Ripley Entertainment is taking the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction to Dubai’s Global Village, a destination for culture, shopping and entertainment.
The museum will open on October 29, when Global Village kicks off its 24th season. This marks the first time a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction has launched in the UAE and MENA.
It will feature hands-on interactive activities, historical artefacts, rare exhibits, art made from unusual materials, animal oddities, and pop culture memorabilia.
“With the launch of each season of Global Village, we continuously strive to provide UAE audiences with out-of-this-world attractions and experiences that are of the highest international calibre and standards,” said Bader Anwahi, CEO at Global Village.
The first Ripley’s attraction in the UAE and MENA

“Our steadfast ambition has culminated in the milestone introduction of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to the UAE and MENA.
“We are confident the weird and the wonderful world of Ripley’s will leave a lasting impression on our guests, which is why we are proud to be delivering on our commitment to bringing exceptional entertainment and cultural showcases from across the world to the UAE.”
Exhibits include the world’s only roadworthy wooden-built Ferrari, a megalodon shark jaw, and a large iron Gibeon Meteorite.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will have six unique galleries, as well as Ripley’s Marvelouse Mirror Maze – complete with 100 mirrors, LED lighting and digital sound.
There will also be a Ripley’s retail shop selling curious gifts.
Historical artefacts and rare exhibits at Global Village
Only few days away from the launch of our new season! Get ready for an experience full of surprises and everlasting memories at #Global_Village!https://t.co/o5j6MkPDSI pic.twitter.com/2M5zrXX6S9
— Global Village القرية العالمية (@GlobalVillageAE) October 20, 2019
“It’s an incredible achievement to be bringing a legacy of wonder to the UAE with the launch of the region’s first official Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attractions,” added Victor Danau, director of Asia Pacific Operations & Development, Ripley Entertainment.
“For decades, Ripley’s has brought to fans the most extraordinary, unique, bizarre and one-of-a-kind exhibits and experiences the world has to offer.
“We are thrilled to be bringing over a ‘century of strange’ to UAE and Middle Eastern fans. By partnering with Global Village to bring our unique brand of family fun to the Middle East, we believe this partnership will set a new standard for entertainment in the UAE, the region.”
Meanwhile, Emaar Entertainment is launching the UAE’s first high-end electric e-karting experience at the Dubai Mall, amid a growing trend for retailtainment attractions.
Images: Ripley Entertainment