Asan Tata— November 6, 2026Dubai’s Global Village has announced a free entry offer for Saturday, 7 November 2026, as part of its five-day Diwali celebrations. Visitors who buy a ticket and visit the park on Friday, 6 November, can claim a complimentary ticket for the next day. The offer is limited to 3,100 tickets, and they will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Diwali programme runs from 6 to 10 November 2026. It includes cultural performances, festive shopping, family entertainment and a 600-drone display. The biggest night is Sunday, 8 November, which is Diwali day itself. A special Diwali light show is planned for 8pm that evening.
Global Village is one of Dubai’s most popular family attractions, with pavilions from many countries, food from around the world, rides and live shows in one open-air park. Season 31 opened on 14 October 2026 and runs until May 2027. This guide explains how the free entry offer works, what happens on each day of the Diwali programme, ticket prices, opening hours and how to plan your visit.
Quick Answer
Global Village is offering free entry on Saturday, 7 November 2026, to visitors who buy a ticket and enter the park on Friday, 6 November. Keep your 6 November ticket safe. On 7 November, take it to the Information Booth at the Gate of the World and collect a complimentary ticket. Only 3,100 free tickets are available, and they are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. The free ticket is valid only on 7 November.
The Diwali celebrations run for five days, from 6 to 10 November. All Diwali activities are included in the regular entry ticket. Entry costs AED 25 on weekdays and AED 30 on weekends. The park opens at 4pm each day and closes at midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and at 1am from Thursday to Saturday.
How the Free Entry Offer on 7 November Works
The offer is simple, but it has clear conditions. You must first buy a ticket and visit Global Village on Friday, 6 November. That visit is what makes you eligible. A ticket bought for any other day does not count.
Keep the ticket you used on 6 November. Do not throw it away after you enter. On Saturday, 7 November, take that same ticket to the Information Booth at the Gate of the World. Staff there will give you a complimentary ticket for that day. The complimentary ticket works only on 7 November. You cannot save it for another weekend.
Only 3,100 complimentary tickets are available. They are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Once they are gone, the offer ends for the day. If you want one, arrive early on Saturday and go to the Information Booth as soon as you reach the park. The free ticket covers entry only. Rides at Carnaval and some attractions are charged separately.
Steps to Claim Your Free Ticket
Follow these steps to make sure you do not miss out:
- Buy a ticket for Friday, 6 November, and visit Global Village that day.
- Keep your 6 November admission ticket safe after you enter.
- On Saturday, 7 November, go to the Information Booth at the Gate of the World.
- Show your 6 November ticket and collect your complimentary ticket.
- Use the complimentary ticket the same day, as it is valid only on 7 November.
Because the number of free tickets is limited, it is worth arriving early on Saturday. The park opens at 4pm. The Information Booth is at the Gate of the World, which is the main entrance area, so you can collect your ticket before you start exploring.
Diwali at Global Village: What Happens Each Day
Global Village is marking Diwali with five days of celebrations, from Friday, 6 November, to Tuesday, 10 November 2026. The programme mixes music, games, shopping, food and a large drone show. All Diwali activities are included in the regular entry ticket, so you do not pay extra for the shows.
Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November. Diwali itself falls on Sunday, 8 November. The park has planned its biggest moments around those two days, with activities continuing on Monday and Tuesday for visitors who prefer smaller crowds.
Friday, 6 November: Baithak and the Opening Night
The celebrations open on Friday, 6 November, with a Baithak. A Baithak is a traditional South Asian musical gathering, known for its relaxed, sit-down atmosphere and live music. This is the first time Global Village has hosted a Baithak. It takes place on the Main Stage from 8pm to 9pm and features interactive performances. Friday is also Dhanteras, the first day of the Diwali festival for many families, and the park’s festive market will be open.
Saturday, 7 November: Games, Prizes and Free Entry
Saturday, 7 November, is the day of the free entry offer. Visitors who came on Friday can return at no extra cost, subject to the 3,100-ticket limit. The day’s programme focuses on interactive games across the park, with the chance to win prizes. Saturday is a weekend day, so the park stays open until 1am.
Sunday, 8 November: Diwali Day and the 600-Drone Show
Sunday, 8 November, is Diwali day. This is the highlight of the five-day programme. The main event is a 600-drone display in the night sky, planned for 8pm above the Stunt Arena and the Syria Pavilion. A special Diwali light show is also scheduled for 8pm. Because this is the biggest night, the park is likely to be busy, so find a spot near the Stunt Arena well before 8pm. The park closes at midnight on Sunday.
