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Shopping

Dubai’s best outdoor malls, markets and food fairs

Wed, November 9, 2022

Spend an afternoon exploring the city's al fresco shopping and gourmet hotspots.

Spend an afternoon exploring the city's al fresco shopping and gourmet hotspots.

1

The Beach

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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.

2

City Walk

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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.

3

La Mer

European Family, La Mer

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.

4

Boxpark

dubais-best-outdoor-shopping-malls-and-markets-boxpark-shop-3

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.

5

Spice Souk

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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.

6

Ripe Market

Dubai Ripe Market

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.

7

Al Seef

Women Shopping at Al Seef Market

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.

8

Global Village

Shopping Pavilions at Global Village in Dubai

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.

9

M2L Market at DIFC

M2L Market, Gate Avenue - DET
Shopping, street food, entertainment and art all come together at DIFC Gate Avenue’s vibrant M2L Market. Make the most of the cooler weather by taking the whole family out for a fun day filled with new experiences at this hip al fresco fiesta. From a weekend farmers market to daily workshops for the little ones and plenty of dining options from a variety of eateries and pop-up trucks, there is something to satiate every craving.
M2L Market
Food & Drink
  • 3 Mar 2023 - 19 Mar 2023
  • Gate Avenue, DIFC
10

Expo City Dubai

Expo City Dubai

There's plenty to peruse both in and out of the pavilions if you're looking to buy, and lots to snack on too at Expo City Dubai. Feast at Emirati Al Fanar, pick up a sandwich at barbecue food truck The Mattar Farm Express or quick bite at French pop-up La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie. B-Cafe is on-site providing Spanish lattes while Milky Ice Cream will satiate your sweet tooth with towering cones. From acai bowls at Tropicool to filled waffles at WOFL, you won't go hungry.

11

Taste of Dubai

Taste of Dubai

Save the date as Taste of Dubai is returning with another extravagant culinary celebration. The festival gathers top-notch restaurants, offers tasting sessions, cooking workshops and live music in a laid-back outdoor setting at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Sample taster-sized signature dishes from fine dining venues like Massimo Bottura's Torno Subito and Akira Back's eatery at W Dubai The Palm, or join a hands-on masterclass to whip up treats with celebrated chefs.

Taste of Dubai
Food & Drink
  • 3 Feb 2023 - 5 Feb 2023
  • Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
12

Last Exit

Dubais Best Outdoor Shopping Last Exit Aerial View

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.

13

Winter Garden at Al Habtoor Palace

Winter Garden outside Habtoor Palace Dubai
Good times are guaranteed at Habtoor Palace Dubai’s annual Winter Garden from 1 November to 31 December. Delicious food trucks, enthralling live acts, a massive tree and plenty of entertainment for all ages are only some of the reasons why you should check out this outdoor extravaganza where your furry friends are welcome too.
Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace Dubai
Entertainment
  • Habtoor Palace Dubai
14

Dubai Marina Walk

Marina Walk Dubai
Grab a cycle or don your trainers to explore the seven-kilometre Dubai Marina Walk, taking in the impressive yachts that fill the famous waterway. There are a host of home-grown and international, casual eateries lining the route but regulars rave about the collection of food trucks – including local favourite SALT – that are parked outside the Dubai Marina Mall stretch.
15

Vibes by the Bay

Water show featuring fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall
Family-friendly frolics are guaranteed at Vibes by the Bay, set on the waterside at Dubai Festival City Mall. Feast on delicious dishes from food trucks, win prizes from fairground games and top up on gifts from specialised vendors who'll be displaying their wares till March 2023. Looking to be wowed? Catch the free IMAGINE sound and light show or be amazed by the performers at aquatic Fontana Circus.
16

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market

Jumeirah

The holiday season in Dubai is incomplete without a visit to the annual Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market from 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024. From an impressive 36ft-tall tree to an array of seasonal food stalls and immersive family-friendly activities, this Christmas bazaar has something for everyone. Highlights include a live band playing yuletide tunes, retail pop-ups, abra rides with Santa and a special North Pole train and Venetian carousel for the little ones.

Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
Entertainment
  • 15 Dec 2023 - 7 Jan 2024
  • Madinat Jumeirah, Fort Island
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