Global Village Season 31 opens tonight: what is new this year

Global Village opens its 31st season tonight, Wednesday 14 October, with an opening ceremony at the Gate of the World at 6pm. The season runs until May 2027 with 29 pavilions covering more than 90 cultures.

Sri Lanka has its own pavilion this year after sharing with Bangladesh last season, the Russia pavilion now also takes in Azerbaijan, and the Syria and Kuwait pavilions return with new facades. Two new rides are listed on the park's site: Arabian Horses, a family ride for guests 120cm and taller, and Athens Slingshot, a thrill ride for those 140cm and taller. A roller coaster called Tokyo Rush is due later in the season.

New places to eat include Trabzon Turkish Restaurant, Robo Al Sham, Hawawshi Al Rabie and Chicking, with Vinci Dolci, Emir Bey Gourmet and Uzungol Cafe among the new cafes. Three new shows join the line-up: the stunt show Fast Live 2: The Police Strikes Back, and two anchor productions, Bollywood Idol and Bank Heist. There is also a redesigned Season 31 passport for stamps at each pavilion, a new Kids Passport and a WhatsApp chatbot for help on the day.

After opening night, the park is open from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and from 4pm to 1am Thursday to Saturday and on public holidays. Tuesdays are kept for ladies and families, except on public holidays. Rides, the Carnaval and some attractions are paid for on top of entry, and tickets are sold on the Global Village website and app.