The weekend open-air market is back with lots of fun activities for children, families, tourists and residents. Visitors are sure to enjoy their time here to enjoy great food, entertainment, shopping, games and more.

The Ripe Market, located in the Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim, has something for everyone. There are food trucks and local farmers markets offering fresh produce, games, kids’ entertainment, novelties and souvenirs.

Due to the popularity of the market, even His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, visited the Ripe Market last season.

Delight your palate

As visitors stroll through the market, the delicious aromas will tempt them to try some of the delicacies available. “It is like a great gastronomic festival with flavors from many parts of the world. There is everything from tasty street food to sophisticated dishes,” Ahmed Akram told Khaleej Times during the opening night on Saturday.

Families can be seen sitting on the grass, enjoying the food, laughter and live music in the background.

For many, it is the best way to spend time outdoors on weekend afternoons. “I am a regular visitor to this market and come more than 20 times each season. I wanted to experience the first day and it was beyond electrifying,” said Alice, a Swedish national and resident of Jumeirah Village Circle.

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“As the temperature drops, we feel like going outside and spending time outdoors. We decided to visit the market because it is a gastronomic adventure, with different flavors to try,” she added.

Supporting local businesses

The Ripe Market is a community-led business founded in 2011 with a passion to support local businesses looking to launch and grow in the UAE.

Many vendors serving delicacies were happy to participate on Day 1. “The first day was fantastic as people really liked our food,” said Riyahd Van Der Westhuizen, South African national and Baofriend Asian Fusion Cuisine Manager.

“The place is fantastic and this market is very conducive to promoting our business. Our display here is excellent,” added Van Der Westhuizen, who said he was a visitor last year and has now decided to have his counter present this year to improve business.

Ripe Market is an incubator for entrepreneurs and microbusinesses. For example, BaoFriend will use its experience at Ripe Market to take its food business to Global Village, Gitex Global and the upcoming COP28 at Expo City Dubai.

Colorful and vibrant space

Ripe Market is also a colorful and vibrant space for local artists and new business owners to showcase their creations, from elegant jewelry to unique home decor. It is a place where the creativity of the residents shines.

There is a lively atmosphere not only for adults but also for children who enjoy the stuffed animals, an inflatable play area, a garden and many other offerings for them.

Sports and shopping

If you’re into sports, The Ripe Market is more than just a place to shop. There is an area for soccer and paddle tennis games. Some visitors come only to practice their favorite sport. “We will come here every weekend to play paddle tennis. “This is a new place for us and we love it,” said a visitor named Matis.

Opening hours

Until May 31, 2024, Ripe Market is open weekends only (Saturday 9am-9pm; Sunday 9am-7pm)

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