Dubai’s outdoor season has an unofficial starting gun, and it fires this Saturday. The Ripe Market returns to Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim on October 10 for its 15th season, running every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm until May 2, 2027, Time Out Dubai lists, with entry at Dh5.

Fifteen years of local stalls

What began as a farmers market in 2011 is now one of the city’s best-known weekend fixtures. This season again mixes fresh local produce with independent fashion, jewellery, homeware, beauty and handmade goods from UAE-based businesses, with the vendor line-up rotating through the season, as What’s On describes.

Families at an outdoor weekend market with food stalls
Food trucks, local produce and independent brands fill the park each weekend.

More than shopping: food, music and family activities

Food trucks and coffee stalls cover breakfast through to an early outdoor dinner. Around the stalls, the programme adds live music, magic shows, free yoga and Pilates sessions, and for children a petting zoo, pony rides, art workshops, a mini train, a carousel and a zipline. Dubai Police also continue their community presence at Academy Park, with marching band appearances, K9 demonstrations and supercar displays on selected weekends, per Platinumlist’s guide.

Practical tips for the first weekend back

Go early on opening weekend. The first Saturday of the season is traditionally one of the busiest, parking around Academy Park fills quickly, and the produce and baked-goods stalls sell their best stock before midday. Bring cash as well as cards, since smaller stallholders can be card-light, and bring a tote: the market’s whole point is that you leave with more than you planned. Dogs on leads, picnic blankets and a slow lap of the food row before committing to lunch are all part of the ritual.

Making a day of the Umm Suqeim trip

Academy Park sits a short drive from Kite Beach and the Jumeirah coast, so a market morning pairs well with a beach afternoon. Plan the rest of the weekend with our free things to do in Dubai list, the places to visit in Dubai guide and our Global Village Season 31 story for the next outdoor opening on October 14.

Children enjoying rides at a community park market
Petting zoo, pony rides, a mini train and a zipline keep children busy.

FAQs

When does the Ripe Market reopen?

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Dubai Police Academy Park, then every Saturday and Sunday until May 2, 2027.

What are the timings and entry price?

9am to 9pm on both weekend days, with entry listed at Dh5.

What can visitors buy?

Fresh local produce, fashion, jewellery, accessories, homeware, art, beauty products and handmade goods from UAE-based brands.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. Activities include a petting zoo, pony rides, a mini train, a carousel, inflatables and arts workshops.