Monday and Tuesday, 9 and 10 November: Quieter Days
The celebrations continue on Monday, 9 November, and Tuesday, 10 November. The decor, the festive market and the Kids Corner are still running on these days. The crowds are usually thinner on weekdays, so these are good days for a calmer visit. Weekday entry costs AED 25, and the park closes at midnight on both days.
| Date | What is happening | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 6 November | Baithak on the Main Stage; Dhanteras shopping | Baithak 8pm to 9pm; visit today to qualify for free entry |
| Saturday, 7 November | Interactive games and prizes; free entry offer | 3,100 free tickets; claim at the Information Booth, Gate of the World |
| Sunday, 8 November | Diwali day; 600-drone show and Diwali light show | Both shows at 8pm; park closes at midnight |
| Monday, 9 November | Festive market, decor and Kids Corner continue | Weekday entry AED 25; thinner crowds |
| Tuesday, 10 November | Final day of the Diwali programme | Weekday entry AED 25; park closes at midnight |
Tickets, Prices and Opening Hours
Entry to Global Village costs AED 25 on weekdays and AED 30 on weekends. All Diwali activities are included in the regular entry ticket. You do not need a separate ticket for the Baithak, the games, the drone show or the light show.
Global Village also sells ticket bundles online that combine entry with points for attractions, food or souvenirs. Prices and offers can change, so check the official Global Village website before you travel.
Opening Hours During the Diwali Week
Global Village opens at 4pm every day. From Sunday to Wednesday, it closes at midnight. From Thursday to Saturday, it closes at 1am. That means Friday, 6 November, and Saturday, 7 November, both run until 1am, while Sunday, 8 November, closes at midnight.
Arriving close to opening time is a good idea on busy days. You get more time in the park, and you can visit the pavilions before the evening crowds build up. For the drone show on Sunday, plan to be near the viewing area well before 8pm.
| Day | Opening hours | Entry price |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday to Wednesday | 4pm to midnight | AED 25 |
| Thursday to Saturday | 4pm to 1am | AED 30 |
What Else to See and Do at Global Village
Global Village is much more than one festival. Season 31 has 29 pavilions that represent more than 90 cultures. Each pavilion shows the crafts, food and products of its country or region. The India Pavilion is a natural focus during Diwali, but the Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh pavilion and the other pavilions are worth a visit too.
Food is a big part of the experience. The park offers dishes from many countries, from street food to full meals. During Diwali, look for South Asian sweets and festive food stalls.
Carnaval is the funfair area of the park. It has rides and games for children and adults, charged separately from entry. Families with young children should also look for the Kids Corner, which is part of the Diwali programme.
Live entertainment runs through the season. The Main Stage hosts concerts and cultural shows, and there are roaming performers around the park. The Stunt Arena hosts stunt shows, and it is also the area above which the Diwali drone display will fly on 8 November.
Getting There and Practical Tips
Global Village is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in Dubai. It is a large open-air park, so wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot between the pavilions, the Main Stage, Carnaval and the food areas.
Evenings in early November are warm, and daytime temperatures in the UAE can reach the high 30s. Carry water, especially if you arrive at opening time. The park is outdoors, so light clothes are best, with a light layer for late at night.
Plan your visit around the show you most want to see. If the drone show on Sunday is your main goal, arrive early and head to the Stunt Arena area before 8pm. If you want the free ticket on Saturday, go to the Information Booth at the Gate of the World as soon as you arrive. Keep your 6 November ticket safe, as the booth will ask for the original.
Check the official Global Village channels before you travel. Show times and offers can change, and the park may add new events during the Diwali week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get free entry to Global Village on 7 November 2026?
Buy a ticket and visit Global Village on Friday, 6 November. Keep that ticket. On Saturday, 7 November, take it to the Information Booth at the Gate of the World and collect a complimentary ticket. The offer is limited to 3,100 tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I use the free ticket on another day?
No. The complimentary ticket is valid only on Saturday, 7 November 2026. You cannot save it for another weekend or another day.
When is the Diwali drone show at Global Village?
The 600-drone Diwali show is planned for Sunday, 8 November 2026, at 8pm. It will fly above the Stunt Arena and the Syria Pavilion. A Diwali light show is also scheduled for 8pm that evening.
How much does entry to Global Village cost during Diwali?
Entry costs AED 25 on weekdays and AED 30 on weekends. All Diwali activities are included in the regular entry ticket. Rides at Carnaval and some attractions are charged separately.
What are the opening hours of Global Village?
The park opens at 4pm every day. It closes at midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and at 1am from Thursday to Saturday.
How long do the Diwali celebrations last?
The Diwali programme runs for five days, from Friday, 6 November, to Tuesday, 10 November 2026. It includes a Baithak, games and prizes, a 600-drone show, a light show, festive shopping and family activities.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is based on announcements reported by Khaleej Times and Gulf News on 5 November 2026, and on information published by Global Village. Ticket prices, show times and offers can change. The free entry offer is limited to 3,100 tickets and is given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the official Global Village website or its official channels before your visit to confirm the latest details.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026
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