From Germany to Dubai

The Dream Takes Flight

My name is Alexandra, and this is the story of how a small group of friends from Germany embarked on an adventure that would change our perspective on travel forever. For years, we had heard tales of Dubai’s magnificence and the magical Global Village park that brings the entire world together in one place. Finally, in the crisp autumn of last year, we decided it was time to experience it ourselves.

Our group consisted of five adventurous souls: myself, my childhood friend Hans, my colleague Maria, and two other enthusiastic travelers, Stefan and Anna. We spent months planning every detail, from flight bookings to accommodation, but nothing could truly prepare us for what awaited.

Departure from Frankfurt

The journey began at Frankfurt Airport on a chilly morning in November. We arrived three hours early, buzzing with excitement and nervousness. This would be my first time in the Middle East, and Hans kept joking about whether we packed enough sunscreen. The departure lounge was filled with international travelers, and we couldn’t help but eavesdrop on conversations in dozens of languages.

Our Emirates flight was scheduled to depart at 10:30 AM. As we boarded the massive Airbus A380, Stefan couldn’t stop taking photos of everything. The flight attendants greeted us with warm smiles, and the cabin had that new airplane smell mixed with Arabic coffee brewing somewhere in the galley.

The six-hour flight passed surprisingly quickly. Maria watched three movies back-to-back, while Anna and I spent most of the time discussing our itinerary. Hans, predictably, fell asleep before we even took off and didn’t wake up until the captain announced our descent into Dubai.

First Impressions of Dubai

Landing at Dubai International Airport felt surreal. As we descended, we could see the sprawling city below, with the Burj Khalifa piercing the sky like a needle. The November weather was perfect at around 28°C, a welcome change from Germany’s autumn chill.

The airport itself was an experience. Gleaming terminals, luxury shops, and the efficiency of the immigration process impressed us immediately. Within 45 minutes, we had collected our luggage and were headed to the taxi stand. Anna made a funny comment about how the airport was cleaner than her apartment, which had us all laughing.

Our hotel was located in the Al Barsha district, not too far from the Mall of the Emirates. The taxi ride gave us our first real taste of Dubai: enormous highways, stunning architecture, and a skyline that seemed to have jumped straight out of a science fiction movie. Our driver, a friendly gentleman from Pakistan, gave us tips about the best places to visit and insisted we absolutely must see Global Village.

Exploring Dubai

We spent our first two days acclimatizing and exploring Dubai itself. The tower was even more impressive up close, and the Dubai Mall seemed to go on forever. Stefan got lost in the aquarium section and we spent twenty minutes looking for him, only to find him mesmerized by the sharks.

We visited the traditional souks in Deira, where the aroma of spices and the glitter of gold shops created a sensory overload. Hans attempted to haggle for a pashmina shawl and ended up paying more than the asking price, much to the merchant’s amusement and our endless teasing.

The Dubai Fountain show at night was spectacular. We sat by the waterfront, watching the choreographed water dance to Arabic and international music, and felt grateful for deciding to make this trip. But we all knew the main event was still ahead: Global Village.

Planning the Famous Park

On our third evening, we sat in the hotel lobby planning our Global Village excursion. According to our research, Global Village is the world’s largest seasonal cultural extravaganza, featuring pavilions from over 75 countries, carnival rides, live entertainment, and dining options from around the globe. It operates from October to April, and we were lucky to be visiting during its peak season.

Maria, being the most organized among us. Entrance costs were slightly cheaper at 15 AED (about 4 euros) per person, while on gate were 20 AED. We decided to buy them online to save time and money, though Hans joked that we were already spending enough to buy a small car.

The park is located in Dubailand, about 20 kilometers from the city center. We debated between taking a taxi or the metro followed by a park shuttle. Stefan suggested renting a car, but none of us were confident about driving in Dubai’s fast-paced traffic. Eventually, we decided on a taxi for convenience, planning to leave around 5 PM to arrive just as the park opened at 6 PM.

