A woman shopping for clothes at a pop up market in Dubai

Best markets in Dubai

By Ian Packham

Dubai is known for its shopping. Its malls strive to be world beating when it comes to both size and the experiences they offer – is there anywhere else in the world you can watch a screening of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, ski and scuba dive all in the same afternoon in the same place? Probably not.

But Dubai’s malls aren’t the only place to satisfy your need to splurge. A trading post long before the advent of modern stores, you shouldn’t miss Dubai’s souks and markets either. Which are the best markets in Dubai? We’ve brought together our hit list for anyone not sure where to start.

The Ripe Market

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Running throughout the year, The Ripe Market was one of the first of a new crop of marketplaces to set up in Dubai. Primarily focused on foodstuffs, its stalls are piled high with fresh organic produce, tasty looking vegetables and regional delicacies, whilst food trucks stand ready for anyone wanting to sample a range of cuisines then and there.

In the winter months, The Ripe Market occupies an outdoor space within Police Academy Park, beside Ski Dubai and the Mall of the Emirates. In the hotter summer months, it moves inside, to the Times Square Center every Saturday.

Market at The Beach

With something for everyone, Market at The Beach is exactly as it sounds. Located on the shoreline at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) from first thing in the morning until last thing at night, the stalls here are split into two zones.

Operating over the winter months, one section is dedicated to fashion, small homeware items and jewelry, whilst the other offers up a tempting array of meals which can be enjoyed on the beach alongside views across the water towards the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel.

Spice Souk

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The aroma of spices will probably reach you long before you reach the Spice Souk’s official boundaries. Sacks of saffron and armfuls of cinnamon sticks release a rich scent alongside a selection of teas and sweets.

For a taste of Dubai, look out for bezaar, a blend of spices made up of coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, cinnamon and turmeric. It’s used in recipes including majboos, a savory rice dish similar to pilaf.

Dubai Flea Market

Fans of previously-loved items and upcycling shouldn’t miss Dubai Flea Market. Popping up at one of several locations multiple times each month, be sure to check in advance whether it's Zabeel Park, Ibn Battuta Mall or some other address you’ll need to head to.

Find the right place and you’ll be met by roughly 300 different stalls. The strict requirement for sale items to be second-hand ensures a certain level of uniqueness and spontaneity in purchasing, with fabrics, ceramics, furniture and clothing just some of what’s on offer. Throw a little friendly haggling into the mix, and the whole event is difficult to resist.

Gold Souk

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For traditional shopping, head to the Gold Souk in the Deira neighborhood, which has been the center for the region’s gold trade for centuries. Partially covered, its narrow alleyways are lined with hundreds of independent jewelry stores showing off their best wares in glittering window displays.

As one of its oldest souks, it has to be considered one of the best markets in Dubai too. Irrespective of whether you’re looking for a piece of gold or just looking to discover its streets for the experience, the designs you see will have you admiring the craftsmanship on display.

ARTE

Standing for ‘Artisans of the Emirates’, ARTE is a weekend market that’s been going from strength to strength during its 15 years of existence. It connects Dubai’s small time makers and craftspeople with an audience of appreciative buyers at pop-ups in malls including Mercato and Times Square Center.

Around 150 different makers have items available at any one event, with a guarantee that each and every piece on sale has been designed and made by vendors themselves. It means that for unique Dubai souvenirs, there’s probably nowhere better to find textiles, soaps, pottery and greetings cards.

The Farmer’s Market

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An alternative place to The Ripe Market for vegetables is The Farmer’s Market. Created as an outlet for those brave souls growing produce in one of Earth’s driest environments, this is one of the top food markets in Dubai and appears on Bay Avenue on weekends during the winter.

The focus is on fresh produce, whether that’s eggs or eggplants, which may be of limited interest to visitors to Dubai. However, there’s also usually a good selection of edibles which make nice mementos of your trip, including local honeys and jams. The best thing is that most of the produce is sold by the farmers themselves, allowing a rare connection between grower and buyer.

Global Village

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If the Spice Souk has history and authenticity on its side, Global Village has variety. Amidst the funfair rides and interpretations of the Kremlin in Moscow and Leaning Tower of Pisa in... Pisa are stalls selling trinkets from every continent.

Just down the road from IMG Worlds of Adventure, some may find the whole enterprise slightly baffling. However, if you’ve any children in tow they’re sure to learn something. Nor has Global Village forgotten its 1990s roots as a group of stalls carrying everything from Afghan carpets to argan oil from Morocco.

Souk Al Marfa

Situated along the waterfront of the new development on the Deira Islands, Souk Al Marfa provides a modern take on Dubai’s traditional souks. This enclosed space is now home to around 400 stores which have a little bit of everything. It will soon rival the city’s big malls with around 1000 shops once fully opened. So whilst it may not meet some definitions of a market, it does fill a gap between the original souks of Deira and Dubai’s modern megamalls.

