Dubai’s cosiest winter market is back – and it’s hidden in Al Quoz

Dubai’s vibrant cultural calendar isn’t complete without the return of its most beloved community institution: The Ripe Market. Far more than just a place to shop, Ripe Markets have become essential weekend destinations that champion local talent, foster community connections, and offer a refreshing alternative to the city's mainstream retail scene. Since its inception, the mission has been to create a powerful platform for the UAE's most creative entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of small businesses and connecting them directly with residents and visitors eager for authentic, high-quality products.

This ecosystem is a celebration of everything local, from farm-fresh produce to one-of-a-kind artisanal crafts. It represents a significant shift in consumer consciousness towards supporting homegrown brands and understanding the stories behind the products they buy. In a rapidly expanding global market for fresh produce, which is projected to reach USD 1,274.25 billion by 2033 according to Grand View Research, The Ripe Market carves out a vital niche, bringing the focus back to local farmers and sustainable practices. As the cooler months arrive, the market's return signals a season of discovery, community, and conscious shopping.

Ripe returns to The Courtyard with a refreshed look

Nestled in the heart of Al Quoz, The Courtyard has long been cherished as one of Dubai's original creative enclaves. This season, Ripe is amplifying that artistic energy by relaunching its presence with a revitalised look and feel. The Collective by Ripe and the adjacent Boston Lane Café have undergone a summer refresh, emerging with updated layouts designed to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the intimate, welcoming atmosphere that regulars love.

The focus is on creating a community hub, not just a retail space. The design encourages visitors to linger, explore, and connect. The stylistic indoor setting offers a climate-controlled haven filled with greenery and independent brands, transforming it into a neighbourhood destination.

It’s a place to slow down, browse unique collections, and enjoy a coffee over several hours rather than rushing through a checklist. This deliberate design choice makes The Courtyard the perfect year-round complement to Ripe’s larger outdoor markets, offering a more curated and boutique-style experience.

Merchants & Makers: what you’ll actually find

This season’s Merchants & Makers Market at The Courtyard leans heavily into craftsmanship and conscious luxury, championing a "buy less, buy better" philosophy. It’s a carefully curated showcase of the UAE’s finest local designers, artisans, and makers, offering products you simply won't find in a conventional mall. The emphasis is on quality, originality, and the narrative behind each item.

Visitors can expect to discover a diverse array of treasures. The market is a haven for unique fashion and accessories, from hand-stitched leather goods to boutique apparel. It’s particularly known for its exquisite handmade jewellery and handcrafted jewellery, with brands like E3K Jewellery presenting one-of-a-kind pieces.

Beyond wearables, you'll find artisanal home décor, hand-poured candles, small-batch beauty products, and other lifestyle items. Esteemed homegrown names such as Shoeq, Birds n Bees, Sassi, and Tribe are staples, ensuring a consistent level of quality and creativity. Each market edition features a mix of returning favourites and new talent, making every visit a fresh journey of discovery.

Full winter schedule: dates, timings and locations

Ripe’s presence extends across the city, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to experience its unique community spirit. The winter schedule is anchored by two key destinations, each offering a distinct vibe.

The premier Flagship Location is The Ripe Market at Academy Park in Umm Suqeim. This is the ultimate weekend destination for the whole family, offering a sprawling outdoor festival atmosphere. Here, you’ll find the heart of Ripe Organic, with stalls overflowing with fresh, local organic fruit and vegetables from local farmers. The market is a hub of activity, providing endless family fun with attractions like a petting zoo, pony rides, and educational workshops.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Merchants & Makers Market provides a curated selection of artisan goods within the stylish indoor setting of The Courtyard in Al Quoz. Beyond these core venues, Ripe also activates other prime locations across the UAE, including Gate Avenue DIFC and Festival Bay, demonstrating its versatility in creating bespoke community events.

