THE WEEKEND GUIDE

Global Village is back – here’s our pick of the new attractions.

If you do only one thing this weekend, let it be a visit to Global Village – the theme park officially opened its doors on Wednesday for its 22nd season. The entertainment, shopping and leisure hub is overflowing with activities, new entertainment zones, fresh stage shows, dining and pavilions, as well as games and rides. It’s easy to get lost once you step in – so here’s our definitive list of what to watch out for at everyone’s favourite theme park, which is open until April 7, 2018.

CARNAVAL

The main attraction this year is Carnaval, an entertainment zone modelled after a funfair and international carnivals with 28 thrilling rides and 34 skill-based games each named after famous global cities. Don’t forget to check out the arcade building, which houses over 100 games.

SHOPPING

The cultural pavilions – Global Village’s mostloved feature – are back this year. If it’s a shopping spree, you’ve saved up for, you’ll have 3,500 different outlets to splash the cash at. New pavilions joining the returning 23 countries are Bosnia and the Balkans, and a South Asia Pavilion that represents the cultures of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, taking the total count to 25 pavilions.

ENTERTAINMENT

With international performers performing every Friday at 9pm for the six months, that’s 23 concerts over the season! Today, Abdullah Bil Khair takes to the stage; other confirmed headliners include Tamer Hosny, Mohammad Al Salem, Shreya Ghoshal and Mika Singh. Highlights of the over 12,000 cultural performances are the Monster Stunt Show, City Jam 2, Viva Bollywood 2, Across Arabia and kids shows featuring characters like Chhota Bheem and Angry Birds. UAE residents can showcase their talents at the Community Stage from November 13-February 2.

DINING

After you’ve toured (or attempted to) the park’s 1.6 million sq metres, hunger is inevitable. There are 23 restaurants and cafés and 120 F&B kiosks around park to sate your cravings with delicacies from around the world.

GETTING IN

Open 4pm-12am, Saturdays to Wednesdays; 4pm-1am Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays. Mondays are for families and ladies. Entry is

Dh15; children under three and seniors over 65 enter free. People of Determination enter free with one companion each.