Dubai: Do you need retail therapy at 1am? Are you craving food well after midnight?
Head to the Ramadan Night Market.
Open from 8pm to 2am daily, the market is drawing bargain hunters, foodies and fun-seekers by the hundreds every night.
From clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, cosmetics and much moire, 300 stalls cater to every taste of a shopper in addition to a food court, entertainment and children’s play area.
Expected to attract some 100,000 people in total over the 10 days of its duration, the market addresses the change in people’s routine during Ramadan and their need for a late evening of leisure and culinary adventures.
Ramadan Night Market claims to be Dubai’s biggest night souq. The event is packed even after midnight on work days.
Regular visitor Divyesh Kumar said: “Last year, there was a bigger hall but this year there are more stalls in a smaller area, so there’s more variety. I can see new items on offer and the prices are reasonable, with some good bargains.”
Also new this year is the Dh5 entry fee per person, with children under five allowed in for free.
Another shopper, who only identified herself as Ankita, said many stalls don’t keep fixed prices and are willing to bargain. “Since the prices are already good, generally, you don’t have to spend too much energy on haggling. What I like here is the variety in jewellery,” she added.
There are many stalls offering up to 80 per cent discounts and deals such as ‘buy one, get one free’.
Some stalls even give away a gift with every purchase and offer home delivery on certain purchases. One can even win a free return ticket daily, courtesy of Jet Airways, by simply visiting the market.
However, it is not just shopping that pulls crowds at the market, said Samantha Miranda, brand manager, Sumansa Exhibitions.
“Ramadan Night Market is more than just a shopping extravaganza; it’s an opportunity to simply relax, eat some good food, get an adrenalin rush while playing exciting games and basically spend some good family time. We realise the importance of indoor entertainment, particularly during hot summer and the fact that most children are on vacation, so this fun-filled consumer fair with diverse range of interests is just the right answer,” Miranda added.
Activities and entertainment include gaming zones, rides, living statues, cartoon character mascots, free health check-ups, a henna majlis for ladies and a new confetti theatre for children.
The food court meanwhile is equally diverse, with Indian, Chinese, Arabic and international treats served hot and fresh from the stalls.
Parking is available at the free parking lots across the road from Zabeel Halls and the Convention Tower. There is also a valet and paid parking option.
More information is available on www.ramadannightmarket.com.
The annual bazaar is held every Ramadan for the last five years at Dubai World Trade Centre. This year the market is being held from June 23 to July 2 at Zabeel Hall 5.
Box: Bargains
Dh5 for two body sprays at Bellissimo stand, which is offering up to 70 per cent off on perfumes
Dh10 per shirt or cardigan, or Dh100 for four dresses at Palomari stand
Dh20 for a pair of German silver earrings at Parisi stand
Dh45 Crocs worth Dh220 at Crocs stand, offering up to 80 per cent sale
Dh49 watches with free gifts at Specturn stand
Dh70 for gold-plated ring with crystals, American diamonds and ruby at Parisi stand
Dh200 for four Pakistani/Indian ladies suits at Karim’s Creations stand
Dh3 Cutting Chai
Dh9 Mojitos from homemade lemonades at Slam Banjo Spicy Chicken stand
Dh25 for 10 mini-pancakes at Mini Pancakes stand
