Be it food, fashion, accessories or antiques, these outdoor markets have you covered

Shopping is about to get a revamp, with all of Dubai’s best outdoor markets set to reopen over the coming weeks.

Of course, shopping is high on the agenda and Dubai’s outdoor markets provide both original products you’re unlikely to see elsewhere, plus a really lovely day out with plenty to see, eat and do.

While malls are great, sometimes it’s nice to peruse something smaller, more independent, quirky and with the element of surprise.

From occasional pop-ups to permanent fixtures offering community activities and as much in the way of entertainment and browsing potential as possible, Dubai is home to some incredible outdoor markets.

Yes, there are the traditional souks to explore, but with winter on the way you should step outside and take a look at some of these outdoor markets in Dubai. Just be sure to put those haggling skills to the test.

Here are 7 outdoor markets in Dubai

Arte The Makers’ Market

Like The Avengers, or a cheese platter, this is a collective that proves a whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. The UAE’s largest market for designer fashion, arts and crafts, Arté The Makers Market is one of the largest of its kind in the UAE, held every Saturday at Times Square Centre and Mercato. They regularly hold outdoor events across the city, too. Attracting collectors and casual buyers for almost 20 years, all products are hand-crafted by local artisans, with the ever-evolving team behind the market proud of the slogan “We make what we sell”. This is a place where it’s hard to pin down to any one category of artisanal vendor. You’re as likely to find a cupcake baker and jeweller as a greeting card designer, organic skincare maker, ceramicist or painter. This is the place where you’ll definitely find gorgeous little nick-nacks for yourself or gifts for friends and relatives.

Covent Garden Market

With excellent al fresco locations at loads of places around the city including The Beach JBR, Marina Walk, Marsa Al Seef and, the outdoor market’s latest beachfront destination, Kite Beach, The Covent Garden Market might not be the place to do your weekly grocery shop, but the various compact stalls do sell a whole host of fun stuff, from handmade beach bags and blankets to leather goods, pretty kimonos, kid-friendly novelties and tourist-focused fare (stuffed camels ahoy).

Dubai Flea Market

The equivalent to a British car boot sale, this nomadic outdoor market shifts around town (upcoming sessions of this long-term favourite include Zabeel Park Night Flea Market and Festival Plaza Jebel Ali). A place where you can buy and also sell pre-loved items, rummage around expats’ unwanted treasures and you’ll be likely to find a mountain of paperback books, household items, toys and games plus loads of top brand clothing for just a few dirhams.

Global Village

Perhaps the most famous outdoor market in Dubai, this mega multicultural theme park is not to be missed. When it comes to shopping the selection is, as the name well suggests, impressively international with brilliant bargains, and you can take home everything from trinkets to unique knick-knacks from all around the globe. Top buys include (but certainly aren’t limited to) African-style wood carvings and jewellery, gorgeous textiles from India, glittering Turkish lights, Moroccan shoes, an excellent selection of top Korean beauty products and so much more. There’s plenty of great food options if you work up an appetite, too.

Ripe Market

One of Dubai’s finest attractions of any kind, never mind just outdoor markets, Ripe Market initially had a peripatetic existence over the years, moving around a fair bit. Over the summer months it had multiple homes, setting up shop indoors on Saturdays at Springs Souk and Golden Mile Galleria, and certain Sundays at Times Square Centre, Me’aisem City Centre and Circle Mall. It’s back at the gorgeous Academy Park this winter, so get ready for some shopping under the sun.

You will find a fabulous array of craft makers and talented artisans flogging their stuff at this bustling outdoor market, which was originally founded on the notion of selling organic food and veg from a farm shop, so there is a healthy spirit to proceedings. However, it is now just as famed for its array of arts and crafts, jewellery, fashion and homeware. Entertainment comes in the shape of craft lessons, face-painting, live music and even open mic for budding performers. The on-the-go eating options are also brilliant, with food trucks and stalls offering a massive array of edible delights.

The Urban Market

At this cute outdoor market shoppers can expect to browse a varied mix of thrift and vintage stalls, as well as encounter plenty of independent vendors selling locally produced wares, all set to a funky music backdrop. The next al fresco market is a night version, to be held at Souk Al Marfa, Deira Islands on Saturday November 5, so expect a buzzing harbourside experience.