The Ripe Market is back for a new season, bringing together local food, independent shops and outdoor activities for residents looking to enjoy a day outside in Dubai.
Dubai’s Ripe Market has returned to Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim for its 15th season, bringing together independent businesses, food stalls, family entertainment and outdoor activities. The season opened on October 10, giving residents another weekend destination to shop local brands, sample food and enjoy activities in an open-air setting.
From organic vegetables and handmade handbags to upcycled wooden speakers, the market offers visitors a chance to discover products from businesses operating in the UAE. Its programme also includes children’s attractions, live performances, community activities and wellness sessions.
Discover Homegrown Brands and Handmade Products
The Ripe Market gives independent businesses a platform to reach customers, with stalls selling fashion, jewellery, accessories, homeware, artwork, beauty products and handcrafted gifts.
Among its returning vendors is Hasabi Organic Farm Al Ain, which sells locally grown organic vegetables. Riyad Hossin, a salesman at the farm, told Gulf News that the produce is freshly harvested each day. The farm has participated in the market for 12 years, using the event to connect with customers.
Visitors can also browse Birs Atelier, a UAE-based business that makes handbags by hand using recycled materials. Its owner, Birsan Kan, offers customised designs in different sizes and price ranges.
Kan said the market has helped her business grow, encouraging her to establish a permanent presence this season after participating for the previous two years.
The mix of established vendors and independent makers allows shoppers to find locally produced goods while supporting small businesses.
Mango Beat Turns Used Wood Into Smartphone Speakers
Sustainability is another feature of the market, with Mango Beat showcasing handmade wooden speakers designed to amplify smartphone audio without wires, batteries, or electricity.
Charles Jabbour, a partner at Mango Beat, explained that the company uses discarded wood to create its products. According to Jabbour, its larger speakers can amplify sound by up to seven times, while smaller models can increase it by up to five times.
The business also works with farming communities in Thailand to repurpose waste wood for products sold internationally.
Jabbour has participated at the Dubai Police Academy Park location for around eight years. He said the market provides an opportunity to meet customers interested in environmental, social and governance issues and sustainable products.
Food Stalls Offer Coffee, Meals and Sweet Treats
Food is a major part of the Ripe Market experience, with vendors offering coffee, breakfast options, street food and desserts. Visitors can stop for a morning drink, pick up a meal between shopping trips or enjoy a snack while exploring the stalls.
For visitor Tatiano Kamoeva, the appeal extends beyond shopping. She told Gulf News that padel brought her to the market, but she also enjoys handmade products, crafted plates, drinks and food.
Another visitor, operations manager Elle McCabe, attended to support a friend running a fine-dining booth. She also highlighted the market’s baby shops.
The variety of food and retail stalls makes the market an option for visitors looking to spend several hours browsing, eating and meeting friends.
Children’s Activities Include Pony Rides and a Petting Zoo
Families can explore a range of attractions designed to keep younger visitors occupied. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts, workshops, inflatables, mini train rides and a carousel.
The market will also host family-friendly stage entertainment, including magic shows, music and themed performances throughout the season.
Emma Pilal, who attended the opening with her son Danis, told Gulf News that they particularly enjoyed the magic show and planned to return to explore more shops and activities.
The open-air layout allows families to move between the children’s attractions, food stalls and shopping areas during a single visit.
Dubai Police Plan Demonstrations and Family Activities
Dubai Police will participate in the market’s community programme throughout the season. Planned attractions include performances by the Dubai Police Marching Band, K9 demonstrations and displays of Dubai Police supercars.
Children can also take part in activities featuring officer Amna and Captain Mansour.
The programme adds another family-oriented attraction to the market, giving visitors opportunities to see demonstrations and engage with Dubai Police in a community setting.
Live Entertainment, Yoga and Sports Sessions
Live performances will take place throughout the season, with music, themed acts, magic shows and other family-friendly entertainment. The programme will vary, giving returning visitors different performances to discover.
For those looking to add some activity to their visit, the market will offer free sessions in yoga, Pilates, sound healing and mindfulness.
Sports activities planned for the season include swimming, padel, tennis, horse riding, football, rugby and gymnastics. The combination of fitness sessions and social activities gives visitors options beyond shopping and dining.
The Ripe Market Marks 15 Years in Dubai
The market’s 15th season highlights its role in connecting small businesses with customers and giving local makers a place to showcase their work. Vendors such as Hasabi Organic Farm Al Ain and Mango Beat have participated for years, while businesses such as Birs Atelier use the market to build their customer base.
For visitors, the attraction lies in the variety of experiences available in one location, from handmade products and food to children’s activities, performances and outdoor wellness sessions.
The Ripe Market runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm at Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim, with the season scheduled to continue until May 2, 2027.
Discover local treasures and flavours at The Ripe Market in Dubai this season.
Tricia Gajitos / Gulf News
