Abu Dhabi Flea Market
Although the city’s biggest second-hand sale hasn’t officially announced its return yet, surely it can only be a matter of time before it does. Before summer, you could find an array of vendors selling their wares at Central Plaza in Al Reef Downtown. And as Dubai dates have been released we’re hoping to be able to bag a bargain again soon.
USP: Never the same twice.
Times and locations to be announced. Abu Dhabi Flea Market, www.abudhabi-fleamarket.com (055 886 8639).
Al Ain Camel Market
You’re very unlikely to find artisan cupcakes or Instagram-friendly cushion covers here, but you can pick up a camel. On balance we’d say that is a win if you have the space in your garden and expertise to handle one.
USP: Where else can you buy an actual camel? We’ll wait for your answer.
Sat-Thu (except Mon), 6am-7pm, Fri, 3-5pm. Al Ain Camel Market, Zayed Bin Sultan Road, Al Ain.
Deerfields Farmers’ Market
The fruit that you let go off in the bowl in your kitchen and the vegetables that turn to mush in that compartment at the bottom of your fridge have to come from somewhere. And if you make a special trip out to this community farmers’ market at the Deerfields Mall you’ll be more likely to actually eat said goods in the first place. Delight in the fact they are organically grown by local farmers registered with the Abu Dhabi Agricultural and Food Safety Authority and make ambitious plans to start making your own soup with all that
farm-fresh produce.
USP: A cardboard box full to the brim with chemical-free and genuinely delicious food.
Fri-Sat, from 4pm. Deerfields Mall, Al Shahama Road, Abu Dhabi, www.deerfieldsmall.com (02 501 0826).
Ripe Market
Not content with dominating the Dubai market scene, the organic-loving folk at Ripe https://www.timeoutdubai.com/aroundtown/features/79775-quick-guide-to-ri… score big for their Umm Al Emarat Park offering. As expected there is all the fruit and veg you can stagger out with, plus a lot of love for and from local makers of fashion, art, home décor, jewellery, collectables and more. A foodie village on the Great Lawn area will keep you well fed and an entertainment programme is aimed at keeping those easily bored little ones happy.
USP: Atmosphere. There’s just something about an acoustic guitar strumming in the background when you’re buying a detox juice and hipster bracelet to give you a satisfyingly smug glow.
Saturdays, 3-9pm. Ripe Market, Umm Al Emarat Park, www.ripeme.com (04 315 7000).
