Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition and innovation, is more than just towering skyscrapers and luxury malls. It is also a thriving hub for authentic experiences, particularly evident in its vibrant array of weekend markets. These dynamic spaces are perfect for discovering local eats, handmade finds, and a taste of the city's lively community spirit.

The emirate's remarkable growth amplifies the appeal of Dubai's weekend markets. With a significant 7% increase in international visitors in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, Dubai's tourism sector is booming. This influx of tourists, coupled with a substantial resident population, creates a ground for a flourishing retail market. 

Moreover, Dubai's reputation as a global shopping destination is underscored by its impressive capture of a large portion of the region's luxury market, suggesting a high level of consumer spending across all segments.

From bustling food markets to artisanal craft bazaars, here is a guide to the best weekend markets in Dubai:

The Ripe Market in Dubai is renowned for its unwavering commitment to organic produce, championing local businesses, and fostering a vivacious community atmosphere. Founded in 2011 with a passion to support home-grown ventures, it has become a fantastic spot to spend your weekend, whether you are stocking up on fresh ingredients or seeking out exceptional, artisanal gifts.

As Dubai enters its warmer months, Ripe Market cleverly moves indoors, ensuring the fun, fresh finds, and family vibes continue uninterrupted. "School’s Out & Summer’s On!" is their motto, inviting everyone to kick off the holidays with indoor enjoyment.

Summer locations and timings (until September 2025):

Seasonal Outdoor Locations: (typically active during cooler months, check their website for schedules)

Entry fee: While indoor pop-ups often have free entry, outdoor locations like Academy Park may charge a nominal fee of AED 5, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. 

What to expect: Prepare to immerse yourself in a diverse range of stalls offering everything from luscious organic fruits and vegetables to freshly baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and local honey. While enjoying the culinary delights, you will also discover a wide selection of handmade crafts, fashion pieces, exquisite jewellery, and charming homeware, all perfect for finding that special something. 

Enjoy live music and participate in engaging workshops. Additionally, there are plenty of activities for children, making it an ideal family outing. To get the freshest picks and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, arriving early is highly recommended.

For those who cherish handcrafted items, ARTE, proudly standing for "Artisans of the Emirates," is an absolute must-visit among the weekend markets in Dubai. Established in 2005, this project has a clear vision to provide a platform for local talent to showcase their incredible skills and connect directly with the community. 

If you are on the hunt for exquisite handmade designer bags, one-of-a-kind clothing, captivating art, stylish fashion accessories, and intricate crafts, ARTE is your ultimate destination.

Location: ARTE distinguishes itself by frequently holding its popular pop-up markets in Dubai at various prominent malls and venues across the emirate. This strategic approach makes their special offerings easily accessible. Past and frequent locations include: 

Check their official Instagram page for their latest schedule and specific venues.

Timings: ARTE events have flexible market hours, matching the hosting mall's schedule. For example, the Times Square Centre is open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 11 pm on weekends.

Similarly, Mercato Mall generally operates from 10 am to 10 pm. This allows ample time for you to explore these Dubai local markets at your ease.

Entry fee: One of the many appealing aspects of ARTE's markets is the accessibility. As their pop-up events are generally held within malls and other public spaces, entry is free for all visitors.

What to expect: Delve into a veritable treasure trove of handcrafted items. ARTE proudly brings together more than 150 local creators and designers, each displaying their impressive and often highly personal statement pieces. 

Shoppers can anticipate discovering a diverse array of goods, from distinctive greeting cards, artisanal soaps, and natural skincare products to charming kids’ apparel, aromatic candles, beautifully crafted pottery crockery, original art pieces and exquisite handmade jewellery. It is the perfect place to unearth one-of-a-kind handmade souvenirs in Dubai or a special gift, all while directly supporting the talented local makers and artists who pour their passion into their craft.

For those who revel in the thrill of hunting for hidden gems and discovering pre-loved treasures, the Dubai Flea Market is an absolute must-visit. This institution champions a sustainable shopping experience, offering everything from vintage clothing to electronics, household items, and so much more. It is a cornerstone of the weekend markets in Dubai, providing a charming alternative to conventional retail.