The Journey to Dream

On the big day, we assembled in the hotel lobby at 4:45 PM, each of us wearing comfortable shoes and carrying light jackets (which we later realized were completely unnecessary in Dubai’s pleasant evening weather). Anna had created a checklist: phones charged, cameras ready, and a portable power bank that looked like it could charge a small vehicle.

We hailed a large taxi that could fit all five of us, a spacious Toyota van driven by a cheerful gentleman named Mohammed from Egypt. As soon as we told him our destination, his face lit up. “Ah, Global Village! Very good, very nice! You will love it!” he exclaimed in enthusiastic English.

The drive took about 35 minutes through Dubai’s well-maintained highways. Mohammed turned out to be an excellent informal tour guide, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories. He told us about the time his family visited Global Village and his children rode the same carousel four times in a row. The traffic was moderate, and we enjoyed watching the sunset paint the desert sky in shades of orange and pink.

As we approached Global Village, we could see its distinctive architecture from a distance: colorful pavilions and towering ride structures. The parking area was enormous, already filling with cars, buses, and taxis. Mohammed dropped us at the main entrance, and we agreed on a pickup time of 11 PM. “Enjoy, my friends! Take many photos!” he called out as we excited the vehicle, his warm smile matching the hospitality we’d experienced throughout Dubai.

Entering to the Fun Park

The entrance to Global Village was like stepping into a different world. Even before entering, we could hear music, laughter, and the excited chatter of thousands of visitors in countless languages. The entering process was efficient despite the crowds, and within minutes we had our wristbands and were standing inside.

The first thing that struck us was the sheer scale of everything. The main walkway stretched as far as we could see, lined on both sides with elaborately decorated pavilions, each representing a different country. The architecture was fantastical: a miniature Eiffel Tower here, a replica of an Arabian palace there, Asian pagodas next to African huts. It was like someone had taken the entire world and compressed it into one spectacular park.

Stefan immediately wanted to create a plan, but Anna insisted we just wander and explore organically. Hans was already distracted by a churros stand. We compromised: we’d explore for the first hour, then regroup for dinner, then tackle specific countries and rides.

As we walked deeper into the park, we were overwhelmed by the sensory experience. The aroma of international cuisines wafted through the air: Indian spices, Turkish kebabs, Italian pizza, Chinese noodles. Music from different cultures created a surprisingly harmonious cacophony. Vendors called out in multiple languages, and everywhere we looked, families, couples, and groups of friends were smiling, taking selfies, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Exploring the Pavilions

Our first stop was the India Pavilion, a massive structure adorned with intricate carvings and colorful fabrics. Inside, vendors sold everything from silk scarves to hand-carved wooden elephants. Maria was immediately drawn to the jewelry section, where a kind Indian lady demonstrated how to wear a traditional sari. We all tried on different accessories, with Hans looking particularly amusing in a bright orange turban.

Next, we wandered into the Egyptian Pavilion, styled like a pharaoh’s temple complete with sphinx statues at the entrance. They sold papyrus artwork, perfumes in beautiful bottles, and hand-woven carpets. Anna negotiated for ten minutes over a cartouche necklace with her name in hieroglyphics and emerged victorious with a 30% discount.

The Chinese Pavilion was enormous, featuring a traditional pagoda design with red lanterns hanging everywhere. Inside, we found tea sets, silk products, electronics, and an entire section dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine. Stefan, always the skeptic, bought some “energy crystals” as a joke gift for his brother back home.

We lost track of time moving from pavilion to pavilion. The Turkish booth offered fresh gözleme being made on hot plates, and we couldn’t resist. The Moroccan section had stunning lamps and leather goods. The African pavilions featured vibrant textiles and carved wooden masks. Each country seemed to have brought the very best of their culture to this amazing place.

The Funny Moments Begin

Around 8 PM, we decided to try some of the carnival rides. The park has an entire section dedicated to thrill rides, with a massive Ferris wheel dominating the skyline. Hans, who had been bragging about his iron stomach all evening, insisted we start with the “Sky Drop” – a ride that lifts you up and then drops you in free fall.

