Fifteen years after it began as a small link between UAE farmers and makers and the people who buy from them, Ripe Market is back at Dubai Police Academy Park for its 15th season. It opened on October 10 and runs every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm until May 2, 2027. This weekend, October 31 and November 1, is a good moment to go, with the cooler weather settling in. The park is on Sheikh Zayed Road in Umm Suqeim. Entry costs AED 5, and that is the park entry fee. Organisers say Sunday trading hours have been extended, so the day stretches from breakfast to a late dinner.
What to eat, buy and do
Ripe started as a fresh-produce market and has grown into an all-day community hangout. The farmers are still there. Hasabi Organic Farm Al Ain returns with vegetables grown on its own farm, so you can fill a tote bag before you leave.
Around the produce, the stalls sell jewellery, fashion and accessories, homeware, art, beauty products and handmade gifts. Look for Birs Atelier, a UAE-based maker of handbags from recycled materials. A new group of UAE businesses joins the returning vendors this season.
For food, expect food trucks, coffee spots, casual restaurants and dessert stalls. They cover breakfast, street food and family lunches, and you can eat outside between shopping rounds.
A day out for the whole family
The market is easy to turn into a family outing. Children can ride ponies and a mini train, bounce on inflatables or take a spin on the carousel. There are also craft sessions, creative workshops, games and a petting zoo.
The stage hosts magic shows, music and themed performances. Dubai Police are part of the community programme, with marching band performances, K9 demonstrations and police supercars on display. Children can also meet officer Amna and captain Mansour.
Adults get their own slots. Wellness sessions include free yoga, Pilates, sound healing and mindfulness. The sports line-up covers swimming, padel, tennis, horse riding, football, rugby and gymnastics.
How to plan the season
The programme changes through the season, so a second or third visit will rarely look like the first. Organisers have planned special anniversary experiences and collaborations for the 15th year, and details will be announced as the months go on.
- Where: Dubai Police Academy Park, Sheikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim
- When: Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 9pm, until May 2, 2027
- Entry: AED 5 park entry fee
Academy Park is the flagship site, and Ripe also runs smaller pop-up formats elsewhere in Dubai. For a first visit, arrive in the morning for coffee and the produce stalls, then stay for the stage shows and a sunset dinner.
