Flea market in Abu Dhabi

One man’s trash is a more eccentric man’s Christmas present… or perhaps that centrepiece his living room has been waiting for. Hell, this man doesn’t even have to be eccentric. This man is just a fun guy who likes a bargain. In fact, he doesn’t even have to be a guy. He could be a stylish young woman on the prowl for some vintage designer shoes. How did we wind up in this mess?

Ah yes, after the great success of their September venture, the Sheraton are hosting their second charity flea market. This time it’s in support of the Future Centre for Special Needs (FCSN). FCSN is an Abu Dhabi-based charity which runs education and rehabilitation programmes for individuals with special needs.

‘We were a bit doubtful about the outcome in September,’ is what their pleasantly surprised General Manager, Thomas van Opstal, had to say. ‘But the hundreds of visitors, more than 60 exhibitors and the community feedback proved us wrong.’

With its do-gooder bargain hunting denizens and corporate hotels wanting to give back to the community, Abu Dhabi is full of such pleasant wonders. Where else in the world can you visit a flea market in the glamorous ballroom of a swanky hotel? We tried to put the words Sheraton and flea market into one sentence and ended up with an oxymoron, but they don’t seem to mind one bit. They’re focused on de-cluttering their own storerooms (there will be unused hotel items on sale too) and doing the community a double service. How? Well the children and young adults at FCSN won’t be the only one’s benefitting from the charitable venture, the environment will too. Mr. Opstal calls it their ‘environmental engagement’ which is helping Abu Dhabi dwellers to recycle their private goods. ‘On top of it, we give people the chance to get out of shopping malls and make some real bargains at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort.’

Sounds good to us, and bear in mind that Salaam St constructions are now completed so none of that to scare off potential customers. Add to which, it’s going to be much bigger than before. ‘Last time we had about 60 tables,’ said director of PR Martina Venus. ‘This time it’ll be 80 to 100. We already have so many more bookings, and requests have been coming in for reservations since September’s event.’

So if you need a new table lamp or want to make room in your cupboards for new pretty, shiny things, the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort is your Saturday morning destination. And how does it work? Well, if you’re buying or browsing, entry is free. Just show up, but with cash instead of plastic. If you’re keen to do some downsizing of your own, however, act quickly before stalls run out. A table will cost you Dhs250 and this goes straight to charity. Any profit you make thereafter goes into saving up for that New Years gift you promised yourself (or if you’re feeling especially charitable, you’re welcome to part with some of that too… we’re just saying.) And with the last event’s sales going so well, you’re guaranteed to return home empty handed but with pockets bulging.
To book a table, contact Martina Venus at martina.venus@sheraton.com. The Sheraton Charity Flea Market is on December 10 from 9am – 2pm (sellers must show up at 7am) Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel Resort, Corniche Road (02 677 3333).