The best of Dubai Shopping Festival markets

Dubai Shopping Festival is once again taking over the charming Al Seef district to bring visitors 38 days of fun-filled activities, workshops, live entertainment and amazing fireworks. From 23 December to 29 January, plan a visit to the historic neighbourhood and enjoy a jam-packed calendar of unmissable events. 

The holiday season in Dubai is incomplete without a visit to the annual Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market. From an impressive 36ft-tall tree to an array of seasonal food stalls and immersive family-friendly activities, this holiday bazaar, from 15-30 December, 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.

Ripe Market at the Dubai Police Academy Park kicks off its latest edition with a fresh set of timings for the new season. Peruse artisan stalls, pick up your weekly organic produce and indulge in tasty bites from a wide selection of food trucks from 15 October onwards. This weekend-only bazaar has every age catered for, with entertainment on offer for the whole family, as well as live performances, open mics, crafts workshops and yoga sessions, all in a beautiful alfresco setting.