Locations: The Dubai Flea Market is impressively dynamic, operating at various popular locations to ensure there is a Dubai local market almost every weekend. While frequently found at Zabeel Park and The Market Mall at DIP 1, you can also catch their events at JLT Park, Al Nahda Pond Park, Al Barsha Pond Park, and Times Square Centre, among others. 

Timings: These markets run for about five hours once a week at their selected location. Night markets often operate from 5 pm to 10 pm, offering a cool evening browse experience. Always check their official website for the most current schedule and locations.

Entry fee: Visitor entry is usually free at many of their locations, such as The Market Mall. However, if organised in a public park, such as Zabeel Park, there is usually a nominal park entry fee of AED 5. Rest assured, many events also feature free kids' entertainment alongside the bustling stalls, making it a family-friendly outing.

What to expect: Dive into a vault of possibilities! Whether you are seeking household items, textiles, ceramics, toys, games, books, clothes, antiques, or handcrafted goods, the Dubai Flea Market is the ideal place to unearth those long-lost items.

With over 300 second-hand sellers, you are almost guaranteed to stumble upon something special. This community-led event is perfectly complemented by a relaxed picnic atmosphere, and you will come across a range of pop-up stalls offering breakfast, lunch, and drinks, allowing you to comfortably make a day of it with the whole family. Roam around extensively and, if you enjoy it, don't shy away from friendly haggling for the best deals. 

The Farmer's Market at Bay Avenue gives a delightful escape to fresh, wholesome goodness right in the heart of Dubai. This seasonal outdoor market is a cornerstone of the Dubai local markets, dedicated to bringing organic produce directly from local farms to urban dwellers. 

Held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s Farmers Souq initiative, it champions sustainable practices and supports the agricultural community.

Location: You will track down this refreshing market nestled within Bay Avenue Park, Business Bay, offering a serene green space amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Timings: As a seasonal outdoor market, it usually graces the weekends during the cooler months, often on Fridays or Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm. Given that it's currently late June, this market will likely be in its seasonal break. Remember to check local listings or their official channels closer to the autumn or winter season for the most up-to-date operational dates.

Entry fee: Access to the Farmer's Market at Bay Avenue is entirely free, inviting everyone to experience the best of local offerings.

What to expect: Prepare for a sensory delight! This market overflows with an enticing collection of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all organically grown. It is a place where you can engage with local growers and artisans, fostering a direct connection between producers and consumers. 

Beyond the fresh produce, you will discover a variety of artisanal goods, including homemade baked goods, premium local honey, authentic dairy products, and wholesome oils. The market celebrates sustainable practices, and it is not just about shopping. You can also savour local eats from various food stalls, such as freshly made organic pakodas (Indian fritters) and the famous Arabic sweet Luqaimat.

While not a traditional, regularly scheduled weekend market in Dubai, Alserkal Avenue is a dynamic arts and culture district that constantly buzzes with a diverse range of pop-up events. These often include captivating exhibitions and engaging workshops, consistently featuring artisanal goods and the work of independent creators. The market is perfect for anyone looking to experience the cutting edge of Dubai's local markets and its thriving indie scene.

Location: Alserkal Avenue is strategically located in the Al Quoz industrial area, a creative hub that is easily accessible and well-known for its lively vibe.

Timings: The beauty of Alserkal Avenue lies in its ever-evolving calendar of events. Timings are highly variable depending on the specific exhibition, workshop, or pop-up market being hosted. To stay abreast of their exciting schedule and plan your visit, it is recommended to consult their official website or social media channels. As of midsummer 2025, some ongoing and upcoming highlights include:

Entry fee: Public access to the Alserkal Avenue district itself is free. However, it is important to note that specific exhibitions, hands-on workshops, or specialised pop-up markets in Dubai may have an associated entry fee, which can range from approximately AED 25 to AED 500, depending on the nature and exclusivity of the event.

What to expect: Visiting Alserkal Avenue is a deep dive into a cutting-edge blend of contemporary art, innovative design, and flourishing independent businesses. When pop-up markets are in full swing, you can anticipate discovering everything from classy fashion pieces and original artworks to fascinating independent bookstores and intriguing artisanal food and beverage concepts. 