As we strapped in, Hans was still joking and laughing. The ride slowly lifted us higher and higher. From the top, we had an incredible view of the entire Global Village lit up like a jewel box. Then came the drop. Hans’s scream was so high-pitched that people at ground level looked up to see what animal was being tortured. When we got off, his face was pale, and he didn’t speak for five minutes. Stefan captured the whole thing on video, which we threatened to post online if Hans ever bragged about his courage again.

After Hans recovered, we decided on something calmer: the Ferris wheel. The capsules were enclosed and comfortable, offering stunning views as we slowly rotated. From the top, we could see the entire layout of Global Village: the intricate pattern of pavilions, the swirling lights of the rides, thousands of people moving like colorful ants below. It was a perfect moment of peace in the midst of all the excitement.

Cultural Performances and Entertainment

One of Global Village’s highlights is the live entertainment. Throughout the evening, we stumbled upon various performances. We watched Indian dancers in elaborate costumes perform a traditional Bollywood routine, complete with vibrant music and synchronized movements that left us amazed.

Later, we found a stage where Mexican performers were doing a traditional folk dance. The colorful dresses swirled magnificently, and the musicians played with such passion that even we couldn’t help but clap along. Anna tried to learn some moves from the dancers afterward, resulting in what can only be described as enthusiastic chaos.

The most unexpected performance was at the main arena, where we watched a thrilling motorcycle stunt show. Riders performed death-defying tricks in a spherical cage, with multiple bikes crossing paths at high speeds. Maria had to look away several times, convinced someone would crash. Thankfully, all the performers were professionals, and the show ended with thunderous applause.

The Food Adventure

By 9 PM, we were genuinely hungry. The challenge was choosing where to eat from the hundreds of options. We decided on an adventurous approach: each person would buy something different from various countries, and we’d share everything.

I got Turkish kebabs from one of the many Turkish restaurants. Hans chose Indian biryani, fragrant with spices and served in a large portion that could feed three people. Maria found a Thai pavilion and came back with pad thai and spring rolls. Stefan got Egyptian koshary, a fascinating mix of rice, lentils, and pasta. Anna rounded out our feast with Japanese takoyaki and some mysterious-looking but delicious Chinese dumplings.

We found a seating area and spread out our feast. The next twenty minutes were filled with sharing, tasting, exclaiming over flavors, and laughing at our ambitious ordering. Hans’s biryani was so spicy that Stefan’s eyes watered after one bite. Maria’s pad thai disappeared quickest, with everyone going back for more. The Egyptian koshary was surprisingly filling and comforting.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist the Belgian chocolate stall. Fresh waffles covered in chocolate sauce, strawberries, and whipped cream. It was completely excessive after our enormous dinner, but absolutely worth it. Hans declared it the best waffle he’d ever eaten, which was saying something considering we’re from Germany where pastries are serious business.

More Hilarious Adventures

After dinner, we decided to explore the Fantasy Island section, which featured more carnival games and attractions. Stefan, competitive as always, insisted on trying the basketball shooting game. He paid for three rounds and missed every single shot, while a ten-year-old kid next to him won a giant stuffed panda on his first try. The vendor tried hard not to laugh, but the rest of us had no such restraint.

We then discovered a mirror maze. It seemed simple enough from outside, but once inside, it was hilariously disorienting. Maria walked face-first into a mirror twice. Hans and I got separated from the group and spent five minutes going in circles before finding the exit. We could hear Anna’s laughter echoing through the maze, though we couldn’t see her. When we all finally emerged, Stefan announced he was never going into a mirror maze again and questioned why such torture devices were legal.

The haunted house was our next adventure, despite everyone being a bit too old to find it scary. We were wrong. The actors inside were incredibly committed, and the special effects were impressive. Anna screamed so loudly at one jump scare that the actor actually stepped back, surprised. Hans tried to act brave but grabbed my arm so tightly during one particularly dark corridor that I lost feeling in my fingers. We emerged laughing at ourselves and gained a new respect for Dubai’s entertainment standards.

