Dubai: If you’re in the habit of decluttering your home and want to make some extra cash, then you can rent out a table at the Dubai Flea Market’s next event on October 27, at Al Barsha Pond Park.
The market, which takes place every Friday and Saturday all year round in different locations around Dubai, allows residents to sell and buy second-hand items — from home appliances, furniture, textile, electrical equipment and ceramics, to toys, games, books, DVDs, clothes, antiques and accessories.
The Dubai Flea Market was introduced in April 2008 when the first public Second Hand Market took place at Al Safa Park. “Since then, we kept on growing and expanding the Dubai Flea Market concept into different areas and communities around Dubai,” Melanie Beese, founder of the Flea Market concept, told Gulf News.
She pointed out the market has a summer season, which takes place at Zabeel Park and Jumeirah Lake Towers during the night hours from May to September, and a winter season, which takes place during the day time in several venues from October to April. The first market in the winter season took place at Jumeirah Lake Towers Park on Friday.
Along with the two locations, the flea markets also take place in Barsha Pond Park, Al Nahda Pond Park, and Dubai Motor City — with more locations to be announced soon.
Beese described the Dubai Flea Market as an event “with different facets”.
It supports the ‘Dubai Goes Green’ initiative, as people participating at the market are selling used belongings instead of throwing them — while making some cash at the same time.
“People at the flea market can easily socialise. The laid-back atmosphere invites people from different cultures to chat and interact with each other, even making new friends,” said Beese.
She pointed out that over the past nine years, the market has developed a strong community where everyone knows each other, forming a Flea Market family.
Rules at the market
The market’s rules allow individuals with “non-commercial intention” to sell their used belongings as well as handicrafts, but prohibits the sale of commercial, counterfeit or new items.
Registration has to be done through the website www.dubai-fleamarket.com where all Flea Markets and venues are listed.
“A potential vendor can choose to participate at any of the Flea Markets by filling up the online registration form and completing the payment process online via our secured online payment gateway with a credit or debit card,” said Beese.
One stand, which costs Dh290, includes one table, two chairs and, in some venues, table clothes, and one gazebo. After completing the online registration, the vendor will receive an email with further event details, instructions and a payment slip. This email has to be printed out and to be shown at the registration desk upon arrival at the chosen Flea Market venue during the set timings. The Flea Market team will issue a stand registration paper, which has to be attached at the table. The table location can be chosen by each vendor upon arrival.
The event’s organisers also introduced the ‘Drive-In Concept’ last winter.
“This is an easy way to sell your used belongings. Book and pay for your stand online, arrive at the venue with your car, park your car in one of the designated areas where a stand with a gazebo, tableclothes and two chairs in two-metre safety distance from your car is already set up,” said Beese.
She added that after parking your car, unload your items next to your fully shaded stand, and “start selling and enjoying the day out at the Dubai Flea Market”.
The Dubai Flea Market is a brand of Green Spot Entertainment LLC, an official event company registered with the Dubai Government.
Dates and timings of Dubai Flea Market events
From October to April
On the first Friday of the month: New venue will be confirmed shortly
On the first Saturday of the month: Zabeel Park Entrance Gate 1, 2 and 3 (8am–3pm)
On the second Friday of the month: Al Nahda Pond Park (1pm-6pm)
On the second Saturday of the month: New venue will be announced shortly
On the third Saturday of the month: Dubai Motor City “Drive-In Concept” (1pm–5pm)
On the third Friday of the month: Next to JLT Park (Jumeirah Lake Towers) (1pm-5pm)
On the fourth Friday of the month: Al Barsha Pond Park (1pm-6pm)
On the fourth Saturday of the month: New venue will be announced shortly
