Ras Al Khaimah Night Market Festival kicks off with huge turnout

Ras Al Khaimah: Large crowds turned out for the launch of the first-ever Ras Al Khaimah Night Market Festival at the Ras Al Khaimah Exhibition Centre (Expo), marking the start of a new weekend attraction for families and shoppers in the emirate.

The event was inaugurated by Mohammed Musabah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce, in the presence of senior officials from the Chamber, RAKEZ, the Saud bin Saqr Foundation for Youth Project Development, and Expo Centre.

Featuring nearly 100 retail outlets, the market will run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:30pm to 10:30pm in the outdoor plaza of the exhibition centre.

After touring the market, Al Nuaimi said the event goes beyond offering a simple shopping experience, adding that it serves as a comprehensive family-friendly destination combining retail, entertainment, and food options. He noted the variety of choices on offer — from well-known brands to traditional market stalls — positioning the festival as a “global-style platform” bringing together dozens of vendors under one roof.

According to Al Nuaimi, visitors can expect significant discounts, a wide range of products to suit all budgets, live entertainment, competitions, and prizes. He said the Chamber and the Saud Foundation have extended full support to participating vendors, who will rotate throughout the months-long event. The organisers also plan to hold additional markets and festivals throughout the year.

He added that the weekly festival will feature different themes, with new shops, activities, and product offerings introduced each weekend. Civil Defence demonstrations, maritime heritage shows, traditional marine crafts, and performances by a folk sea band will also be part of the programme.

Al Nuaimi said such festivals and exhibitions play an important role in boosting Ras Al Khaimah’s economic and tourism landscape by attracting investment, stimulating commercial activity, and offering a platform for knowledge exchange. The market is expected to draw strong footfall from visitors across the UAE, he added.