Dubai’s Global Village has announced its opening hours for Ramadan 2026 and is simultaneously introducing a new free seating zone that makes the park even more attractive for iftar and suhoor. The popular attraction, which draws millions of visitors each winter season, adjusts its timings for the holy month and adds entertainment suited to the Ramadan atmosphere. For those seeking an affordable alternative to standard hotel iftars, Global Village this year offers more options than ever.
The opening hours during Ramadan are as follows: from Sunday to Wednesday, the park is open from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. From Thursday to Saturday, Global Village stays open an hour later, until 2:00 AM. These late closing times make the park ideal for an evening out after breaking the fast, with plenty of time to eat, stroll around, and enjoy the shows.
The most interesting addition this year is Multaqa, a new free seating zone for the Main Stage. The area is set up as a traditional majlis with atmospheric lighting and comfortable tent-style seating. You can get food from one of the more than 250 dining outlets in the park and sit there comfortably. There are also traditional games available for hire. For the space itself, you pay nothing extra on top of your regular park ticket.
More than 250 dining outlets for iftar and suhoor
What distinguishes Global Village from typical hotel iftars is the enormous variety of food. With more than 250 different dining outlets spread across the park, you can choose from cuisines from all over the world. From Arabic and Indian to Turkish, Mexican, and everything in between. And all without the price tags that hotels charge for their Ramadan buffets.
You can fill your plate at various stalls and pavilions and then walk to Multaqa to eat in a cosy atmosphere. It’s a formula that is much more flexible than a fixed menu in a restaurant. Want to combine Arabic mezze with Indian curry and finish with Turkish dessert? That’s perfectly possible. This freedom makes Global Village a surprisingly good destination for iftar or suhoor with family or friends.
The entertainment programme during Ramadan is also worthwhile. On Friday, 20 February, there is a drone show at 9:30 PM. The Akher Kalam show takes place every evening from 18 February to 18 March at 11:00 PM. On weekends from 20 February, you can attend the Al Mandoos game show at 9:30 PM. In addition, there is live music with traditional instruments such as oud, nay, harp, violin, and tannoura performances.
Take steps and earn rewards in the park
The Ramadan Step Challenge is back this year. If you achieve 10,000 steps via the Global Village app, you will earn rewards. Given the park spans more than 1.5 million square metres, that goal is quite achievable if you explore multiple pavilions. You’ll easily walk a few kilometres if you want to see the park properly, so you’ll almost naturally hit those 10,000 steps.
Tickets remain affordable. On weekdays, you pay 25 dirhams (approximately 6.25 euros, 5.40 GBP) and on weekends 30 dirhams (approximately 7.50 euros, 6.50 GBP). If you purchase via the app, you get a 10% discount. This makes an evening at Global Village one of the more affordable outings in Dubai, especially when you consider how much there is to see and do.
Global Village is open every year from November to April and attracts visitors from across the region. The park consists of pavilions representing different countries, each with their own products, food, and entertainment. During Ramadan, the park gains an extra dimension through the adapted atmosphere, special shows, and focus on togetherness and tradition.
For expats and tourists who want to experience Ramadan in Dubai without going to a formal hotel environment, Global Village offers an accessible alternative. The combination of affordable food, entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a place where you can easily spend an entire evening with family or friends.
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