The Ramadan night markets are back with a bang this year, giving the residents of Dubai the perfect excuse to go out shopping and sight-seeing. This curated list of souks offers the best way to educate yourself about the Emirati culture while keeping you entertained.
Souk Al Marfa
Located in the heart of Dubai at the Deira Islands, this night market is an open invitation for families and friends alike. With over 35 kiosks placed selling oud, dates, apparel and more, there is something to do for everybody. Souk Al Marfa is also equipped with entertainment for the little ones with face painting, outdoor play area and a crafty corner! The market has performances organised with an Arabian Nights and Bedouin theme as well.
Free entry. Fri Apr 1 – Sat Apr 30, 8pm-2am.
Ramadan Night Market, Souk Al Marfa.@soukalmarfa
Mall of the Emirates
Want to get educated on Emirati Heritage? The 'Ramadaniat Zeman Awwal' market in Mall of the Emirates is the perfect spot to learn and step in to the culture of the city. You can find organised workshops, activities and educational films being showcased at the souk. Additionally, the 'Zeman Awwal' market has gained a lot of traction in Dubai Influencers, so head out there to see what's the hype!
Free to enter. Tue Apr 12 – Thu May 5, 12pm-12am.
Level two Fashion Dome, Mall of the Emirates (800 663 6255).
Mercato Mall
Mercato Mall is hosting not one but two night markets during Ramadan. A perfect visit to the souk at the ‘Bhebak Ya Ramadan’ pop-up market to shop for Ramadan essentials and ‘Al Misk Abaya Market’ for the latest abaya trends and kaftan collections make the best excuse for a shopping spree this month.
Sun Apr 17 – Sun Apr 24 (Bhebak Ya Ramadan) and Tue Apr 26 – Sat Apr 30 (Al Misk Abaya Market).
Mercarto Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road (04 344 4161).
Al Seef
When it comes to Ramadan decor, it's always hard to find the perfect accessories you have in mind, but you can now get your Ramadan shopping fix at Dubai Creek’s Al Seef market which sells a myriad of Ramadan home décor, fawanees (Ramadan lanterns), trinkets and Ramadan sweetmeats. While if you are just an onlooker, there’s an outdoor art gallery, contemporary art installations, live art shows and activities to keep you entertained as well.
Free entry. Sat Apr 2 – Wed May 4, 10am -12pm.
Ramadan Market, Al Seef, Dubai Creek.@alseefdubai
Bluewaters Plaza
Plaza at Bluewaters offers local food, a shopping market, workshops and live henna drawing stations at this seaside night market. The market fills the air with live oud and entertainment for kids with hakawati storytelling, painting corner and more.
Daily throughout Ramadan, 7.30pm – 11pm.
Bluewaters Island, bluewatersdubai.ae.
