Look: The DSF Market OTB is back: Everything you can do there

If you love shopping, but you are over being stuck inside a mall, then the Etisalat Market Outside the Box is the place to relish in some retail therapy, while being out in the fresh air.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is bringing back one of its most popular events, Etisalat Market OTB. It kicked off on December 17 and runs until January 2 on the lawns of Burj Park.

Returning for its 7th year, Market OTB will feature designer pop ups, live entertainment and street food trucks. The grass roots-led initiative will host some pretty cool vendors

Offering an expertly curated selection of stalls and vendors, food options and family entertainment, Etisalat Market OTB is always a big hit with residents and visitors each DSF

This year, the concept has been revamped and updated with an exciting new ‘Korean NEWTRO’ theme – a mix of ‘New’ and ‘Retro’ – bringing together the Asian country’s best urban and retail trends while blending elements of the vintage 90s style with contemporary culture for a totally unique shopping experience.

The target audience for the market is a younger Gen Z, young children and millennials. So you will expect it to be very family friendly.

The free-to-enter market will include a range of activities for the whole family to participate in such as arts and crafts workshops,

This year’s theme for the kids’ area will be ‘Sugar, Shine and Slime’. It will blend a series of activations from inflatable play, featuring a Modhesh Bouncy castle and a dedicated ‘Glitterati – Crafts Station’ for decorating, colouring and slime-making workshops.

The Market will also feature a blend of activations from inflatable play, featuring a Modhesh Bouncy castle and more.

Kids having a blast in the bouncy castle.

The market will feature emerging designers and give them a platform to showcase and sell their products. Market OTB caters to a large customer base during Dubai’s famous retail season, showcasing independent local labels in addition to well-known names.

Each retailer had to create an exclusive piece for Etisalat Market OTB.

100 retail brands are taking part in Etisalat Market OTB. On January 1 there will be a fashion show from The Studio by Cultural Couture featuring curated local designers who will showcase an array of contemporary fashion and one of a kind accessories. Timings are 2pm-3pm and 7.40pm-9pm

New to Etisalat Market OTB this year is the Food Alley concept, which will serve a selection of Asian street food bites from Seoul and beyond.

With plenty to eat at the market, one of the stand out spots was High Joint, who make some of the best burgers in Dubai.

Mama'esh the Palestinian food spot have even brought their own stone oven to make freshly bakes manaeesh, fatayer and mesakhan rolls.

New concepts have also taken advantage of the market to showcase their products to a wider public. FluffBites make extra fluffy stuffed pancakes. This one is filled with pistashio sauce.

There's something for everyone, as we taste the lobster roll at Lobster Roll made with a warm brioche bun and lemon butter sauce.

The food tour ended with Churros dipped in white chocolate.

Other highlights to look forward to include regular movie nights, talent shows, live performers and creative fashion and accessory stalls to browse.

With Dubai enjoying perfect winter weather, now’s the ideal time to take part in a wonderful alfresco shopping experience at the DSF Markets

As well as great food, retail and entertainment, the Etisalat Market OTB will also focus on health and wellness with classes held regularly throughout the event.

Other highlights to look forward to include regular movie nights, talent shows, live performers and creative fashion and accessory stalls to browse.

With great places to eat, explore and discover super deals and savings on must-have and one-off items, the Dubai Shopping Festival Market OTB is a popular element of the annual retail celebration.

Etisalat Market OTB timings are Sunday to Wednesday from 4pm to 10pm, Thursday from 4pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 12am.

Location: Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. Parking: P3 of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, or park at Dubai Mall and walk across. Cost: Free.