Furthermore, the avenue often hosts creative workshops, offering opportunities to learn and engage. You will discover emerging local talent, get distinctive handmade souvenirs in Dubai, and experience the pulse of Dubai's cultural landscape, often blurring the lines between a traditional market and a curated artistic showcase.

Nestled along the bustling Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) promenade, The Beach Market offers a uniquely relaxed, seaside shopping and dining experience. It is a fantastic addition to the weekend markets in Dubai, blending the allure of coastal living with diverse retail and culinary offerings.

Location: Right at The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), this market is easily accessible with picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf.

Timings: While the JBR Beach itself is open 24/7, the market stalls and specific pop-up events at The Beach operate on their own schedule, often concentrating their hours during evenings and weekends to catch the cooler breezes and larger crowds. For instance, an "Indoor Fashion and Accessories Extravaganza" is currently running from June 24 to September 30.

Entry fee: Access to The Beach Market at JBR is free, inviting everyone to stroll along the promenade and explore its offerings.

What to expect: You will encounter various kiosks and stalls offering a collection of beachwear, charming souvenirs, trendy accessories, and distinctive local crafts in Dubai. It is an ideal spot to discover your new favourites, from activewear to skin and beauty care products, or special gifts. 

Not only for shopping, The Beach is renowned for its numerous food and beverage options, ranging from casual eateries to gourmet food trucks. This makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf, creating a quintessential Dubai market tours experience by the sea.

For an enchanting blend of Arabian tradition and contemporary leisure, at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, you will have an experience that defines the charm of weekend markets in Dubai. 

While this exquisite souk is open daily, the weekends usher in an even more bustling, bazaar-like atmosphere, perfect for wrapping yourself in its exclusivity.

Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is beautifully situated on Al Sufouh Road, part of the expansive Madinat Jumeirah resort.

Timings: The shops within the souk welcome customers from 10 am to 11 pm daily, providing ample time for a market discovery. For those looking to enjoy the dining scene, the numerous restaurants and cafes stay open even later, from 8 am to 2 am.

Entry fee: Exploring the enchanting pathways and window shopping within Souk Madinat Jumeirah is entirely free. 

What to expect: Lose yourself in a labyrinth of winding pathways, evoking the spirit of an ancient Arabian marketplace. Here, stalls overflow with an enticing array of traditional handicrafts, exquisite textiles, fragrant spices, intricate jewellery, and excellent handmade souvenirs in Dubai. 

Also, the souk seamlessly blends old with new, featuring contemporary art galleries and chic fashion boutiques.

The experience is further elevated by restaurants and cafes there, many offering incredible views overlooking the serene waterways that crisscross the souk. You can even enjoy a sensational ride on a traditional abra (water taxi), adding to the magical ambience. 

Surrounded by lush gardens and palm-fringed waterways, with the iconic Burj Al Arab gracing the background, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is not just a place for Dubai market tours and shopping, it’s a destination for breathtaking views.

Times Square Centre is a dynamic hub for various community markets and engaging pop-up events, making it a prominent feature among the weekend markets in Dubai. With a strong focus on family-friendly local goods and sustainable practices, it has a welcoming environment for shoppers of all ages.

Location: Conveniently situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE, Times Square Centre is easily accessible within the city.

Timings: The mall itself operates daily from 10 am to 10 pm. However, the specific market dates and hours vary depending on the particular event being hosted. What's fantastic about Times Square Centre is that it frequently hosts popular markets, ensuring there is almost always something happening over the weekend. 

Notably, The Ripe Market also has a daily indoor pop-up here during its summer season.

Times Square Centre is particularly known for rotating three beloved events on alternate weekends:

Entry fee: Access to these markets at Times Square Centre is generally free, inviting everyone to come and explore.

What to expect: Step into a welcoming atmosphere brimming with stalls featuring local businesses. You can purchase eco-friendly products, charming children's items, and beautifully handmade goods in Dubai, as well as a variety of healthy food options. Visitors love to explore these events and shop for their favourite items at pocket-friendly prices, making it a perfect destination to bring your family along for a fun-filled day and discover the best of Dubai's local markets.

While Dubai's weekend markets offer a delightful mix of local eats and handmade things, the city also boasts impressive dedicated markets for fresh produce and seafood. These provide a genuine local experience, connecting you directly with the source of Dubai's culinary delights.

