There’s much to look forward to when cooler weather and a gentle breeze finally make it to the UAE’s shores. The bright, balmy days mean that the outdoor market season is about to start, and this year in particular, there will be markets galore. There’s rarely a weekend on the horizon without a craft, food and artisanal bazaar to roam around. We’ve put together a guide of some of the best markets to look out for in the weeks to come, so stock up on sunscreen, make sure you have plenty of change in your wallet and bring along those reusable jute bags for lugging around your newly acquired treasures and fresh produce.
ABU DHABI
Le Méridien Village Craft & Farmers Market, 10am to 4pm, Friday October 16, then the third Friday of every month until March
This new market boasts a village feel, with food vendors, an artisan souq, and kids’ activities provided by the Kidz Factory of Al Wahda Mall. There’s an aviary, and an organic fruits and vegetables market will be set up, as well as an area to buy baked goods to take home. The hotel’s resident band, Once, will be playing live music and the hotel’s restaurants will be open for lunch. Free entrance.
The Saturday Market at Yas Marina, 1pm to 6pm, Saturday October 17, November 14 and December 12
Last year, this market was a weekly occurrence at Yas Marina. This year, it will become a monthly affair and “bigger than ever” with no less than 80 vendors, says organiser Chelsea Mundy-van der Spek of Tiny Bean Events. The market offers second-hand shopping: rent a stall for Dh150 or sell directly from your car boot for Dh100 per day – you’ll get a parking spot for your car right by the event. It’s a fun family day, with live music, a pirate ship bouncy castle and sand-art activities, ice-cream van, restaurants and musical water fountain for kids to splash around in. The December edition will have a Christmas theme. Free entrance.
Shop My Closet at Jones the Grocer Gardens Plaza, 7pm to 9pm, October 20
An evening of shopping, styling tips and canapés, hosted by Glamour On The Go fashion blogger and stylist Antoinette Chorlton. Fashionistas can sell and buy used clothes, accessories, shoes and jewellery, in excellent condition at great prices, all for a good cause – proceeds will go to cancer research. To sell your own items, which have to be pre-approved, contact Chorlton at glamouronthegoantoinette@gmail.com.
Make a Difference Day at the Beach Rotana, 2.30pm to 7pm, October 22
The Beach Rotana hotel will be transformed into a funfair. Activities include bouncy castles, a kids’ pizza factory, face and hair painting, water games, a games arcade, interactive experience zones and more. Proceeds go to Make a Wish UAE and the Emirates Red Crescent. There’s a Dh30 entry fee.
upMarket at the Eastern Mangroves promenade, 3pm to 9pm, October 23, then the third Friday of every month until April
This pop-up-shop market is a fun family day out. Children can ride their scooters on the promenade while parents browse through the stalls set up by dozens of vendors. Free entrance.
Shopping Soiree at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, 10am to 2pm, October 25
This venue doesn’t have an ATM machine, so carry plenty of cash when attending this event, a favourite of the school-run crowd, who like to drop off their kids then head to the Soiree to get a head start on Christmas shopping. Free entrance.
Halloween Pop-Up Market at the Waitrose Arcade in Al Zeina, 9am to 7pm, October 28
There will be a Halloween theme, plenty of activities for little ones and more than 20 vendors selling everything from jewellery and crafts to handmade items and clothing. Free entrance.
La Loupe 105 Outdoor Halloween Market at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel, 11am to 6pm, October 31
Dress the kids in their Halloween costumes because trick-or-treating is high on the agenda. Enjoy outdoor shopping, with food stalls by the Anantara hotel, and activities for the kids. Free entrance.
Ripe Market at Mushrif Central Park, 4pm to 9pm, October 31, then every Saturday until April
It’s the official launch of the much-loved Ripe Food and Craft Market, which boasts an organic fruits and vegetables market, organic retail items, gluten-free products and superfoods. The market will have more than 40 vendors and plenty of food stalls, cooking stations and take-home retail items. It’s a community event of artists, designers, musicians, fitness workshops, children’s activities and more. Entrance fee for the park is Dh5, with children under 3 allowed in for free. The current Ripe Market, at The Collection in the St Regis on Saadiyat Island, is every Saturday from 10am to 2pm and will continue until October 24.
upMarket at the Saadiyat Beach Club, 10am to 2pm, November 3, then on the first Tuesday of every month until June
This midweek market is aimed at those who have a few hours to spare while their kids are at school. The market coincides with the beach club’s Ladies Day, so patrons can enjoy the beach, pools and restaurants, as well as fit in a spot of shopping. Plenty of vendors offering maxi dresses, beach bags, accessories and handicrafts. Entrance to the market is free, but there is a fee of Dh125 to use the rest of the club’s facilities.
Perfect for selling unwanted items, this flea market is always buzzing with those searching for a bargain. Book a table for Dh285 (Dh245 if you book by November 8) and start purging those closets. All proceeds from table bookings will be donated to Unicef and the hotel will provide drinks and refreshments. Email sabine.farah@sheraton.com to book your table.
DUBAI
The Pink BurJuman Pop-Up Market at BurJuman Centre, 5pm to 10pm, October 22
A fine selection of colourful local businesses will showcase everything from arts and crafts to boutique fashion, with culinary delights and live acoustic music. Funds raised will be directed to breast-cancer treatments and research in the UAE. Free entrance.
The Dubai Nursery Show & Baby Bazaar at the Dubai International Marine Club, 9am to 4pm, October 30 and 31
For the second year, the Dubai Nursery Show will run alongside Baby Bazaar for two days. It’s a must-stop for parents eager to learn about the different nurseries and day-care centres in Dubai, while getting in some shopping for the little ones as well. There are strollers and car seats to be won, and plenty of children’s activities. Free entrance.
The Market Day in Uptown Mirdiff, 4pm to 9pm, October 30
Celebrate cooler temperatures with this family-friendly market. Fashion, accessories, art and handmade crafts will make their usual appearance, but this time, look out for a show by Dubai’s favourite magician, Magic Phil, and plenty of activities for kids, with food trucks, too. To book a table, email info@motherbabyclub.com. Free entrance.
The Ripe Food and Craft Market at Zabeel Park, 9am to 3pm, November 6, then every Friday until April
The long-awaited return of Ripe to Zabeel Park will be in the first week of November, and will continue every Friday. Ripe founder, Becky Balderstone, says there are more than 100 vendors this year: “We have received an overwhelming number of applications from SME businesses wanting to take part in this weekly community event.” New additions include cooking classes and workshops, and a petting zoo and pony rides for kids. Later in November, the Ripe Night Market will return to Al Barsha Pond Park, every Saturday from November 28 until April, from 4pm to 9pm.
Search for these events on Facebook for more information.