Visiting the best markets in Dubai

Markets and Middle Eastern destinations such as Dubai have gone hand in hand since before recorded history. The best markets in Dubai are as diverse as any you’ll find, with traditional souks and modern farmers’ markets creating plenty of choice.

Include a stop at one of our market picks during your vacation in Dubai and you won’t regret it. Travel to Dubai with Go City and you won’t regret that either! We offer visitors substantial savings on admission to many top attractions so you get to see the sights without worrying about your budget.

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dubai at night
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Things to do in Dubai at Night - Evening Activities

You know what they say about the nighttime - it's when the sun sets, and things get dark. Do you know what else they say about the night? It's when the real fun starts. That is what they say, check the dictionary. So, if you're in Dubai, make the most of your evenings by checking out the best things to do at night! We've taken the pain out of it, and put all the best bits down below. Enjoy! Including: Ain Dubai evening boat tour Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner Dubai Magical Night Tour Dubai Ice Rink VR Park Dubai and more! Flashing, reflecting, refracting lights There's nothing quite as stunning as seeing the bright lights of a burgeoning city beaming off of the sea. Well, maybe there are, but in this instance, we'll pretend otherwise. That's because one of the best things to do in Dubai at night is an evening boat tour of the city's coast! For an entire 60 minutes, you'll explore Dubai Marina, enjoy stunning views of the city's skyscraping 5-star hotels and the luxury yachts docked here, and cruise past Jumeirah Beach and get a chance to ogle at the opulent high-rise residences here and on Bluewaters Island. But the best sightseeing on this tour is undoubtedly the Ain Dubai. At 250 meters, it's the tallest observation wheel on the planet, dwarfing the likes of The London Eye and the High Roller in Las Vegas. BBQ in the barrens Deserts can be unforgiving beasts. Miles upon miles with no water, shade, and the delirious mirages of water fountains and freshwater streams are all things we'd rather avoid. However, a curated trip to the desert can actually be a blast, and that's what you'll experience on this desert safari and bbq dinner. You'll start proceedings by being driven from the city into the desert in a 4x4, where you can watch the beautiful scenery of the setting sun. Then, you'll reach a camp, where you and many others can enjoy a delicious bbq meal of grilled meats and other Arabic delights. Then, settle in for the evening's entertainment. Belly dancing, shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, and more are all available to partake in, should you feel up for it after the epic feast. After all that, you'll be taken straight back to your hotel. Epic nights don't get much better than that, and you never have to worry about dying of thirst. Brilliant! Tour the night While touring the Dubai coast and seeing the city's lights dance off the water is one thing, seeing them up close on dry land is quite another! So why not go explore the city's nightlife on a magical evening tour of Dubai? Highlights include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. And believe us, all of these are truly spectacular to see at night. And, while you're cruising in luxury, air-conditioned comfort, your guide will fill you in on the history of each landmark, as well as the city's near-future plans. If you want to learn a little more about the city you're visiting, as well as snap some of the fluorescent delights on full display, do yourself a favor and take a curated tour! It was a cold and icy night How does carving some sweet powder on solid ice sound for an evening? Is that what people call it? Carving powder? Who cares, because you can carve whatever you want when you take a PM trip to Dubai Ice Rink! Head to the Dubai Mall, put on your best icing skates, and get ready for some pirouette action as you dazzle the crowds with your ice skating moves. Or, crawl around the edge of the rink holding on for dear life as your feet betray you. Whatever floats your boat. That wasn't an iceberg pun, simply a happy accident. Suitable for both skating enthusiasts and newbies, the rink has ice marshals on hand to ensure you don't hurt anyone else, let alone yourself with your long, gangly dancers' legs. Still, if you can brave the embarrassment, or you're somehow an 'expert' ice skater, you'll have tons of fun doing the business. Reality, but not as you know it Sometimes, reality doesn't quite cut it. Even if you're in Dubai, you might be looking for some alternatives to the beautiful city, the mesmerizing desert, and the wonderful waters. You might be looking for something a little more out of this world. Well, put your search to rest, because Dubai's own VR Park has just the ticket, a ticket to the extraordinary. With 25 games to choose from, pick seven to play and enter the virtual space. Then, whichever mind-blowing experiences and adventures you like! Play a few rounds of VR sports, hop across platforms in mythical, uncharted worlds, and even face off against your friends in competitive modes. Try your hand at the likes of Dubai Drop, Dune Bash, Robocom, Arena, and many more! Eat, drink, and be merry And finally, let's end this exploration of the best things to do in Dubai at night with everyone's favorite evening pastime - dinner. Nothing quite beats an epic meal to end the day, and you'll be pleased to hear that Dubai has a massive amount of amazing restaurants within its opulent walls. Whatever you desire is sure to be on offer in the city. Even the fussiest eaters will find plenty of delightful places to sit down for a plate or three. In fact, there are so many that we wrote an entire article talking about them. If you don't feel like reading all that, don't worry, we'll break the best one down here. If all-day brunch is your jam, check out Bubbalicious at the Marriott's Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. It's all you can eat, and covers every Earthly cuisine imaginable, so you're bound to find some treats to enjoy. Looking for something a little more lively? Try the French restaurant Bagatelle, which happily combines a delicious yet unique menu with live music and refreshing drinks in the evening. Many people even head there after dark to make the most of the festivities! Or, for a classy Italian spot, seek out Armani/Ristorante, and indulge in the likes of foie gras, lobster, and all the other good things on this Earth. And those are our picks for the best things to do in Dubai at night! Looking for some daytime ideas too? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
beaches in dubai
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Best Beaches in Dubai - Itinerary