• The Ripe Market – Academy Park (Dubai Police Academy, Umm Suqeim)
  • Season: October 2025 – May 2026
  • Timings: Every Saturday, 9am–9pm; Every Sunday, 9am–7pm
  • Entry: AED 5 (free for kids under 12 and seniors 60+)
• The Collective by Ripe – The Courtyard, Al Quoz
  • Timings: Daily, 9am–7pm
• Merchants & Makers Market – The Courtyard, Al Quoz
  • Timings: Select Fridays, 9am–5pm (21 & 28 Nov; 12 & 19 Dec 2025; 9 & 23 Jan; 6 & 20 Feb; 6 & 20 Mar; 3 & 17 Apr 2026)

Think of Academy Park as your big outdoor weekend market with food, farmers, activities and workshops, and The Courtyard as the more intimate “creative lane” where you slow down, browse and grab coffee.

If you’re planning a weekend around markets, you can even pair this with other winter events in the city like waterfront markets or festive set-ups – for example Festival Bay’s winter season at Dubai Festival City Mall or Yas Winter Fest in Abu Dhabi.

Craft, community and the UAE’s creative economy

Over more than a decade, Ripe has evolved from a grassroots farmers' market into a multifaceted brand that plays a crucial role in nurturing the UAE's creative economy.

At its core, the mission remains unchanged: to provide an accessible and supportive platform for SME enterprises and emerging homegrown talent. By creating vibrant community spaces, Ripe offers a low-risk environment for a small business to launch, test products, and build a loyal customer base.

For many local entrepreneurs, Ripe is the essential launchpad that helps them transition from an online passion project to a viable, customer-facing brand. The Collective by Ripe, in particular, offers a flexible retail model that allows makers and designers to gain invaluable market exposure without the prohibitive costs of a standalone store.

This community-led business model not only drives footfall to local creators but also fosters a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs can learn from one another. Ripe’s impact extends beyond its markets, as its events division curates corporate and lifestyle experiences that further champion local talent and transform underutilised spaces into dynamic community hubs.

National Day weekend and beyond

The relaunch of the season often coincides with major city-wide celebrations like the UAE National Day weekend, making the initial markets particularly festive and bustling.

These weekends are a perfect showcase of what Ripe does best: creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that brings people together. The air is filled with the sounds of live entertainment and music from partners like RAW Music, creating a celebratory backdrop for shopping and socialising.

Visitors can explore a wide variety of food vendors offering delicious food, from healthy light snacks to more substantial meals. It's an ideal opportunity for tourists and residents alike to experience an authentic side of Dubai that goes beyond the typical mall or beach club.

For families, the market becomes a cornerstone of their winter calendar, offering a relaxed and engaging way to spend the day, like Taste of Dubai 2025 or similar outdoor events. Meanwhile, for freelancers and creatives, The Courtyard location serves as an informal co-working and networking space, where a simple coffee run can easily turn into a productive afternoon of new connections.

FAQs

What are the timings for The Ripe Market at Academy Park?

The Ripe Market at Academy Park, located at the Dubai Police Academy in Umm Suqeim, operates every weekend throughout the winter season from October 2025 to May 2026. You can visit on Saturdays from 9am to 9pm and on Sundays from 9am to 7pm. Entry is AED 5, but it's free for children under 12 and seniors over 60.

When does the Merchants & Makers Market take place at The Courtyard?

The Merchants & Makers Market is a special event held on select Fridays inside The Courtyard from 9am to 5pm. The dates for the 2025-2026 season are: November 21 & 28; December 12 & 19; January 9 & 23; February 6 & 20; March 6 & 20; and April 3 & 17.

What kind of brands can I find at Merchants & Makers?

You will discover a curated collection of premium local designers and artisans. The focus is on homegrown brands offering everything from fashion and handmade jewellery to artisanal home décor and beauty products. Confirmed vendors include Shoeq, Birds n Bees, Sassi, E3K Jewellery, and Tribe, with new makers joining throughout the season.

Is the Ripe Market suitable for kids and families?

Absolutely. Both the Academy Park and The Courtyard locations are designed to be family-friendly community spaces. The Flagship Location at Academy Park is especially geared towards family fun, offering a wide open space, a petting zoo, workshops, and plenty of room to play, making it a complete day out for all ages.

For official updates on vendors, pop-ups and workshops, you can keep an eye on @ripemarket, @ripeevents.ae and @thecollectivebyripe on social, or check the latest event details on ripeevents.com.

Written by

Share

Copied