6 outdoor markets in Dubai to explore

Shopping is about to get a revamp, with all of Dubai’s best outdoor markets already thriving.

Of course, shopping is high on the agenda and Dubai’s outdoor markets provide both original products you’re unlikely to see elsewhere, plus a really lovely day out with plenty to see, eat and do.

While the mega malls are great, we love to support Dubai’s smaller independent, home-grown brands and often bag ourselves a bargain in the process.

Now is the time to explore them.

6 outdoor markets in Dubai to discover

Alserkal Avenue’s Farmers’ Market

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Returning to the city on Saturday November 2, head down to Alserkal Avenue for freshly harvested produce brought to you from all over the region.

Fill up your basket with organic produce including fruits and vegetables but also bread and cheeses. Plus, you’ll also get the chance to try some authentic delicacies from local vendors, including Happy Earth Organic and Tamra & Somsom.

USP: It’s not only food you can pick up here, but a few house plants to pop in the car too. What’s more, once you’re done shopping, Alserkal Avenue is the ideal place to stay around for lunch. Check out BKRY for a sweet treat and a caffeine fix (trust us, the queue is worth it).

Free. Every Sat, 9am-3pm. Alserkal Avenue, alserkal.online

Covent Garden Market, Kite Beach

Best outdoor markets in Dubai — Credit: Covent Garden

Kite Beach Market is set to make waves this season, this beautiful beachfront market features 20 charming kiosks that bring together the best of local products in one of the most popular beaches in town.

Shoppers can explore a selection of products like stylish resort wear, chic sunglasses and trendy swimwear, along with eye-catching beach cover-ups, fashionable bags, cosy towels, and children’s clothing. The market also offers an assortment of fun toys and cute trinkets.

USP: Mall shopping becomes beach shopping, simple. Plus, if you’ve forgotten anything you might need for your beach day, you’ll find it here.

Free entry. Open daily 10am-10pm. Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road coventgardenmarketdubai.com.

Dubai Flea Market

The equivalent to a British car boot sale, this nomadic outdoor market shifts around town.

This is the place to buy pre-loved items, rummage around expats’ unwanted treasures and be likely to find a mountain of paperback books, household items, toys and games, plus loads of top-brand clothing for just a few dirhams.

If you’re more interested in selling than buying, a stall will cost you Dhs290. Make sure you check its website to know more details about upcoming market locations and timings.

USP: Randomness is a quality often overlooked by malls (unless you’re shopping at the delightfully eccentric Dragon Mart, of course). At Dubai Flea Market, dressing gowns, tennis racquets, classic TV box sets and cult figurines rub shoulders with designer shirts and kitchen gadgets. You’ll definitely bag a bargain.

Various park entry prices, various times and locations. Dubai Flea Market, dubai-fleamarket.com (056 788 2348).

Global Village

Perhaps the most famous outdoor market in Dubai, this mega multicultural theme park is not to be missed. When it comes to shopping the selection is, as the name suggests, impressively international with brilliant bargains. You can take home everything from trinkets to unique knick-knacks from all around the globe.

Top buys include (but certainly aren’t limited to) African-style wood carvings and jewellery, gorgeous textiles from India, glittering Turkish lights, Moroccan shoes, an excellent selection of top Korean beauty products and so much more. There are plenty of great food options if you work up an appetite, too.

USP: The sheer diversity of market stalls, plus cultural shows and live performances. Global Village has to be experienced to be believed

Dhs22.50 (Sun-Thur), Dhs27 (Fri-Sat). Open daily 4pm-midnight, globalvillage.ae (04 362 4114).

Meena Bazaar

If you want a proper old-school market experience, specifically if you’re looking for the best deals on South Asian fashion, Meena Bazaar is literally your ultimate shopping destination.

Located in Bur Dubai along Al Ghubaiba Road, this vibrant market is one of the oldest open markets in the city, overlooking the scenic Dubai Creek. With its colourful storefronts and bustling atmosphere, Meena Bazaar will transport you to a whole other world. The market is particularly atmospheric at night.

USP: You can find an extensive collection of Pakistani and Indian products, making it the perfect spot for anyone looking for jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts with South Asian influences.

Free entry. Various times. Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi

Ripe Market

One of Dubai’s finest attractions of any kind, never mind just outdoor markets, Ripe Market initially had a peripatetic existence over the years, moving around a fair bit.

You will find a fabulous array of craft makers and talented artisans flogging their stuff at this bustling outdoor market, which was originally founded on the notion of selling organic food and veg from a farm shop, so there is a healthy spirit to proceed.

However, it is now just as famed for its array of arts and crafts, jewellery, fashion and homeware. Entertainment comes in the shape of craft lessons, face-painting, live music and even open mic for budding performers. The on-the-go eating options are also brilliant, with food trucks and stalls offering a massive array of edible delights.

USP: The local foodie stalls where you can pick up healthy dishes and sweet treats at affordable prices.

From Dhs5 (park entry). Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Ripe Market, Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, ripeme.com (04 315 7000).