Colombian entertainer marks decade driving ceremonial car at Global Village opening

Meet Dubai resident who drove Global Village car on opening day for 10 years

When Global Village opens its gates each season, Juan is already behind the wheel. The 33-year-old Colombian entertainer has spent the past decade as the driver of the Clown Police vehicle, a distinctive blue-and-gold vintage-style car that carries clowns and mascots into the attraction on opening day.

On Wednesday, as Season 31 commenced, Juan drove the vehicle through the entrance with his fellow performers, continuing a tradition he has maintained since 2016. The 12-year Dubai resident described the experience as overwhelming. "I feel like a celebrity entering first," he said.

The opening of Season 31 marks another milestone for the attraction, which has grown significantly since it first welcomed visitors as a modest collection of kiosks along Dubai Creek on October 4, 1997. That inaugural year drew more than 500,000 visitors. Last season, Global Village set a new attendance record with 10.5 million visitors, reflecting the destination's expansion over nearly three decades.

The attraction now occupies over 1.6 million square meters at its permanent location on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, where it relocated in 2005 after previous stints at Dubai Creek and Oud Metha. Season 31 features 29 cultural pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, over 3,500 shopping outlets, more than 250 dining options, and a schedule of 40,000 shows running until May 2027.

A year-round role beyond opening day

While the opening drive draws attention, Juan's work extends throughout the entire season. He transports the entertainment team around the park, carrying the colorful characters as they interact with visitors. For many children, seeing the mascots arrive in the distinctive vehicle becomes part of their Global Village experience.

"The vehicle is not used just only for the opening ceremony. I drive it throughout the season. I love what I do. I prefer driving inside the park more than the roads. I love the traffic inside the Global Village where I keep hitting the brakes. And sometimes, I do come across blocks."

The Clown Police car is among the first attractions visitors encounter upon entering. As Juan navigates through the destination, the performers aboard wave to families and greet children, setting the tone for the evening's entertainment. The vehicle capacity aligns with the attraction's overall daily operations, which can accommodate up to 40,000 visitors and offer more than 20,000 parking slots.

In 2024, Global Village attracted an average of 49,505 visitors per day, surpassing even Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, which welcomed 48,732 daily visitors, despite Global Village operating for roughly half as many days annually.

Memorable post-pandemic return

Among his 10 opening days, one stands out most clearly. The season following the pandemic holds particular significance for Juan. "The opening after Covid was very memorable. It felt like a long break," he said. "It was special to see everyone back."

That reopening for Season 26 in 2021-2022 welcomed 7.8 million guests over 194 days, making it the longest season in the attraction's history at that time. Global Village had closed on March 15, 2020, ahead of its scheduled closing date due to movement restrictions, before reopening on October 25, 2020, for Season 25.

The return carried added emotion after a period when large public gatherings had stopped. Seeing families back, performers in costume, and the destination come alive again made that particular opening day stand apart from the others Juan has experienced.

Opening night 2026

This year, crowds gathered outside Global Village well before the gates opened. Families lined up at ticket counters, where weekday admission is priced at AED 25 and weekend and public holiday tickets cost AED 30. Cars filled the parking areas as visitors waited outside the World Gate for their first entry of the season.

Inside the park, Juan waited in his driver's uniform, ready for his familiar role. Once the signal came, he drove the Clown Police vehicle forward, carrying the performers who would welcome the first visitors of Season 31.

For Juan, it is a short drive each opening day. But after 10 years, it has become one of the most meaningful moments of every Global Village season.