The Waterfront Market in Deira is a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility that stands as Dubai's primary hub for fresh food. It is a modern revamp of the iconic Deira Fish Market, which opened in the 1950s, offering a bigger, cleaner, and air-conditioned environment for an authentic market experience.

Location: The Corniche, Deira. Its prime waterfront position even includes a private marina, allowing traditional dhows to reach the market directly, ensuring the freshest produce.

Timings: Open almost 23 hours a day, closing only for one hour (10 pm–11 pm) for deep cleaning. Meat, poultry, fruit, and vegetable markets: Open daily from 6 am to 1 am.

Entry fee: Absolutely, free.

What to expect: You will reveal an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, available for wholesale bargains. Exceeding the aquatic delights, the extensive market features dedicated sections for exotic fruits and vegetables from around the globe, a comprehensive meat and poultry section, and stalls brimming with fragrant spices, luscious dates, and traditional Emirati sweets. 

The market also offers a choice of waterfront dining options and an exciting calendar of events, making it a desirable destination for shoppers, diners, and leisure seekers alike. Be prepared to engage in friendly haggling for the best prices, it is all part of this authentic and lively experience.

This specialised seafood market caters specifically to those who want a fresh catch on a particular day of the week.

Location: Al Rashidiya

Timings: Historically, this market operates on Mondays only. However, check their social media accounts for updates. Their upcoming event, Shrimp-ly The Best, is from July 1 to July 31 and will have all-day services.

What to expect: A smaller, more focused market dedicated exclusively to fresh seafood. With low prices, it is a great option for locals to procure their weekly supply of quality fish and shellfish, offering a more intimate buying and dining experience.

Beyond the regularly scheduled weekend markets and the bustling food and fish hubs, Dubai also features distinctive market concepts that cater to specific interests and offer dynamic pop-up experiences.

This market is a fantastic initiative, passionately catering to Dubai's growing vegan community and promoting sustainable living options. It is a key player in the city's evolving local markets scene, championing ethical and eco-conscious choices.

Location: Not Just For Vegans holds its markets approximately once a month at various venues across Dubai. They frequently choose accessible spots like R.I.S.E. in Dubai. To ensure you catch their next event, it is always best to check their website. 

Timings: As a monthly event, specific dates and hours vary per gathering.

Entry fee: Entry fees can also vary, while some events might be free, past events have occasionally had a ticket price (e.g., AED 200). It is advisable to check their event details prior to your visit.

What to expect: Prepare for a curated selection of everything plant-based and sustainable! There are a lot of vegan food products, cruelty-free cosmetics, sustainable fashion items, and eco-friendly home goods.

The Urban Market Concept is an ever-evolving series of pop-up markets in Dubai, bringing together an exciting mix of independent brands, creative businesses, and talented local designers. 

Location: The Urban Market Concept prides itself on hosting events at different, often trendy, venues across Dubai. While they have a strong presence in Dubai, they also venture to other emirates, as evidenced by an upcoming event in Abu Dhabi. 

For example, a "Urban Market FESTIVAL" is scheduled for Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, on Friday, July 4, from 6 pm to 11 pm. For their latest event schedule and locations within Dubai, keep an eye on their social media.

Timings: Event dates and hours are dynamic and vary significantly. Like their major "Urban Market FESTIVAL" is a 3-day mega weekend event. Don’t forget to check their Instagram or website for the most current information.

Entry fee: Entry fees for Urban Market Concept events are different, but they are often free for visitors, encouraging widespread participation and discovery.

What to expect: This is where you will locate vendors selling a mix items, including vintage things, high-street fashion, beauty products, wellness items, fitness gear, and everything in between. This marketplace showcases unique fashion, accessories, art, homeware, and lifestyle products from both emerging and established local brands. 

The Urban Market festival promises to be their "BIGGEST, LOUDEST and BEST EVENT EVER," taking over Manarat Al Saadiyat for three days. 

Dubai's different weekend markets present a fantastic way for you to plunge in the city's local culture, sample delicious street food, unveil handmade products, and genuinely connect with the vibrant community. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, artisan crafts, or sustainable living options, Dubai's market scene has something special for everyone.