Seasonal souks remain ever popular among families, friends, couples and individuals
eager to discover local and regional traditions or simply go gift shopping.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: This year, pleasant evening temperatures provide a splendid opportunity for residents and visitors to savour their evenings post-Iftar and explore an array of vibrant Ramadan markets across Dubai as part of the city-wide #RamadanInDubai campaign launched by the Dubai Media Council under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC).
Offering something for everyone, the city’s Ramadan markets allow families, friends,
couples, and individuals to discover unique traditions and shop for distinctive gifts from
local artisans and vendors. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the markets adds
to the joyous evenings and the spirit of togetherness during the Holy Month.
Lively vibe Set in the heart of the city, with the stunning Museum of the Future providing the backdrop, the Ramadan District at Jumeirah Emirates Towers is just the place to
experience Dubai’s lively vibe on a Ramadan night. There is the promise of wholesome
family fun on moonlit nights, with the chance to discover more about the allure of Emirati
and regional culture in the process. Featuring stalls set up by local designers, creative
food offerings, daily events and activities, and a designated children’s play area,
families can enjoy hours of togetherness and come away with memories to last a
lifetime. Delicious Iftar and Suhoor meals will also be served each evening.
The ever-popular Ramadan Souq organised by Dubai Municipality, as always, has
plenty in store by way of household essentials and food specialities to help residents
make their Ramadan truly special. The Old Municipality Street in Bur Deira is another
place that offers a unique shopping experience, with an abundance of items to be found
at great prices. There is also a mini marketplace showcasing items traditionally
associated with Ramadan. Vibrant live entertainment shows draw visitors of all ages,
and there are also fun activities youngsters can participate in.
Close by, City Walk, the open-air lifestyle destination that is home to hundreds of
exclusive retailers and must-visit restaurants is hosting an unmissable Night Market.
Located next to The Green Planet, it allows visitors to scour the shops for a variety of
unique gifts that are perfect for the gifting season.
Then there is Ramadaniyat, at The Hub at Majlis Al Khawaneej, where families and
friends can explore an array of food offerings from artisanal vendors.
The whole 2-experience is based upon trying out new flavours, soaking up the community
atmosphere, and sharing time together long into the evening.
Across town, the Bay by Social Night Market at Dubai Festival City Mall is the place for
visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in cultural workshops and activities, besides
exploring a range of wares displayed by local vendors. A lavish Iftar is also served here
as the famous Ramadan cannon signals sunset. With so much to see and explore,
visitors have the liberty to stay back until Suhoor.
Range of activities
Over at Dubai Expo City, Hai Ramadan, one of Dubai’s biggest and most beloved
events of the Holy Month, is back once more. Designed to depict a traditional Emirati
community, more than 20 outlets and food carts showcase handicrafts, traditional
garments and local delicacies. A truly authentic experience, a ‘grandmother’s
supermarket’, known as a ‘Dukan Yadoo’, invites children to buy candy using tokens
from a traditional ‘Floos bank’ – a popular payment system. Visitors can soak up the
vibrant atmosphere and be part of celebrations all evening, with a diverse range of
activities and options awaiting them, including Iftars and Suhoors across the
destination’s outlets.
For those preferring an alternative daytime experience, the family-favourite Ripe Market
heads to the Dubai Police Academy Park every Saturday and Sunday, allowing visitors
to shop for Ramadan gifts from artisanal stalls. Local farms sell fresh organic produce,
and guests can join craft workshops and wellness sessions, which are open to all ages,
in a beautiful al fresco setting.
From 23 – 31 March, Al Serkal Avenue welcomes residents and visitors for a special
Ramadan programme named ‘Stay a Little Longer.’ The event showcases transnational
accounts of histories of diverse communities in the UAE. Visitors can explore a lively
market featuring a rich variety of products, besides attending special talks, live music
performances, an outdoor photographic exhibition, art tours, and workshops.
Welcoming guests of all cultures and nationalities, the events and activities will unfold in
a host of languages including Arabic, Hindi/Urdu, Malayalam, Tagalog, and English
among others.
The #RamadanInDubai campaign brings the public and private sectors together for the
first time for a unified celebration of the Holy Month. The Dubai Media Council has
tasked Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office
(GDMO), with overseeing the campaign’s execution. The campaign has been designed
to bring to the community the unique spirit, beauty and warmth of Ramadan and share
the rich cultural heritage and traditions that are an integral part of celebrations during
the Holy Month. The initiative also aims to create a unique ambience across the city that
captures the true essence of Ramadan, reflecting the authentic Emirati customs and
traditions that make the occasion truly special.
About Ramadan in Dubai:
During Ramadan in Dubai, organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), residents and visitors alike can enjoy a Ramadan to remember, filled with unique experiences. The city’s vibrant atmosphere comes to life with stunning lighting displays that illuminate residential areas, retail districts,restaurants, and public spaces, creating an enchanting ambiance that unites the city in celebration.
Ramadan in Dubai offers a diverse array of experiences of the season including vibrant marketplaces,traditional Iftars, the Ramadan Reflections, Ramadan Night Markets, as well as art and cultural events, all of which promise memorable moments to treasure for years to come. Dubai’s malls and retail outlets also offer an unparalleled shopping and gifting experience, attracting shoppers from around the world. Through
these initiatives DFRE continues to enhance the Ramadan experience, providing unforgettable moments and celebrations in a city unlike anywhere else in the world.
About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment:
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.
