Community Arts Market
Where: Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City
When: First Friday of every month, from 12pm to 8pm
What: Organised by Artisans of the Emirates (Arte), an organisation that promotes locally made handicrafts, this market allows you to choose from delicate pottery, vibrant jewellery, timeless home furnishings, seasonal decorations and custom clothing. Over 50 craft categories are represented and the variety is so extensive that there's something for every taste and budget.
Covent Garden Market
Where: The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
When: October to April, Wednesday to Thursday from 5pm until midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 9pm
What: Reminiscent of European street markets with performers, this open-air market, situated on the seafront, plays host to 65 stalls loaded with gifts, jewellery, fashion, accessories and home decor items.
Dubai Flea Market - Mirdif
Where: Promenade Courtyard at Uptown Mirdif
When: Second Friday of every month, from 3pm to 9pm
What: This buy-and-sell market promises a late afternoon or evening full of fun where you can get a wide range of used items for bargain prices — home appliances, furniture, textiles, ceramics, electrical equipment, toys and so on. There are also entertainment attractions for children, including face painting and a craft corner.
Dubai Flea Market - Safa
Where: Al Safa Park, Jumeirah
When: First Saturday of each month, from 8am to 3pm
What: A community event with over 200 stands, this market has just about everything, from household items, furniture, DVDs, books, toys and clothes to handicrafts and paintings. With plenty of activities for kids, it is a fun place to spend time with family and friends.
Farmer's Market
Where: Souq Al Bahar's terrace, Downtown Dubai
When: Every Friday until May, starting November 18 from 9am to 3pm
What: The new season of the popular Farmer's Market organised by Baker and Spice begins this month. With the towering Burj Khalifa as the backdrop, you get the opportunity to meet local farmers displaying their seasonal pick of fruits and vegetables, including aubergines, cherry tomatoes, red, yellow and green peppers, cucumbers, courgettes, grapes, lemons and herbs. You also get the chance to sample locally made chutneys, jams and sauces using organic ingredients.
Majlis Market
Where: Majlis Gallery, Bastakiya
When: First Saturday of every month, from 10am to 4pm
What: Held within the courtyard of Majlis Gallery in the historic district of Bastakiya, the stalls sell a wide range of top-quality arts and crafts made by local artisans. From jewellery to cushion covers and local handicrafts, there are plenty of items to brighten up your home.
Marina Market
Where: Marina Walk, Dubai Marina
When: November to April, Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 10pm
What: The Marina Market provides a unique shopping experience with its eclectic mix of vintage fashion and accessories, art and photography, home accessories and hand-made products. Located along the vibrant Marina Walk with its choice of restaurants and cafés, this is a fun place to head to on weekends.
Plant Souq
Where: Warsan
When: Saturday to Thursday from 6am to 12noon and 2pm to 5:30pm; Fridays 6am to 10:30am
What: At a fraction of the normal cost, you'll find everything you need for your garden and home — from fresh indoor plants to decorative pots in all shapes, sizes and colours. There are stone barbecues too. Some of the nurseries offer home deliveries for bigger plants. To get there, take Al Khail Road towards Oman/Hatta, drive past Dragonmart, turn right at the next roundabout. Follow signs to Dubai Academic City and then turn left at the roundabout towards Warsan.
Ripe Food Market
Where: Dubai Garden Centre, Shaikh Zayed Road (next to Gold and Diamond Park)
When: Every Saturday, from 9.30am to 1pm
What: Farm-market lovers can add another urban destination to their list with the Ripe Food Market offering organic, seasonal and local fresh produce picked 48 hours before the event. This weekly market is sure to tempt foodies with mouthwatering treats such as breads, dips, cakes, oils and jams, among others. Raw coffee and prime gourmet's sausage sizzle are also on hand, as well as activities for kids.
