Global Village features a total of 27 country pavilions this season. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Global Village features a total of 27 country pavilions this season. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Global Village features a total of 27 country pavilions this season. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Global Village features a total of 27 country pavilions this season. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Lifestyle

Things to do

When will Global Village close for summer?

More than a month remains until the Dubai favourite bids its fans a temporary goodbye

One Carlo Diaz

March 13, 2023

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Global Village's 27th season is scheduled to end on April 30.

The open-air entertainment destination in Dubai, which reopened in October last year, only runs during UAE's cooler months. The venue shuts down for the summer annually.

In the past, the destination's season has been extended due to popular demand. Last year, for example, Global Village was due to close on April 10 but remained open until May 7, adding four extra weeks.

Global Village reopened for its 27th season on October 25, 2022. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Global Village reopened for its 27th season on October 25, 2022. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
The family-friendly destination returned with various new attractions
The family-friendly destination returned with various new attractions
Drum group Aainjaa perform at the reopening of Global Village
Drum group Aainjaa perform at the reopening of Global Village
The first of many visitors for the new season
The first of many visitors for the new season
The team behind Global Village said they worked all summer to improve existing attractions and dream up new ones
The team behind Global Village said they worked all summer to improve existing attractions and dream up new ones
Global Village is one of Dubai's longest-running and most popular attractions.
Global Village is one of Dubai's longest-running and most popular attractions.
Global Village season 27 ran until April 30, 2023
Global Village season 27 ran until April 30, 2023
Confetti rains on visitors at the opening of season 27
Confetti rains on visitors at the opening of season 27
Global Village opened from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday.
Global Village opened from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday.
The attraction is hugely popular with residents and tourists — especially families with young children.
The attraction is hugely popular with residents and tourists — especially families with young children.
The attraction comes alive at night
The attraction comes alive at night
Entry to the new Road to Asia.
Entry to the new Road to Asia.
Afghan music is played in the country's pavilion
Afghan music is played in the country's pavilion
Joan Capers sells her Vietnamese gifts along the Road to Asia
Joan Capers sells her Vietnamese gifts along the Road to Asia
Mohammed Ayan sells jackets at his stall in the Afghanistan pavilion
Mohammed Ayan sells jackets at his stall in the Afghanistan pavilion
There are plenty of sights and sounds to take in
There are plenty of sights and sounds to take in
The amusement park at Global Village is popular with people of all ages
The amusement park at Global Village is popular with people of all ages
Dancers at the China pavilion
Dancers at the China pavilion
Preparing halwa, a traditional dessert, at the Oman pavilion
Preparing halwa, a traditional dessert, at the Oman pavilion
The fair features performances by singers, dancers, acrobats and many others
The fair features performances by singers, dancers, acrobats and many others
The House of Fear is a fixture for thrill-seekers
The House of Fear is a fixture for thrill-seekers
Many pavilions are given makeovers each season
Many pavilions are given makeovers each season
Preparing traditional Emirati food
Preparing traditional Emirati food

Every year, there are new pavilions and attractions for guests to visit when the park reopens. In October, when the park launched its 27th season, the Dubai venue celebrated several new attractions, including a 660-square-metre House of Fear, Big Balloon observation experience, Diggers Lab for children to play at construction work and Heroes Gallery, a movie memorabilia exhibition. An eco-friendly ice rink also made its debut this season.

Also new was Road of Asia, a pedestrian street with 43 kiosks that offer food and products from countries not represented in the pavilions. The 13 destinations featured along the street include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan and the Philippines.

A total of 27 country pavilions were set up this season, with new participants such as Qatar and Oman. Visitors can also enjoy more than 170 rides and games in its carnival section.

Global Village is also known for its extensive food offerings and there are more than 200 restaurants, cafes and culinary kiosks for visitors to try.

How much do Global Village tickets cost?

For entry from Sunday to Thursday, tickets are Dh18 online and Dh20 at the gate. On Fridays and Saturdays, it's Dh22.5 online and Dh25 at the gate.

Entry is free for children under the age of three and senior citizens aged 65 and above, as well as people of determination.

Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families only, except for public holidays.

What are Global Village opening hours?

Global Village is open from 4pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and 4pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday.

More information is available at globalvillage.ae

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A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Updated: April 20, 2023, 5:42 AM`
Global Village