1. It’s all organic
We’ve heard enough about the benefits of naturally grown and raised foods to keep us going until the (organic) cows come home, but relentlessly scouring the backs of food packages is not how we want to spend our time. At the Ripe Market in Abu Dhabi (and in Dubai), all of the fruit and vegetables on offer come from Ripe Organic Farms and other local organic farmers, so you fill your shopping basket without so much as a second thought about additives, preservatives, or any more of the bad stuff making its way into your veggie lasagne and salads. As well as apples and pears, you’ll find local raw honey, organic eggs, dates, coconut oil and juicing boxes, and even dairy- and gluten-free items.
2. Get kitted out with pop-up boutiques
A wander around a Ripe Market is about more than just getting the groceries in, it is also an opportunity to scout out some of the region’s best local fashion and jewellery designers and pick up some original pieces directly from them. The regular Ripe Markets offer a range of rustic home wear, handmade jewellery, unique fashion and leather handbags that will make you go weak at the knees (if that’s what you’re in to). Even if you’re not here for the food, you might find something you like at a stall.
3. Enjoy some fresh air
A dally down to one of the weekly markets is the perfect way to check out one of Abu Dhabi’s best parks and enjoy the great outdoors. The Ripe Market at Umm Al Emarat Park runs from 3pm to 9pm every Saturday, and is set on a vast expanse of lush greenery where you can leisurely shop in the walkways shaed by palm trees. The market has loads of local businesses, including the best food outlets cooking up food to try there and then, artisans, designers, jewellers and entertainers you’ll find in town.
4. Be creative with some arts and crafts
If we learned anything from watching ’90s TV, it’s that there’s nothing you can’t achieve with some old newspaper and a bottle of PVA glue. Take some inspiration from the artistic artefacts on sale and get up to your elbows in glitter at one of the market’s many arts and craft stations.
5. Fill your belly with tasty food
The Ripe Markets aren’t just about buying ingredients, there are any number of live cooking stations and food vendors whose wares you can sample as you work your way through the stalls. So even if you have no intention of putting chard to chopping board, you can mosey down and let the chefs do the hard work for you. There are also healthy juices available 
6. Entertain the kids
Gone are the days of dragging kids around supermarket aisles with the ever-looming threat of the public tantrum. Ripe Markets have plenty of activities to keep the younger foodies entertained, including craft stations, games, exercises and even petting zoos. Thepark itself is home to loads of things great for kids. There’s an animal barn, botanic garden, a train that tours the entire place and an outdoor cinema screen.
7. Pay tribute to the founding father
As 2018 is the Year of Zayed it’s impossible to spend time in Abu Dhabi without being reminded of how much influence Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has had on the UAE. Umm Al Emarat Park is just one example. The country’s founding father wanted to preserve the natural habitat for genertations to come. One of the things he wanted to ensure was that Abu Dhabi and the other emirates were filled with greenery, and the planting of date palms in the park are one of the ways his legacy is carried on.
8. You can get involved
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Del Boy, pitch up a stall and try flogging some wares of your own. And if you’re feeling creative, anyone can apply to become a market vendor. Head to www.ripeme.com to fill in the online application form.
9. There are pop-up stalls elsewhere
If you can’t make it to the weekly markets, you can still get your organic food fix at jones the grocer in Al Raha Gardens every Monday from 10am to 1pm and at The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort every Friday from 10am to 3pm. The stalls are filled with locally grown organic fruit and vegetables harvested on the same day. There are also honey, eggs, dates and tea for sale, as well as gluten-free goods and superfoods.
Dhs5 (entry to the park). Sat 3pm-9pm. Umm Al Emarat Park, Mushrif, www.ripeme.com (02 666 9559).
