The Best Night Markets in Dubai
We always say this, Dubai hits differently at night. And being one of the safest cities in the world, there’s a lot to discover in Dubai after the sun sets.
Now, we already talked about the best places in Dubai to visit at night,. But if your idea of nightlife involves some retail therapy, we rounded up some of the best night markets in Dubai for you to check out.
Al Seef Night Market
Website: https://alseef.ae/en
Address: Al Seef – Dubai Creek – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Operating hours:
- Sunset to midnight
Price:
- Entry is free
The historical Al Seef district is already a popular tourist spot. But during Ramadan, it also has the Al Seef Night Market dubbed as one of the best night markets in Dubai.
This night market is like no other in the city because it focuses on celebrating local artists and artisans in Dubai.
In fact, the Al Seef district lights up with stunning light decor during the night market, making it worth the visit even if you’re not buying anything.
But we doubt you’ll leave empty handed because here, you can find authentic products that range from local sweets to beautiful Ramadan lanterns.
So, if you’re looking for traditional items to take home or give away as souvenirs, the Al Seef Night Market has a lot of options for you.
The Al Seef Night Market is also home to an outdoor gallery where contemporary art installations from both local and international artists are displayed.
Of course, you can’t be at this night market without sampling the delicious food sold at different stalls.
Pro tip:
When shopping at night markets, make sure to bring cash since a lot of these local sellers don’t accept card payments.
Ripe Market at Academy Park
Website: https://ripeevents.com/ripe-markets/ripe-market-academy-park/
Address: Dubai Police Academy Park – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 315 7000
Operating hours:
- 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday
Price:
- AED 5
Ripe Market is a weekend only night market in Dubai that aims to support small businesses from across the emirate by giving them a platform to sell their products.
Located at the Dubai Police Academy Park, you’ll have plenty of space to walk around and explore this huge market.
Here, you can shop for organic produce, freshly baked breads, homeware, clothes, jewelry and local delicacies.
And if you ever get hungry while shopping, you can always go to the many food stalls in the park with favorites like Calipoke, Boston Lane cafe and Fifth Flavor.
But Ripe Market is more than just a destination for some retail therapy. This is also the perfect place to unwind and have fun for the entire family.
Here, the little ones have a play space to run around, a petting zoo and even an area where they can go horseback riding.
They can also bounce around at Air Maniax’s bouncy castle or do some digging at Diggers Lab.
For the adults, you can join a yoga class, participate in a craft workshop or sing your heart out at an open mic session. There are also some live performances from local artists that you can enjoy while eating.
Pro tip:
If you want to explore everything that Ripe Market has to offer, go to the park early when there are still less people and shops have just opened.
Here’s a trick: a lot of shops often give discounts to their first customers, so it pays to be early.
Souk Al Marfa
Website: https://www.soukalmarfa.ae/
Address: Dubai Islands Front – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 777 9500
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Sunday Thursday
- 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM every Friday
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM every Saturday
Price:
- Entry is free
Souk Al Marfa is a beautiful waterfront night market in Dubai where you can get the best deals on local and international products, indulge in the most delicious food and just enjoy the stunning Dubai Creek.
What makes this night market special is its close proximity to both the Dubai Airport and the Port of Mina Rashid, which means that products are easily transported into the market, making them more affordable.
With more than 7,000 shops and pavilions, Souk Al Marfa has quickly become a go-to place for small businesses looking to source products at more budget-friendly prices.
But if you’re just looking to shop for local products like perfumes, dates, homeware and more, the night market also has local stalls that sell them at much lower prices, especially during Ramadan season.
It also doesn’t hurt that Souk Al Marfa is located right by the Dubai Creek, making it a very relaxing place to take a stroll and watch the beautiful Dubai sunset.
The kids can also enjoy activities like arts and crafts and face painting. There’s even an entertainment area that tells the story of Egyptian folklore that your entire family can enjoy.
Of course, no night market experience in Dubai is complete without sampling some good local food, and Souk Al Marfa offers some of the best options in the city.
Pro tip:
When visiting any night market, don’t be afraid to haggle but do it politely. Local sellers are known to be generous with discounts, so you can definitely save some money while shopping for your favorite products.
Dubai Flea Market
Website: https://dubai-fleamarket.com/
Address: Za’abeel Park – Al Kifaf – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 56 788 2348
Operating hours:
- 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM from Saturday to Sunday
Price:
- Entry is free
The Dubai Flea Market is one of the OG night markets in Dubai starting in 2007. It has also since become the biggest second hand market in the country.
So, if you’re on the hunt for some good quality preloved finds, prepare to shop until you drop at this flea market.
The Dubai Flea Market was created to help locals live more sustainably – and earn money while they’re at it – by encouraging them to declutter and sell their preloved items.
Here, you can find a huge seelection of items including household products, electrical equipment, books, toys, clothes, accessories and even antique items.
So, if you’re all about that kind of shopping, then you’ll surely feel like you’re in candyland at the Dubai Flea Market because you have over 300 shops to choose from.
Pro tip:
When visiting the Dubai Flea Market, it’s best to go around the shops first to see your options while taking note of the items that caught your eye.
This will allow you to get a good inventory of the products on sale, so you can buy the things that you really want.
ARTE, The Makers’ Market
Website: https://www.arte.ae/
Address: Times Square Center Dubai – Al Marabea Road – Al Quoz – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 56 735 7167
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM every Saturday
Price:
- Entry is free
ARTE is a special night market in Dubai that’s considered the largest market for fashion, arts and crafts in the country from local artisans.
Also called The Makers’ Market, this night market specializes in handmade goods from more than 150 talented designers and makers who have skillfully created each masterpiece to be sold here.
Since 2005, the market was started by a felt maker named Miriam who organized this weekend event throughout the city together with other passionate volunteers.
With such beautifully created products, the night market has since gained popularity among locals and tourists who are on the hunt for unique finds that they can’t find anywhere else.
Here, you can buy handmade soaps, skincare products, designer clothes, pottery, baked goods and even home decor that are unique to Dubai.
Because of its popularity, ARTE also hosts weekend markets at Mercato Mall, the Dubai Design District and the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel.
If you love shopping for unique items, you have to visit the Makers’ Market to find a treasure trove of beautifully created products that will surely remind you of your trip to Dubai.
Pro tip:
To make the most of your visit to ARTE, don’t just buy from these sellers. Take the time to talk to them and learn about the stories behind their products and how they’re created.
These artisans take great pride in their work, so making time to listen to them will surely give them immense joy.