Global Village

Global Village runs for one season a year, from autumn to spring, and shuts entirely for the summer. It is laid out as a set of national pavilions, around ninety of them, each selling that country's goods and food from a themed frontage, with a fairground, stunt shows, concerts and a fireworks slot most evenings. It began in 1997 as a small set of stalls near the creek and has become one of the most visited paid attractions in the region.

What you actually see

• The country pavilions - around ninety national stands selling goods and food.
• The food streets - stalls running from Afghan bread to Filipino sweets.
• The fairground - the Carnaval rides and games section.
• The evening shows - concerts, stunt performances and nightly fireworks.

When to go

October to April only; the park is closed all summer. Evenings from about four are when it operates. Weekends are extremely crowded and weekday evenings much easier.

Honest expectations

It is closed for around five months a year. Weekend crowds are enormous and the car parks fill hours ahead. Much of the merchandise is generic and the pavilions are commercial rather than cultural.

Nearby

Dubai Miracle Garden is west, and Al Qudra Lakes are south.