DSF 2020: Free-To-Attend Outdoor Markets You Must Not Miss

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
DSF 2020: Free-To-Attend Outdoor Markets You Must Not Miss

The 25th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival brings with it a host of Outdoor Markets. This year, there are over eight outdoor markets happening in various spots across the city. From the Last Exit, to Al Seef, and Burj Park, here are outdoor markets you must not miss this DSF.

1. Al Khawaneej Market 

The Al Khawaneej Market at Last Exit is a perfect urban winter carnival. The market features an outdoor ice rink, snowball fight pit, snow tubing slope as well as snowmen building zones. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of winter themed activities and attractions including a snowy white winter garden with magical snowfall and themed La Perle entertainment.

Besides, there will also be an MC and DJ play festive music creating a winter-inspired atmosphere with competitions and prizes. Families can challenge one another in a host of skill games or enjoy an open-air cinema experience. There’s also a live Calligraffiti artist creating real art as well as local emerging talent showcasing their skills in music and the arts.

When: Daily, until 1 February 2020, from 6pm to 12 midnight.

2. Al Rigga Market 

The Al Rigga outdoor market features a fun fair, food, drink and retail stalls, roaming entertainment, and skilled games. Over the weekends, the market features entertainment acts like African dancing, a Wonder Circus parade, surprise flash mobs, comedy shows, talent contests and sports activities including football, CrossFit and soap stadium community tournaments.

When: Until 1:00 am every night

 3. Al Seef Market

The Al Seef market is sure to up your Instagram game! The market spans 1.8 kilometres along Dubai Creek and is inspired by the bustling souks of Dubai. Bridging the old and new Dubai, this is a hub for fun-filled activities and entertainment for residents and tourists.

When here, visitors will have the chance to explore a journey of 25 pit-stops that showcase art, music and entertainment borrowed from the past and reinterpreted for the present and future. There will also be daily raffles offering life-changing prizes and the finest shopping, dining, art, and cultural entertainment from around the world.

The market also has an outdoor stage featuring live entertainment and talk shows as well as the daily DSF winner announcements. The Global Jalsaat stage is the second main feature at Al Seef Market, and features performances by local Khalijia, Levantine, Indian and Filipino talent.

A moving art projection, instagrammable pop-ups, multi-brand store, photo gallery, kids playground, workshops, theatre acts, concerts, roaming entertainment, heritage souks, weekend fireworks and art installations are some of the many elements that bring the Al Seef Market to life.

4. City Walk Market – The Future Realised

Al Mustaqbal Street in City Walk gets a futuristic makeover this DSF.  The market features different themes including a futuristic interactive area, VR and AR zones, world-class futuristic performances and entertainment, a digital art wall, an LED tunnel, a mirror maze, and GIF pods.

A new addition to the destination, the market will also feature the world’s biggest inflatable bouncy castle, The Monster, with various obstacles for everyone to enjoy.

When: Everyday, until 1 February 2020, 3:00 pm- 11:00 pm

5. Al Shindagha Days 

Located in Al Shindagha Historical Neighborhood, this initiative is a platform for UAE-based arts and crafts start-ups to showcase their concepts to the world. The outdoor market features a doors exhibition, a museum, a film experience, a boat display, a light and sound show, a perfume house, and a pearl station with an on-site calligraphy artist. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Emirati performances, and savour traditional bites.

When: 9 January-  18 January 2020

6. Dubai Festival City Mall

The outdoor market situated in Festival Bay of Dubai Festival City Mall will keep families entertained with a wide variety of fun activities, unique retail pieces to buy, as well as toys. Foodies can also enjoy the delicious bites on offer.

Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City
Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City

 When: 8 January- 14 March 2020

7. Hatta Market 

Located in the heart of Hatta, the market offers guests a traditional outdoor souk experience with cultural games and experiences. Bike racing, trampolines, VR experiences, and cultural performances are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Families can also enjoy camping, barbeques and go food hoping in the many food trucks.

When: Everyday, 4:00 pm- 10 :00 pm

8. Market Outside the Box

The DSF-signature Market Outside The Box (MOTB) will return for its seventh edition in Burj Park, Downtown Dubai from 16 January to 1 February 2020 from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays, and 11am to 11pm on weekends. A showcase of the best emerging local, regional and international brands side by side, the market will feature an African venue, a collaboration of African designers offering unique concepts, a production by Dubai English Speaking School, a flash sale on the weekend, exclusive fashion shows by unique designers, a kids zone and much more!

Credits: dsfmarketotb.ae

When: 16 January to 1 February 2020 from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekdays, and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends