Global Village is a fantastic attraction in Dubai but take note it is only open each season from November to April. During the open season the village is open daily. The Global Village was first launched in 1997 in a different location and since 2005 has been at its present location on Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road, exit 37. The site covers an area of 1,600,00m². It is a cultural and entertainment event where you can visit over 30 pavilions representing more than 70 countries from around the world. At each pavilion you have opportunities to take part in activities, see performances, taste the traditional foods of each country and buy products and souvenirs from that country. In addition, there are amusement park-type rides for the kids in the sites Fantasy Land. The extravaganza hosts more than 12,000 shows in the season, has more than 3,500 shopping outlets, 25 restaurants serving international cuisine and 150 kiosks showcasing handcrafts. You can take a ride in a traditional Abra boat across the village lake. A Mini-train travels through the village giving kids and their parents for a ride. Special attractions include the Al Remal Pit where you can see huge sand sculptures; the 3D Haunted House; Animal Land where there are moving sculptures of animals; Prehistoric Oceanarium where you can discover the underwater world of 200 million years ago through 3D technology; Illumination World where famous international landmarks have been recreated and illuminated with lanterns and LED lighting and the Heritage Village where you can see traditional Bedouin life around a camp fire.