Global Village opened its neon-lit doors at 6pm on Wednesday, with a host of beloved pavilions, new attractions and food kiosks galore.
Last season, it welcomed a record nine million guests during the six months it was operational, and now in its 28th season, the family-friendly venue will be open until April 28.
This year, Global Village houses 27 pavilions, more than 3,500 retail outlets, 250 dining options and a staggering 40,000 shows.
Shows and more
Entertainment includes concerts, street performances and a children's theatre with characters such as Peter Rabbit, PJ Masks and The Wonderers.
New this year is the Cyber City Stunt Show – Powered by Surge. Set in the year 2075, it features flying bikes and LED-covered police cars.
The UK-based Dhol Foundation will fuse South Asian drumming with Celtic music, while Merry-Go-Round is a circus troupe with jugglers and fire breathers.
Set to return are the acrobatic Filipino troupe AAINJAA and America's Got Talent alumni Fusion Japan and Urban Crew.
A new fire and laser show will be performed hourly over the world’s largest underwater LED screen at Dragon Lake. More 3D projections and light animation can be seen on the larger-than-life Dallah installation at the park's Cultural Gate, while there will be a fireworks show every Friday and Saturday at 9pm.
Also new this season is Mini World, a destination that celebrates cultures from around the globe through miniature landmarks, street-food stalls, adventure zones and a mini-golf zone for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Returning this year are the Carnaval arena, with close to 200 rides and games; Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium with 10 new exhibits; and House of Fear.
Opening times and ticket information
Global Village is open daily from 4pm to midnight. Tickets start at Dh22.5 online and Dh25 at the gate.
More information is available at www.globalvillage.ae
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
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Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
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- 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.
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- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
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- 600-seat auditorium
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Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
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