If you spent the summer chasing Ripe Market from one pop-up to another, you can stop now. The market has found its winter home, and it’s staying there for the whole season. It reopens this Saturday, 10 October, for its 15th season. Keep reading for all the Sunday market details you need to know.
Where & When To Head Out
Ripe Market is back at Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim, on Sheikh Zayed Road. This is its flagship spot, and it will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 October 2026 until 2 May 2027. Opening hours are 9am to 9pm, so you can go for a slow morning stroll or turn up after the heat has gone. Sunday trading hours have also been extended this season, which gives you a longer window to fit it into your weekend.
New To Ripe Market – Let Us Spill The Lore
It started in 2011 as a community-led market, connecting UAE farmers, independent makers and homegrown businesses with the people who live here. It began with fresh produce and has grown into a full day out, with shopping stalls, food pop-ups, live entertainment, kids’ activities and wellness sessions. Plenty of its focus is still on locally made products and small UAE businesses, and the fruit and veg are still there too.
What You Can Do There
For shopping, it’s a good alternative to the usual mall run. Independent labels sell fashion, accessories, home decor, art, beauty products and handmade gifts, and the line-up of sellers changes from weekend to weekend. That means regulars should find something new each time they visit.
Food is a big part of the day. Expect street food, coffee, breakfast and plenty of snacks to graze on while you wander.
For families, there’s plenty to keep kids busy, from craft sessions and games to horseback riding and a petting zoo. The police are also bringing back their community activities, with many planned through the season.
For The Runners
The Ripe Market Community Run is back for its ninth edition, with six Sunday race days at the park. The remaining dates are:
- 13 December
- 10 January
- 14 February
- 14 March
- 2 May
Each race comes with a mix of morning and evening starts. You can choose from 2.5km, 5km, 10km and 15km routes, so it works for beginners and families as well as keen runners. Tickets are AED 116 to AED 156, and there’s a post-run celebration with family entertainment. You can register on the Visit Dubai website.
The weekly line-up of vendors and activities changes, and special anniversary experiences and collaborations are planned for the season. Keep an eye on Ripe Market’s Instagram @ripemarket for updates. Happy shopping everyone.
