Dubai’s best outdoor malls, markets and food fairs

If you like strolling along the shore while you do your shopping, The Beach opposite JBR offers a plethora of cafes and shops, including minimalist Japanese lifestyle brand Muji, beauty haven Sephora and fine French fashion at Carmen. All through winter and during the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, the venue also hosts a buzzing artisanal bazaar, with rows of stalls selling food, trinkets, accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Nestled between Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah, this outdoor retail hub contains a ROXY cinema, La Ville Hotel & Suites, London-themed streets filled with entertainment and plenty of great places to eat like Farzi Cafe, L'ETO, Pickl burgers and Butcha Steakhouse. Stroll the tree-lined esplanade for views of the Burj Khalifa and check out murals by international street artists.

La Mer is a popular beachfront neighbourhood, where you'll find beautiful boutiques, charming cafés, beach lagoons and kid-friendly play areas. It’s truly a destination that will please any guest, young or old. Stroll on the promenade, pick up some fashionable items at local stores and afterwards, grab a bite at dining concepts like Aprons & Hammers or Iraqi Aghatti.

Discover Dubai’s homegrown street cred at this hip outdoor shopping and dining development. Stretching out along Al Wasl Road, this colourful urban strip features retailers and cafes housed within tricked-out cargo boxes. You'll find many novel boutiques including Urbanist and Kartell, hip Arabian ateliers like Ghawani, and cool food spots like RSVP restaurant.

Alongside Dubai's glossy shopping precincts are the city's traditional souks. These offer a glance into Dubai’s past and a chance to do some good old-fashioned bargaining. The outdoor Spice Souk and former trading hub in Deira is deeply embedded in the city's history. Make your way through narrow alleyways and see bags overflowing with heady spices, such as cinnamon, saffron and frankincense. While you’re in the neighbourhood, don’t miss the equally famous Gold and Textile souks.

One of the first craft markets to set up in Dubai, Ripe Market is hosted in idyllic outdoor locations across the city during the cooler months. You'll find it at Police Academy Park all weekend, and in the lush Al Barari neighbourhood on Saturdays. Expect plenty of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and organic treats to handmade gifts and jewellery, all set to a soundtrack of live music and family fun. Make sure you go hungry as vendors hand out plenty of samples, plus there are food trucks to buy from too.

Located along one of Dubai’s most storied locations, right beside the Dubai Creek, Al Seef is the perfect place to unwind. The waterside destination reflects both the city’s futuristic style as well as its roots, with modern buildings on one end and heritage-inspired structures on the other. This district is home to restaurants – try Korean shaved ice at – Yuki No Hana – crafts-focused boutiques such as homeware haven Dokkan Salla, souvenir shop Creek Side Novelties, and many more inspiring finds.

With 27 country pavilions, and thousands of shopping outlets to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to authentic buys from around the world at Global Village – the region's largest and first-ever multi-cultural festival park. The 27th edition features over 250 eateries, with dozens of sizzling additions. Don't miss the four new restaurants overlooking Dragon Lake or opt for a luxury Cabana dining experience complete with butler service.

The brightly coloured, Instagrammable Last Exit locations are a hungry driver's dream come true. Featuring a multitude of different food trucks, the open-air venue is ideal for those who want to pick something up via drive-through, or fancy a stop to stretch their legs and have a casual snack. A perfect pit-stop, you'll find ATM machines, washrooms and more, with Al Khawaneej, the E11 motorway and Al Qudra hosting the four Dubai venues.