Brief
Families crowd Dubai's Global Village opening night for Season 31
Long lines formed before the 6 pm gate opening as visitors from across the emirates enjoyed food, rides and a laser show.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai families flocked to Global Village on Wednesday night for the Season 31 opening, with many arriving well before the 6 pm gate opening, Khaleej Times reported.
What happened
Visitors formed long queues at ticket counters and security checks, some waiting under pink‑lit entrance arches before the gates opened at 6 pm. Even close to 8 pm, hundreds were still entering the park. The night featured a water‑fountain run by five‑year‑old Abdul Ahad, food stalls offering Bosnian kebabs, Turkish sweets, Korean chicken and tom yum soup, and a laser‑lit Dragon Lake show.
What the reports add
The outlet highlighted personal accounts: Abdul Badi said his children had been waiting eagerly for the fountain, while Marlene, a sales executive, travelled from Ajman, Sharjah and Dubai and waited over half an hour at the physical‑ticket counter before buying tickets online. Spanish marketing head Montserrat promised her children a first‑day visit after weeks of anticipation.
What was said
"They have been waiting for Global Village to open, and the fountain was the first thing they wanted to do when we came in," Abdul Badi told Khaleej Times.
"We may reach home late tonight, so perhaps there will be no school for them tomorrow," he added with a laugh.
Marlene said, "We had planned this for opening day, so even the queue did not change our minds."
Montserrat noted, "My children have been asking me for weeks when Global Village would open. I promised them that we would come on the first day."
Saleh, another visitor, praised the laser show: "The lighting makes it feel as if the dragon is actually moving."
How it came about
Global Village Season 31 runs until May 2027, featuring 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, over 200 attractions and more than 250 dining options. The park remains open until midnight on weekdays, as noted in earlier Felo coverage of the launch.
Key facts
- Global Village opened for Season 31 on 14 October 2026 at 6 pm. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Long queues formed before the gates opened, with visitors still entering close to 8 pm. (khaleejtimes.com)
- The park offers 29 pavilions, over 200 attractions and more than 250 dining options. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “'Maybe no school tomorrow': Dubai families flock to Global Village opening night”