Dubai is known around the world for its mesmerizing modern architectural marvels, its opinion on income tax, and most importantly, its brilliant beaches. Yes, this jewel in the UAE's crown is absolutely full of them, and they're ripe for the picking. Of course, the best beaches in Dubai should absolutely be on top of your travel itinerary, thanks to the region's amazing warm weather and rain-free skies. So, which are worth a visit? Well, read on and we'll tell you! These are the best beaches in Dubai that should be top of your itinerary! Including: JBR Open Beach La Mer Kite Beach Al Mamzar Beach Park Umm Suqeim Beach and more! JBR Open Beach One of the biggest and arguably best beaches in Dubai, and well worth adding to your travel itinerary, is the Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. While much of the beach is dedicated to ocean-side hotels, there's more than enough for you and yours. And, alongside all that brilliant white sand and warm water, you'll find snack bars, toilets, lifeguards, and more. The water itself is shallow until pretty far out, standing at 4 feet tall, so you can happily wade, float, or swim through it without worrying about being swept away. However, this does mean it's not ideal for sea-based activities like watersports. It's also open 24 hours, though swimming is not permitted after the sun goes down due to the risks involved. Umm Suqeim Beach If you want to undertake watersports like surfing, you will be better served by a trip to Umm Suqeim Beach. You'll find more than a few people riding the waves here, and while they're hardly magnificent, they're about as good as you'll get in the Persian Gulf. Another 24-hour beach, but this time you can go for a dip when the sun sets, thanks to the Smart Power lights that stay on until midnight. You'll have to get out then, though, because swimming in the dark is a big no-no. Alongside the sea activity, you'll find plenty of beach to call your own, a handful of facilities like lifeguards and restrooms, as well as some more unusual bonuses like a beachside library and a playground perfect for kids. You'll also be right next to the Buraj Al Arab, a luxurious 7-star hotel, if you want to take some photos and pretend you're important enough to be staying there. La Mer One of the newest beaches on this list, but more than worth adding to your itinerary, La Mer is one of the best beaches in Dubai. A jack of all beach trades, it offers stunning seaside views, watersports, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities you won't find anywhere else. Done sunning yourself on the daily-cleaned sand? Why not catch a movie at the nearby cinema? Had enough of the clear, blue water? Go for a walk along pathways lined with palm trees. And, if you've got the cash to splash, you can even rent a private beach house from the Sea Level beach club. Kite Beach While not a beach in itself, Kite Beach is well worth a visit. Named after the windy conditions that make it an ample playground for kite-flyers, Kite Beach is actually a part of Umm Suqeim Beach. The wind also makes it a great place to take part in some wind and kite surfing, should that be up your alley. If you're hungry, the large number of food trucks that are set up on the bay will be sure to tickle your fancy. Featuring cuisine from across the globe, you can pick up anything from bbq chicken to pizza. Or, if you're looking for more of a sit-down experience, you'll find proper restaurants and cafes just a stone's throw away on Jumeriah Beach Road. Of course, all of that coexists with the usual beach affair you can expect from Dubai, with plenty of white sand, blue sea, and clear skies. Al Mamzar Beach Park If you're looking for the perfect beach to take your little ones, Al Mamzar prides itself on being one of the most family-friendly beaches in the city. Not only do you get one of the best beaches in Dubai, but you'll also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and swimming pools that are free for every visitor! If you're bringing kids, put Al Mamzar on your travel itinerary! They even ladies-only days on Monday and Wednesday, meaning only women, girls, and boys younger than 4 can enter. Ideal if you're more comfortable with that environment! You'll find showers, bathrooms, and changing rooms on-site, and if the sun's a bit much, you can rent a parasol and stay shaded while you lounge. And that's our list of the best beaches in Dubai you absolutely must add to your itinerary! Looking for more fun things to do during your vacation in Dubai? Why not check out Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley
Safety in Dubai
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Is Dubai Safe to Travel to for Tourists?

Dubai might be a trip out of the ordinary for you. You're not alone: this Emirati nation is often the first trip people take to the Middle East. Here's the lowdown on local laws in Dubai, public affection, general safety, and visa requirements for a stress-free vacation.
Lindsay Eagan

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