In Dubai, the city trades the reservations of the ultra-luxe brunch with the iftar plans, neon with lantern light, and the rushed meetings with the stay a little longer evenings. The actual switch occurs in Ramadan markets. Office shoes kicked on grass, children haggling over LED balloons, two groups of people arguing about whether they have to have another round of luqaimat or not. From old-day souks to present-day pop-ups, here are the top Ramadan markets in Dubai that would be worth your iftar-suhoor time.
7 Best Ramadan Markets In Dubai
1. Ramadan Souq
The Ramadan Souq is located in the historic core of Deira, with the atmosphere of a neighbourhood Ramadan night; crowded but not cold, cheerful yet not unfamiliar. Here is where you go hither and thither without a plan. A stall is a place where lanterns are sold, another one is where there are handwoven carpets, and in between, kids are attached to a puppet show.
It has live music, crafting classes, and many perfumes and fabrics that can make you forget about time. In case you want Ramadan to seem like it was, begin here.
Where: Grand Souk Deira
When: Daily, 10 am to 10 pm (until 15 Feb)
Cost: Free
2. Ripe Market
The Ripe Market has its way of bringing the community together. On Ramadan, it is pouring into that strength with kid-popular workshops, peaceful oud, yoga and open-mic evenings that seem more backyard than bazaar.
You will buy organic food, homemade products, and iftar bites at the food trucks without being in a hurry. It is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and those with a preference of grass over tiles in the mall.
Where: Dubai Police Academy Park
When: Weekends, timings vary by event
Cost: Free
3. Ramadan Market At Festival Bay
Festival Bay does not disappoint if you enjoy your Ramadan evenings to be energetic. It is a complete sensory experience with the creek as its backdrop, as food stalls, live oud and qanoon performances, and families establish long nights in this market during the post-iftar hours.
It is late, celebratory and is equally suited to informal iftar arrangements as impulsive suhoor desires.
Where: Dubai Festival City Mall
When: Daily, 6 pm to midnight (until 6 Apr)
Cost: Free
4. Hai Ramadan
Located beneath the recognisable Al Wasl Dome, Hai Ramadan replicates the experience of an old-fashioned Emirati neighbourhood. The highlight? Breaking the fast and having a meal together in the place of the iftar cannon-firing is an original goosebumps moment.
One of them is very traditional and committed to heritage, family values, and rituals. It is less spontaneous and more deliberate, and ideal in case you want to be more relaxed and take time to think without the feeling of celebration.
Where: Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
When: 17 Feb to 17 Mar, evenings
Cost: (Registration required)
5. Moonlight Market
Moonlight Market is new and combines tradition with an urban-sophisticated touch. Imagine board games, live performances, creative classes, and food trucks such as Salt and Lana Lusa with constant lines.
Ripe Market also has a pop-up that features local brands, mindful shopping, and the abundance of places to sit and have a conversation. It’s relaxed, social, and built for lingering.
Where: Uptown Dubai
When:
• Mon–Fri: 5 pm to midnight
• Sat–Sun: 5 pm to 2 am
Cost: Free
6. Ramadan Wonders
Global Village does not do subtle, and Ramadan is not an exception. The park adorns the month with themed decor, cultural shows, and special meals throughout pavilions.
Combine music and fireworks every Friday and Saturday night, and you will have a complete plan of an evening that will suit every age group; at least you will not have to travel around.
Where: Global Village, Dubailand
When: 18 Feb to 18 Mar; fireworks Fri & Sat at 10.30 pm
Cost: AED 25 entry
Also Read: 8 Must-Visit Ramadan Tents In Dubai For Iftar, Suhoor & Majlis Vibes
7. Ramadan Street Food Festival
It is all about family and flavour at the Ramadan Street Food Festival. In its 4th installation, this pop-up will have food booths selling iftar favourites, after which entertainment and activities continue until late into the night. It operates in two stages, first food and decor and followed by full-scale activations, thus a safe bet when it comes to a repeat visit.
Where: Sheikh Hamdan Colony
When: Daily, sunset to 2 am (19 Feb to 18 Mar)
Cost: Free
Certain Ramadan markets in Dubai resemble a well-organised event, others a neighbourhood get-together that got out of control. In any case, this is the place where Ramadan in Dubai becomes a reality.
Cover Image Courtesy: Expo City Dubai/Website