Since the Global Village Dubai 21st season is soon coming to a close, I thought it would be nice to give you a run-down of the experiences you should try not to miss before the gates close. Come to think of it, the closing actually means that our Dubai summer is almost at hand. In other words, it’s time to prepare for the 40+°C heat!
Anyway, at Global Village Dubai, which is the Emirates’ leading outdoor entertainment hot spot, you will find fantastic cultural experiences ranging from tasty food, extravagant shops and unique entertainment.
Experiences Not to Miss at Global Village Dubai Before Season End
Pottery at Egypt Pavilion
At the Egypt pavilion, guests can not only enjoy watching the ancient Egyptian art of clay pot making, but also practice it themselves! Mr. Mohamed Atiyeh Mohamed, the pavilion’s potter with 30 years of experience, makes a number of beautiful flower vases and other creations including the famous Egyptian ‘olla’, which has been used since the times of the pharaohs for keeping water and food cool. He then offers guests to take part in his pottery for free by teaching them basic skills and watch them take it further to create their own pieces of art.
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Japan Calligraphy at Far East Pavilion
The Far East Pavilion at Global Village Dubai is a must visit place for art lovers. You are strongly encouraged to visit Ms. Yuri Nakagaw, who makes handwritten Japanese calligraphy scripts, at the pavilion’s heritage square. Ms. Nakagawa has been practicing the art of calligraphy ever since she was in elementary school and has been teaching the art for 15 years.
Knafeh at Abu Laban Stall in Syria Pavilion
Inside each pavilion, you will find a number of shops that sell either ready-made sweets or dry foods. One of the favorite highlights of sweets this season is the traditional Syrian sweet of ‘knafeh’ which you can get at the Abu Laban stall in the Syria pavilion. It’s available in two varieties; cheese ‘knafeh’ and cream-filled ‘knafeh’. Either way, this syrupy pastry is not one to be missed!
Caricaturist at Spain Pavilion
Feel free to drop by the heritage square at the Spain Pavilion to get the funniest caricature and the perfect Global Village Dubai memory of you and your family. Taking up to 15 minutes only, you can choose from the black and white version of yourself or go full color and get a unique piece of caricature art. Don’t forget there is a special discount for family portraits!
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Bioscope Experience at India Pavilion
At the heart of India Pavilion in the heritage square, you can enjoy a unique cinematic experience through a classic, colorful bioscope or ‘hand-driven movie projector’. First brought to Calcutta back in 1896, the concept of the Bioscope is still fascinating and is now brought here at Global Village Dubai for you to experience. Take a peek inside the Bioscope and enjoy your favorite Bollywood stars and even traditional Indian cartoons.
Global Village Dubai Site-Wide Entertainment
City Jam Show
A favorite of many, the City Jam show is a fast-paced commercial dance show that includes different and exciting styles of hip-hop dance. Performers create a brilliant vibe as they perform dances which are unique to five of the favorite capitals of the world including New York, Tokyo, London, Mumbai and Dubai. Taking place on the Main Cultural Stage and set in an urban landscape, the show is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping.
Globo Photo Opportunity at Globo Centre
While at Global Village, don’t forget to stop at the Globo Centre where you can take a souvenir photo in wacky props and wear a wig just like Global Village’s very own mascot – Globo! Once pictures are captured, you can choose whether to print them on a t-shirt, a mug, or digitally print them for a true documentation of your experience.
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Petting Zone at Freej Festivities in the Cultural Square
The Freej Festivities centre, located in Global Village’s new cultural square, hosts a petting zone where you can cuddle up to 11 different species of animals. From bunnies and birds to sheep and iguanas, the petting zone is a great place for all animal lovers.
History Land Studio at World Avenue
Go back in time in the chicest of styles at Global Village’s History Land Studio, located at the World Avenue. With the option to choose between four different themes: Victorian, Tudor, the Wild West, and Gangster, you can pick from a wide range of costumes and props and get dressed up for a photoshoot set in the era of your choosing.
‘Abra’ Ride
Catch an eco-friendly and smooth ride with your family with the RTA’s electric-powered ‘abras’. The stylish, yet culturally important ride, will take you and your family across Global Village’s canal, giving you a glimpse of the colorful Fantasy Island rides and some of the popular pavilion façades.
Escape Hunt
If you are up for a challenge, you should experience the ultimate live escape game at Escape Hunt. You can set up teams of 2 -5 people and select from three different missions that last up to 20 min each. You can experience ‘The Race for Justice’ where you plan your escape from jail, play detective at the ‘Manor Mystery’ or fix a time traveling conundrum in ‘Treasure in the Tomb’. The aim is to find the clues, complete the selected mission and escape before it is too late!
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Sky Coaster Ride at Fantasy Island
For those looking for an adrenaline boost hop onto Fantasy Island’s unreal Sky Coaster. Best described as a larger version of a playground swing, with one massive difference – instead of getting pushed by your parents, you will be winched to the top of a launch tower and then free fall before swinging above Fantasy Island. Up to three people can swing together and enjoy the breath-taking 33 meters fall.
Global Village Dubai will be closing its gates on the 8th April. Just in case you don’t make it this time, don’t worry because the outdoorsy entertainment spot will open sometimes late in the fall for its 22nd season.
xoxo