Shopping and Souvenirs

As the evening progressed, we focused more on shopping. Global Village is a shopper’s paradise, with each pavilion offering unique products at prices significantly lower than in Dubai’s regular markets. Maria bought beautiful Kashmiri pashminas from the Indian pavilion, getting an excellent deal after some friendly negotiation. Stefan found a leather jacket in the Turkish section that he’d been searching for online for months.

I purchased some Arabic coffee pots and traditional spice blends, thinking they’d make perfect gifts for family back home. Anna went a bit wild in the accessories sections, buying jewelry from at least five different countries. Hans, practical as always, focused on edible souvenirs: Turkish delight, Egyptian dates, Iranian pistachios, and Indian spices. His suitcase would smell interesting on the flight home.

The bargaining process was entertainment in itself. One vendor in the Yemeni pavilion was so charming and funny that we spent twenty minutes chatting with him, even though none of us needed another decorative dagger. He told us stories about his homeland and taught us some Arabic phrases. We ended up buying several small items just because he was such good company.

The Final Hours

As 10:30 PM approached, we realized we hadn’t seen nearly everything. Global Village is so vast that you’d need several visits to experience it all. We did a final quick tour, trying to catch what we’d missed. We watched street performers juggling fire, saw a small parade featuring costumes from different cultures, and stopped at a few more food stalls for late-night snacks (despite being completely full).

The park was still packed with visitors, many of whom would stay until the midnight closing time. The atmosphere remained energetic and joyful. Children ran around with balloons and light-up toys, couples strolled hand-in-hand, families sat together enjoying meals, and tourists like us tried to soak in every last moment.

We made our way slowly toward the exit, stopping frequently for last-minute photos. Stefan wanted a group photo in front of the illuminated Global Village logo. A kind Emirati family offered to take our picture, and then asked if we could take theirs. These small interactions, the international friendliness, the shared joy of the experience, were what made the evening truly special.

The Journey Home

Mohammed, true to his word, was waiting at the pickup point at exactly 11 PM. He asked if we enjoyed ourselves, and we practically talked over each other trying to share our experiences. He smiled knowingly; he’d probably heard similar enthusiastic reactions hundreds of times before.

The drive back to the hotel felt shorter, perhaps because we were exhausted. We were loaded down with shopping bags, our phones full of photos and videos, and our hearts full of memories. Hans fell asleep within five minutes, still clutching his bag of Turkish delight. Anna was already organizing photos on her phone, creating albums for different pavilions.

Back at the hotel, we agreed to meet for a late breakfast the next day to share photos and relive the experience. As I collapsed into bed at midnight, my feet aching and my face sore from smiling, I felt incredibly grateful. This trip had exceeded every expectation.

Reflections on an Amazing Experience

Looking back now, months after returning to Germany, our Global Village experience remains one of the highlights of the entire Dubai trip. It wasn’t just about the attractions, the food, or the shopping, though all of those were excellent. It was about experiencing the entire world’s cultures in one evening, about the joy of discovery, about sharing laughter with friends in an extraordinary setting.

Global Village represents something beautiful: the idea that despite our different languages, cultures, and traditions, we can all come together in a spirit of celebration and mutual respect. Walking through those pavilions, we weren’t just tourists; we were temporary citizens of a miniature world where diversity was not just accepted but celebrated.

For anyone planning a trip to Dubai, I cannot recommend Global Village strongly enough. Go with an open mind, comfortable shoes, an empty stomach, and plenty of storage space on your camera. Don’t try to plan every minute; some of the best moments come from unexpected discoveries. Talk to the vendors, try foods you can’t pronounce, ride the attractions, watch the performances, and most importantly, soak in the unique atmosphere of this remarkable place.

Our little group from Germany learned that the world is simultaneously vast and intimate, foreign and familiar, diverse and unified. And we learned it all in one magical evening at Global Village, Dubai.