Global Village 30 kicks off with drone show, fireworks; upcoming concert

Dubai’s Global Village opened its 30th season on Wednesday night with a high-energy celebration featuring drone displays, fireworks, and live performances, marking nearly three decades since the multicultural entertainment park first opened its doors in 1997.

Under the theme “A More Wonderful World,” the opening night saw thousands of visitors join in the festivities as music, colour, and street performances filled the park.

A highlight of the evening was a drone and pyrotechnic display that lit up the night sky with the number 30 and the season’s slogan, before wing-suited skydivers descended through the glowing formation in a dramatic stunt.

Guests were welcomed with a “Parade of the World”, featuring performers from each of the park’s 30 pavilions, followed by new entertainment acts including a laser show at Dragon Lake, a light show near the main stage, and a fireworks finale.

Global Village features 30 pavilions

Global Village, part of Dubai Holding Entertainment, is home to 30 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, 3,500 shopping outlets, 250 dining options, and 200 rides and attractions.

This season will feature over 40,000 live shows and regular fireworks every Friday and Saturday at 9pm.

Since its launch in 1997, Global Village has attracted more than 100 million visitors, with the previous season drawing a record 10.5 million.

The park is open daily from 4pm, welcoming millions of residents and tourists each year as one of the UAE’s most popular cultural and entertainment destinations.

Upcoming concert

Egyptian superstar Mohamed Ramadan will headline Global Village’s first concert of Season 30 on October 25 at 9pm, kicking off what is expected to be the destination’s biggest entertainment lineup yet.

Known for fusing Arabic music with hip-hop, Ramadan — dubbed the “King of YouTube” in the Middle East for his record-breaking views — will perform chart-topping hits such as Ya Habibi and Number One on the Main Stage.

Produced by Rotana and supported by Al Arabiya 99 FM, the concert marks the start of a new series featuring global artists throughout the season, with entry included in the standard Global Village ticket.