With winter setting in and temperatures becoming cooler, Emiratis are keen on coming out of their air conditioned havens and exploring the plethora of colourful and bountiful outdoor markets for bargain buys. There is plenty to choose from, and some are thriving and doing so well that they have opened up their branches not only in Dubai but also in other areas of UAE. Here is our rundown of the best markets showcasing a treasure trove of goodies at fabulous discounts.
This one takes the cake for being a woman shopper’s paradise. There is a lot on display from pure leather bags with stunning clasps, leather booties and funky cribs for children, pashmina shawls and a mind boggling variety of Turkish fashion and accessories. Once you finish with your days shopping, head to the Dubai marina mall to cool off and grab a bite. The market timings are Wednesday and Thursday 10 am to 10 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10 am to 12 midnight.
A cool, crispy Saturday means heading to this vibrant open air market. The Ripe market has established itself all over the city with stalls mushrooming successfully everywhere. The stalls are packed with artisan handicrafts, organic foods, vegetables and fruits, costume jewellery, t-shirts, bags and funky eye wear. Foodies can devour some sumptuous take away snacks from the numerous food trucks that are stationed right there. In the warmer summer months, the market moves indoors inside an air conditioned arena at the Times Square. The market usually runs from 9 am to 3 pm.
Nothing like a vigorous bout of swimming followed by a sumptuous meal and some retail therapy at the beach. The winter months will find all the beaches flooded with sea side markets. One side of the market is flooded with home wares, jewellery and street wear fashion. The other side has delectable nibbles and snacks which you can take away and eat right there on the beach. The market runs all day from 10 am to 10 pm.
The farmer’s market is the perfect pit stop to find home grown organic produce. It takes place every Friday and Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm. Visitors can interact with the local farmers and pick the choicest of produce. There are home grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods and vegan treats on offer. Do try the stall of baker and spice where you get a freshly cooked breakfast straight from their grill.
The Dubai flea market is certainly one market which is expanding in a big way. It is held three to four times every month at different locations and the goods sold are strictly second hand. There are over 300 stalls selling everything from furniture, fabric, pottery, arts, crafts, books, toys, clothes and antiques. If you are the kind who has lot of patience, then this is just your forte as you will have to go there armed with all your bargaining skills. It is held from 8 am to 3 pm.
The Pop Up sales vintage fashion is like eye candy for all the young and aspiring fashionistas. Alex and Emma, who are the founders of So Chic bring to you some astounding apparel in classy French designs as well as luxurious and state of the art accessories from the hottest designer labels. These too are second hand and passed on from all the crème da la crème of Dubai’s elite. The fashion treasures are from labels like Gucci, Fendi and Elizabeth Arden.
The market of ARTE is home to thousands of artistes, bakers and crafters who supply their creations made with the utmost love. Here you will find everything creative from uniquely crafted items, paintings to baked food items. The founder of this market Miriam Walsh saw this as a golden opportunity for the talented residents of Dubai to showcase their workmanship. It started almost a decade ago and has become a favourite haunt of not only fellow artistes but also anyone who understands the worth of handmade goods.
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