oblong kebabs with pitta bread, red sauce, labneh and onion. Its cevapi goes for Dh39 for 10 pieces and is a great on-the-go snack .
Cheese wheel pasta from Wheel 35
Craving a cheese overload on a chilly day? Wheel 35 prepares its pasta fresh within a giant ring of cheese. You can also choose between truffle sauce and white sauce, and customise your ingredients and toppings. One generous serving starts from Dh25.
Churros from Churros
Those looking for a sweet snack can’t go wrong with these much-loved fried dough pastries that are native to Spain and Portugal. The sugar-crusted treats are served hot with a delicious chocolate dip and go for Dh25 for six pieces – perfect to share after a hearty meal.
Kebabs from Bundoo Khan’s
The Pakistani restaurant is a bona fide Global Village favourite for its kebabs and biryanis. There’s a reason it’s been coming back to the exhibition since year one.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Biography
Her family: She has four sons, aged 29, 27, 25 and 24 and is a grandmother-of-nine
Favourite book: Flashes of Thought by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Favourite drink: Water
Her hobbies: Reading and volunteer work
Favourite music: Classical music
Her motto: I don't wait, I initiate
Results
2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Mezmar, Adam McLean (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 2,000m; Winner: AF Ajwad, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m; Winner: Gold Silver, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
4pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,000m; Winner: Atrash, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez.
4.30pm: Gulf Cup Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Momtaz, Saif Al Balushi, Musabah Al Muhairi.
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 1,200m; Winner: Al Mushtashar, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Fixture and table
UAE finals day: Friday, April 13 at Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
- 3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
- 6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership – final standings
- Dubai Exiles
- Abu Dhabi Harlequins
- Jebel Ali Dragons
- Dubai Hurricanes
- Dubai Sports City Eagles
- Abu Dhabi Saracens
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
Two products to make at home
Toilet cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1 cup castile soap
10-20 drops of lemon essential oil (or another oil of your choice)
Method:
1. Mix the baking soda and castile soap until you get a nice consistency.
2. Add the essential oil to the mix.
Air Freshener
100ml water
5 drops of the essential oil of your choice (note: lavender is a nice one for this)
Method:
1. Add water and oil to spray bottle to store.
2. Shake well before use.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
The language of diplomacy in 1853
Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity Agreed Upon by the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast on Behalf of Themselves, Their Heirs and Successors Under the Mediation of the Resident of the Persian Gulf, 1853
(This treaty gave the region the name “Trucial States”.)
We, whose seals are hereunto affixed, Sheikh Sultan bin Suggar, Chief of Rassool-Kheimah, Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon, Chief of Aboo Dhebbee, Sheikh Saeed bin Buyte, Chief of Debay, Sheikh Hamid bin Rashed, Chief of Ejman, Sheikh Abdoola bin Rashed, Chief of Umm-ool-Keiweyn, having experienced for a series of years the benefits and advantages resulting from a maritime truce contracted amongst ourselves under the mediation of the Resident in the Persian Gulf and renewed from time to time up to the present period, and being fully impressed, therefore, with a sense of evil consequence formerly arising, from the prosecution of our feuds at sea, whereby our subjects and dependants were prevented from carrying on the pearl fishery in security, and were exposed to interruption and molestation when passing on their lawful occasions, accordingly, we, as aforesaid have determined, for ourselves, our heirs and successors, to conclude together a lasting and inviolable peace from this time forth in perpetuity.
Taken from Britain and Saudi Arabia, 1925-1939: the Imperial Oasis, by Clive Leatherdale
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
Read more about the coronavirus
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Lecce v SPAL (6pm)
Bologna v Genoa (9pm)
Atlanta v Roma (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Hellas Verona (3.30pm)
Juventus v Brescia (6pm)
Sampdoria v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sassuolo v Parma (6pm)
Cagliari v Napoli (9pm)
Lazio v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Torino (11.45pm)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
DMZ facts
- The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
- It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
- The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
- It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
- Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
- Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
- Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012.
- Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
Last 10 winners of African Footballer of the Year
2006: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2007: Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla and Mali)
2008: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)
2010: Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan and Cameroon)
2011: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2012: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2014: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)
2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund and Gabon)
2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)
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The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
World Cup warm-up fixtures
Friday, May 24:
- Pakistan v Afghanistan (Bristol)
- Sri Lanka v South Africa (Cardiff)
Saturday, May 25
- England v Australia (Southampton)
- India v New Zealand (The Oval, London)
Sunday, May 26
- South Africa v West Indies (Bristol)
- Pakistan v Bangladesh (Cardiff)
Monday, May 27
- Australia v Sri Lanka (Southampton)
- England v Afghanistan (The Oval, London)
Tuesday, May 28
- West Indies v New Zealand (Bristol)
- Bangladesh v India (Cardiff)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
