From Global Village to the Ripe Market, Dubai’s favorite outdoor spots are back with new seasons, new features and longer evenings outside.
Ask anyone in Dubai when winter really begins and you probably won’t hear a date from the calendar. In most households, the season starts the moment Global Village announces its opening night and weekend plans start flying around the family group chat.
After a long summer spent hopping between malls and indoor play areas, the city is stepping back outside. Flower gardens are blooming again, theme park rides are running, and weekend markets are setting up their stalls in the park.
Here is a look at the attractions reopening this season, along with dates, ticket details and what is new at each one.
1. Global Village Season 31 Opens October 14
Global Village opens its 31st season on Wednesday, October 14, at 6pm under the theme “A More Wonderful World.” The season runs until May 2027.
Last season brought together 30 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, along with over 3,500 shopping outlets and up to 200 rides and games. Organizers have not yet revealed the full lineup of new additions, and returning favorites include Dragon Kingdom and the Gardens of the World.
The park is open from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and until 1am on weekends. Ticket prices for the new season have not been announced yet. Last season, entry cost Dh25 on weekdays and Dh30 on weekends
2. Dubai Miracle Garden Season 15 Is Now Open
Dubai Miracle Garden opened its 15th season on October 8. Spread across more than 72,000 square meters in Al Barsha South, the garden is home to over 150 million flowers in around 120 varieties.
Its best-known display, a giant Emirates A380 covered in more than 500,000 flowers, is back, and the floral structures were upgraded and renovated over the summer.
UAE residents with an Emirates ID pay Dh70 for adults and Dh50 for children, while general admission costs Dh100 for adults and Dh80 for children. Children under three enter free. A combo ticket with the neighboring Dubai Butterfly Garden costs Dh140. Prices exclude VAT.
3. Dubai Safari Park Returns on October 12
Dubai Safari Park reopens on October 12 for its eighth season, themed “Live More Wild Life.”
The park welcomed 144 newborn animals last season, including a southern white rhino and a giraffe. The southern white rhino is listed as near threatened.
This season also introduces the Royal Safari Experience, a four-hour private guided visit for groups of up to 10 people with reserved seating and VIP access.
4. Dubai Parks and Resorts Back in Action
Dubai Parks and Resorts reopened on October 7, just ahead of the school mid-term break. The destination brings together Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, Legoland Dubai Resort and The World of Riverland.
Riverland has added a bowling experience and Lamborghini racing simulators this season. Entry to Riverland starts from Dh25, while tickets for Motiongate and Real Madrid World start from Dh295.
5. Ripe Market Returns to Academy Park
The Ripe Market returns to Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim on Saturday, October 10, and runs every weekend until May 2, 2027, from 9am to 9pm.
Now in its 15th year, the market brings together local produce, independent UAE brands, handmade goods and street food. Children can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides and a mini train, and free yoga and Pilates sessions run through the season. Performances by the Dubai Police Marching Band and K9 unit demonstrations add to the weekend crowd’s fun.
6. Hatta Resorts Welcome Back Campers
Hatta Resorts and Wadi Hub reopened on September 28 for their ninth season, about a 90-minute drive from the city.
Two restored heritage trailers, the 1958 Coach and Route 1948, are new to the stay options, and two Premier Lodges now come with private plunge pools. Hiking and mountain biking are on offer across the surrounding trails.
7. Dubai Fitness Challenge Marks Its 10th Edition
The 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge runs from October 31 to November 29, the Dubai Media Office announced. Residents and visitors are invited to complete 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days.
The program has drawn more than 16 million participants since it began in 2017. Dubai Run and Dubai Ride return as the flagship events, alongside fitness villages and free classes across the city.
8. Dubai Crocodile Park
Dubai Crocodile Park reopened on September 15 and is home to about 250 Nile crocodiles. Alongside the enclosures, visitors can explore a natural history museum and an African lake-themed aquarium.
October afternoons can still be warm, so evening visits are more comfortable at outdoor venues early in the season.
Stay tuned for more updates and news!
