Global Village is marking Diwali for five days this year, and the programme goes well beyond lights. From 6 to 10 November, expect a drone show, a musical evening, a festive market and plenty for the kids. All of it is covered by regular entry, which costs AED25 on weekdays and AED30 on weekends.
Diwali At Global Village: 600-Drone Show, First Baithak And Five-Day Mela
Friday, 6 November: A First-Ever Baithak
Global Village hosts its first baithak, a traditional South Asian musical gathering where the audience sits close to the performers and is encouraged to sing along. It runs on the Main Stage from 8pm to 9pm, in collaboration with City FM. The evening also happens to be Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali as per Gulf News.
Saturday, 7 November: Games And Prizes
The celebrations carry on with interactive games and prizes for visitors, a lively warm-up before Diwali night itself.
Sunday, 8 November: 600 Drones On Diwali Night
The big moment lands at 8pm on Diwali itself. Six hundred drones will draw Diwali-themed shapes across the sky above the Stunt Arena and the Syria Pavilion, so aim for that side of the park if you want a clear view.
The Diwali Mela
Across all five days, a mela at the Commercial Activation area, organised with the India Pavilion, sells festive decorations, gifts, traditional snacks and sweets. Decorative lamp posts line World Avenue, and ‘Happy Diwali’ signboards are set up around the park for your photos.
For The Kids And The Foodies
The Kids Corner has face painting, diya colouring and rangoli making. For food, Indian Chef and Grand Dhaba serve full Indian meals, while the Indian Chaat Bazaar, styled around an Indian wedding, dishes out pani puri, chaat, pav bhaji, chole bhature, desi noodles and mithai.
Also Read: Global Village Season 31 Opens With Parade, Drone Show & Loads More! Details Inside
Plan Your Visit
The park is open from 4pm to midnight, Sunday to Wednesday, and from 4pm to 1am, Thursday to Saturday. Since Diwali night falls on a Sunday, closing time is midnight, right after the drone show. Rides at Carnaval and a few other attractions are charged separately. If you’re coming for the drone show, reach the park early on Sunday so you can settle into a good spot.
For a sense of what to expect from the mela, last year’s edition at the India Pavilion had vendors selling gold-plated jewellery, bangles, saris and Kashmiri textiles, and a group of UAE-based artists created a large rangoli.
Global Village’s Season 31 opened on 14 October and runs until May 2027, with 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures.
Cover Image Courtesy: Global Village/Website
FAQs
What is sold at the Diwali Mela?
Decorations, gifts, traditional snacks and sweets, organised with the India Pavilion.
How much is the ticket?
Entry is AED25 on weekdays and AED30 on weekends, and the Diwali activities are included. Carnaval rides and some attractions cost extra.
