Ripe Market in Dubai is one of the favourite outdoor experiences during the winter season, bringing together fresh local produce, handmade crafts, creative workshops, food stalls, and family-friendly activities.
It blends the charm of a farmers’ market with the energy of an open-air festival, making it a relaxed weekend destination for both residents and visitors.
- Overview of Ripe Market in Dubai
- Location, contact information and Schedule
- Vibe and atmosphere at Ripe Market
- Shopping at Ripe Market
- Activities and experiences
- Supporting the local community
- Visitor essentials
- Nearby attractions
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of Ripe Market in Dubai
Ripe Market is a community-led outdoor market that supports home-grown UAE businesses, providing local farmers, makers, designers, and artisans with a platform to showcase their products.
It runs every weekend from October to May at Police Academy Park and features more than 100 vendors selling everything from organic produce and speciality foods to handmade fashion, home décor, and eco-friendly products.
The market has evolved into a lively, creative hub where people browse, snack, wander, and participate in workshops and events that showcase Dubai’s local talent.
A visit to Ripe Market pairs well with other popular weekend spots such as Madinat Jumeirah or the family-friendly promenade areas around Dubai Marina Walk.
Location, contact information and Schedule
The flagship Ripe Market takes place at Police Academy Park in Al Sufouh 1, offering easy access from nearby neighbourhoods.
Location
It is located in Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Sufouh – Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai
Contact information
- Phone: 043157000
- Instagram: @ripemarket
Opening hours
The winter season typically runs from October to May, with weekend-only entry.
- Saturday: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Vibe and atmosphere at Ripe Market
The atmosphere feels like a blend between a farmers’ market and a laid-back outdoor festival. Visitors stroll past colourful stalls, live musicians set the tone, and families spread out on the grass with picnics and coffee.
Beanbags, shaded seating, and open lawns make it easy to slow down between workshops and shopping.
It’s a pet-friendly, inclusive space where children dart between play zones while adults browse handmade pieces or enjoy street-food bites.
Shopping at Ripe Market
With more than 100 vendors, the market offers a wide mix of goods from emerging local businesses.
Fresh produce and speciality foods
Shoppers will find organic fruits and vegetables from UAE farms, gourmet street-food stalls, artisan breads, small-batch jams, homemade spreads, local honey, and speciality products prepared by independent makers.
Handmade and local goods
This section is packed with jewellery, accessories, clothing, artwork, candles, pottery, and rustic home décor. Many vendors specialise in organic skincare, natural soaps, and eco-friendly products made in small batches
Plant souk
A favourite for plant lovers, the souk offers indoor plants, herbs, succulents, decorative pots, and gardening accessories.
These stalls often complement homeware finds available in nearby communities like Umm Suqeim, creating a full day of browsing and inspiration.
Kids’ toys, books and crafts
Families will find dedicated children’s vendors selling wooden toys, Montessori-style activity kits, creative craft boxes, illustrated storybooks, and educational materials. Many pieces are designed by local artists, making them unique gifts and learning tools.
Activities and experiences
Ripe Market’s activities are a significant part of its charm, offering something for every age.
Permanent attractions
These zones are especially popular with younger visitors and families exploring other kid-friendly areas in Dubai, like Al Safa Park.
- The Ripe Stables for pony rides
- Gymboree play zones
- Diggers Lab construction play
- Air Maniax activities
- Petting zoo
- The Slime Lab
- STEM stations
- Crochet climbing nets
- Zipline and skate park
- Padel courts and football pitches
Pop-up workshops and special events
Many workshops change each season, giving visitors a reason to return throughout the winter.
- Live music by local artists
- Yoga and wellness sessions
- Pottery classes
- Flower-pot painting
- Face painting
- Kids’ craft stations
- Pet adoption events
- Drum circles and themed festivals
Social and family fun
Relaxed lounging areas, coffee stands, and picnic-friendly lawns make the market a comfortable space to enjoy slow mornings or long afternoons. It’s a popular choice for families who also frequent nearby spots such as Mall of the Emirates for indoor entertainment.
Supporting the local community
Ripe Market has long served as a significant platform for UAE entrepreneurs, giving independent artists, designers, growers, and food producers a space to showcase their work.
The market highlights locally made products, sustainable brands, and small-batch creations that reflect Dubai’s growing creative scene.
Many stalls focus on eco-friendly packaging, organic ingredients, and ethically sourced goods, offering visitors the chance to support homegrown talent directly while learning the stories behind each brand.
Visitor essentials
Here’s what you need to know before planning your visit to Ripe Market.
Entrance fee
Police Academy Park charges an entry fee of 5 AED per person, while children under 12 and seniors over 60 enter for free. Access to the Ripe Market itself is free once inside the park.
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed at the Academy Park location, according to the latest official announcements and Ripe Market’s social media updates.
Transport and parking
There is ample on-site parking at Police Academy Park, although it can become busy during peak weekend hours. The venue is easily accessible by car or taxi from surrounding neighbourhoods such as Al Barsha, Umm Suqeim, and Jumeirah.
Nearby attractions
The market is close to several popular Dubai destinations, making it easy to combine your visit with other activities in the area.
Each spot offers a mix of cafés, shopping, seaside strolls, and family-friendly experiences within a short driving distance of Police Academy Park.
- Mall of the Emirates
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Kite Beach
- Dubai Marina Walk
Key takeaways
Ripe Market is one of Dubai’s most beloved winter experiences, bringing together fresh, organic produce, handmade crafts, fashion, art, and eco-friendly goods in a lively outdoor setting.
The market features over 100 vendors, children’s play zones, pony rides, workshops, live music, and weekend pop-ups, all while supporting emerging UAE businesses.
Pet-friendly, family-oriented, and open from October to May at Police Academy Park, it’s a relaxed and creative space to shop, eat, and spend time outdoors.
FAQs
From October to May, every Saturday (9 AM – 9 PM) and Sunday (9 AM – 7 PM).
Yes. Police Academy Park charges 5 AED per person, while the market itself is free once inside.
Yes, Ripe Market is pet-friendly.
Kids can enjoy pony rides, Gymboree sessions, Air Maniax challenges, craft workshops, STEM activities, the Slime Lab, and the petting zoo.
Workshop details and timings are shared on Ripe Market’s website and social media channels, and some require advance sign-up.
