6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Missing Global Village? You'll enjoy these five alternatives just as much
Global Village closed its doors for summer on Sunday May 18, and it's left a big hole in some of our hearts.
Known for its all-out pavilions, viral snacks and funfair rides galore, the warmer weather means the park will be shut until things cool down.
But if you're sitting at home, wondering how you'll pass the time until you can see the floating market again, don't fret.
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We've got some incredible alternatives to keep you going, from thrilling theme parks to fabby food halls that'll cure that Global Village craving.
The best Global Village alternatives
Ibn Battuta Mall
Visit if you're missing: The pavilions
The gigantic shopping mall is inspired by the explorer from the 1300s, which means that each section of the building is themed around a different country.
Giving you the same feeling as strolling around the Global Village pavilions, you can still get in some retail therapy while checking out the tales of the China Court, the hieroglyphics on the walls of Egypt and the incredible ceilings in Persia. Happy shopping.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-midnight. Jebel Ali Village, (800 6254335).
IMG World
(Credit:Supplied)
Visit if you're missing: The rides
One of the biggest indoor theme parks on the planet, IMG World of Adventures, features four zones all of which are home to some adrenaline-pumping rides.
Start with a run around The Marvel Zone for a thrill-seeking spin on Thor's Thunder Spin, before exploring the Cartoon Network Zone (where you might even see a Powerpuff Girl or two).
Dhs365 (general admission), free (kids under 1.05m in height). Open Sun-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-11pm. City of Arabia, (04 403 8888).
GLITCH
(Credit: GLITCH)
Visit if you're missing: The funfair
The game park has been on the scene for a while now, and is packed to the max with games from bowling to roller gliding.
There's plenty in the gaming realm too for you to have a crack at. Level up on the VR challenges and have a blast from the past on the arcade games. Back to reality, there's even a ninja warrior course if you're brave enough to try it.
Game prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, (04 886 1695).
Neighbourhood Market
Visit if you're missing: The street food
Located in Motor City, this food hall features 11 homegrown brands that are all serving up some seriously tasty treats.
If you can't get the dip'it burger out of your head, or the viral pistachio croissant lives in your head rent-free, then switch up the menu and sit down on one of the Neighbourhood's benches.
From birria tacos served in a Chips Oman packet to a selection of hearty beef burgers, your tastebuds won't be complaining.
Open Sun-Thu noon-11pm. Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Motor City, (055 856 9696).
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
(Credit: ITP images)
Visit if you're missing: The markets
Haven't been able to haggle in a while? If you're missing getting lost in the stalls, take yourself to the market in Souk Madinat Jumeirah and get a flavour of Arabic culture.
Whether it's a trinket for the house or a new fragrance you're after, once the retail therapy is over reward yourself and dine out at one of the restaurants nestled in the souk — for the authentic Middle Eastern experience, try one of the platters from Al Makan.
Open daily 10am-11pm. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, (04 366 8888).
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