Ripe Market has opened its 15th season, and it’s in its usual spot: Dubai Police Academy Park, Umm Suqeim. It runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm, from Saturday 10 October 2026 until Sunday 2 May 2027, so you have the whole cool-weather season to go.
Here is everything you need before you head over: where it is, what is on, what to eat and the dates of the community runs.
Quick facts
- What: The Ripe Market, Dubai’s long-running outdoor weekend market (15th season)
- When: Every Saturday and Sunday, Saturday 10 October 2026 to Sunday 2 May 2027
- Times: 9am to 9pm
- Where: Dubai Police Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, off Sheikh Zayed Road
- Organised by: Ripe, in partnership with Dubai Police
- Getting there: Easiest by car or taxi; there is no metro station on the doorstep
When is the Ripe Market open in 2026–27?
The market opened for the season on Saturday 10 October 2026 and trades every weekend until Sunday 2 May 2027. Both days run from 9am to 9pm, which makes it easy to fit in a morning coffee, a lazy lunch or a sunset stroll.
If you want a quieter visit, go early in the morning. Late afternoons, when the heat drops, tend to be the busiest time for families.
Where is it and how do you get there?
The market sits inside Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim, next to Sheikh Zayed Road and a short drive from Mall of the Emirates. It is a large green park, so it works well for prams and picnic blankets.
Most people drive or take a taxi. Public transport is possible, but no metro station is within an easy walk, so plan on a short taxi ride from the nearest Red Line station if you come by metro.
What can you buy at the Ripe Market?
Think of it as a showcase for small UAE businesses. Stalls change from weekend to weekend, so two visits rarely feel the same.
- Fresh produce: farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, the stalls the market was originally built around.
- Homegrown brands: clothing, accessories, jewellery and beauty products from independent labels.
- Home and gifts: art, décor and handmade presents, useful if you are already thinking about December.
What is there to eat?
Food is half the reason to go. Expect a line-up of food trucks, casual dining stands, specialty coffee carts and dessert vendors scattered around the park.
The best approach is to graze: grab a coffee on arrival, do a lap of the stalls, then pick your lunch truck on the way back. Bring a blanket and you can eat on the grass, which is half the charm.
Vendors rotate, so if you are after something specific, check the market’s social channels before you set off.
Is it good for kids?
Very. This season’s programme includes craft sessions, workshops, play areas, games, horse riding and a petting zoo, alongside live entertainment and wellness sessions.
Dubai Police also run interactive activities through the season, which give children a chance to meet officers in a relaxed setting. It is one of the easiest family weekend plans in the city.
Ripe Market Community Run dates
The park also hosts a family running series. The remaining race days listed on Visit Dubai are:
- Sunday 13 December 2026, 7am
- Sunday 10 January 2027, 6pm
- Sunday 14 February 2027, 6pm
- Sunday 14 March 2027, 7am
- Sunday 2 May 2027, 6pm
Tickets are listed at AED 116 to AED 156 and are sold through the race organiser. Note the 6pm starts in January, February and May.
Tips before you go
- Go early or late. Mornings are calm and cool; the hour before sunset is lovely but busy.
- Bring a blanket and a bag. There is plenty of lawn, and you will buy more than you planned.
- Carry a little cash. It is a useful backup for smaller stalls and activities.
- Check the gate fee. A small entry charge has applied in past seasons, so confirm the current fee on the day.
- Follow the market online. Stallholders and food trucks change weekly, and the organisers post line-ups on their channels.
For official updates, see the Visit Dubai event listing and the organiser’s site at ripeevents.com.
Read next: 9 Free Things To Do In Dubai This Winter (Plus A AED 1 Boat Ride) · 5 Best Weekend Brunches In Dubai This Winter, With 2026 Prices · Cheap Eats In Dubai: 7 Budget Favourites Still Going Strong In 2026
FAQs
When does the Ripe Market Dubai season end?
The 2026–27 season runs until Sunday 2 May 2027, open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm.
Is the Ripe Market open on Fridays?
No. This season’s dates are Saturdays and Sundays only.
Where exactly is the Ripe Market?
Inside Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim, beside Sheikh Zayed Road, a short drive from Mall of the Emirates.
Can you get to the Ripe Market by metro?
Not directly. There is no station within easy walking distance, so take a taxi from the nearest Red Line stop or drive.
Is the Ripe Market good for children?
Yes. There are play areas, craft sessions, horse riding, a petting zoo and Dubai Police activities through the season.
