The Ripe Market Academy Park is Dubai’s favourite open air weekend market, held at Dubai Police Academy Park on Sheikh Zayed Road in Umm Suqeim. For its 15th season, the ripe market academy park runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10 October 2026 to 2 May 2027, open from 9am to 9pm. You will find UAE farmers, homegrown brands, food trucks, live music, yoga and fitness classes, plus kids activities like pony rides, a petting zoo and craft workshops, all spread across shaded lawns that make it a full family day out.
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What is the ripe market academy park?
The Ripe Market began as a small farmers market and has grown over 15 years into one of the city’s best loved community events. It is run in partnership with Dubai Police at Academy Park, and it still focuses on local produce, small UAE businesses, independent makers and artisans. The stalls change from weekend to weekend, so regular visitors usually find something new each time.
It suits families, residents and tourists who want a relaxed outdoor plan during the cooler months, away from the usual mall routine.
The Ripe Market Academy Park dates, timings and entry
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | 10 October 2026 to 2 May 2027 |
| Days | Every Saturday and Sunday |
| Opening hours | 9am to 9pm |
| Location | Dubai Police Academy Park, Sheikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai |
| Entry | Free on many weekends; a small fee of AED 5 has applied in some past seasons |
| Payment at stalls | Card and cash (some small vendors prefer cash) |
| Best for | Families, couples, foodies and weekend shoppers |
Khaleej Times confirmed the new season dates and the longer 9am to 9pm hours, which make it easy to visit for breakfast, an afternoon with the kids or an early evening dinner. Timings, entry and activities may change during the season and T&C apply.
Things to do at the ripe market academy park
- Shop homegrown brands: fashion, accessories, home decor, art, beauty products and handmade gifts from UAE based sellers.
- Buy farm fresh produce: fruit, vegetables and other fresh finds from local farmers.
- Eat and drink: food trucks, casual dining concepts, coffee spots and sweet treats from morning until night.
- Keep the kids busy: petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts, inflatables, mini train rides, a carousel and educational workshops.
- Move and relax: yoga, Pilates, sound healing and mindfulness sessions, plus sports like padel, tennis, football and horse riding.
- Watch Dubai Police shows: the Dubai Police Marching Band, K9 demonstrations and supercar displays.
- Enjoy live entertainment: live music, themed musical acts and magic shows on weekend evenings.
Gulf News lists the full mix of family, wellness and Dubai Police activities planned for this anniversary season.
How to get to the ripe market academy park
The market is at Dubai Police Academy Park on Sheikh Zayed Road in Umm Suqeim, close to Al Barsha, Al Sufouh and Madinat Jumeirah. Driving is the easiest option and there is parking on site, but it fills up quickly on weekend afternoons. If you use the Dubai Metro, the Mall of the Emirates station on the Red Line is the closest stop, followed by a short taxi ride.
Visiting Dubai from abroad or from another emirate? White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your flights, hotel and airport transfers, and you can pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your weekend.
Tips for a great visit
- Arrive around 9am for the freshest produce and easier parking, or after 4pm for cooler evening weather.
- Bring a reusable shopping bag for produce and handmade items.
- Carry some cash for smaller stalls, as mobile signal can be weak when it gets busy.
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, since most of the market is on open grass.
- Walk the whole market once before you buy so you can compare stalls.
- Keep fresh produce, dairy and meat out of the sun and get perishables into a fridge within two hours.
- Follow Dubai public conduct guidelines, respect the academy grounds and stay within the market zones.
| What you notice | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Full car park | Peak weekend afternoon | Come early or take a taxi |
| Fewer stalls | End of season or bad weather | Plan your visit for the cooler months |
| High temperatures | Late season heat | Visit in the morning or evening |
| Card payment issues | Weak mobile signal | Keep some cash as a backup |
Hotels near the ripe market academy park
The park sits between Al Barsha and the Jumeirah coast, so there are good hotels for every budget within a short drive:
- Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates: connected to the mall and Ski Dubai, great for families.
- Jumeirah Al Naseem: a beachfront resort at Madinat Jumeirah with Burj Al Arab views.
- Cassells Al Barsha Hotel: a comfortable value stay in Al Barsha.
- Coral Dubai Al Barsha Hotel: close to Mall of the Emirates and the metro.
- La Suite Dubai Hotel and Apartments: spacious suites with kitchenettes, handy for longer family stays.
White Sky is a travel agency with Tabby payment in Dubai, so you can book any of these stays and split the cost into monthly payments.
Places to visit near the ripe market academy park
Make a full day of it by pairing the market with nearby spots:
- Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai for indoor shopping and snow fun.
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah for waterfront dining and Burj Al Arab views.
- Kite Beach and Sunset Beach in Umm Suqeim for a beach walk after the market.
- Al Sufouh Beach for a quiet sunset spot.
- Wild Wadi Waterpark for water slides next to the Jumeirah coast.
- Al Barsha Pond Park for a jogging track and picnic lawns.
- Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, both a short drive away.
For more ideas, see our list of free things to do in Dubai and Dubai’s must visit tourist attractions, or plan an evening at Dubai Garden Glow and a day at The Green Planet Dubai.
When to choose another plan
The market is outdoors, so very hot days near the end of the season are less comfortable. On those days, Dubai’s climate controlled malls and indoor attractions are a better choice, and you can save the market for a cooler weekend.
Related articles
Planning more of your Dubai trip? These guides will help:
- Free Things to Do in Dubai
- Dubai’s Must Visit Tourist Attractions
- Dubai Garden Glow Tickets, Timings and Location Guide
- The Green Planet Dubai
- Book Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
- La Suite Dubai Hotel and Apartments
- Travel Agency With Tabby Payment in Dubai
Frequently asked questions
When is the ripe market academy park open?
The ripe market academy park is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm during the season, which runs from 10 October 2026 to 2 May 2027. Timings may change and T&C apply.
Where is the ripe market academy park located?
It is at Dubai Police Academy Park, Sheikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, close to Al Barsha, Al Sufouh and Madinat Jumeirah.
Is there an entry fee for the Ripe Market Academy Park?
Entry is free on many weekends. A small fee of AED 5 has applied in some past seasons. You only pay for the food, products and paid activities you choose.
Is the Ripe Market open on Fridays?
During the main season, the market opens on Saturdays and Sundays only.
What can kids do at the Ripe Market Academy Park?
Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts, inflatables, mini train rides, a carousel and educational workshops, plus Dubai Police shows like K9 demonstrations.
Is there parking at the Ripe Market Academy Park?
Yes, there is parking at Dubai Police Academy Park, but it fills up quickly on weekend afternoons. Arrive early or take a taxi.
How do I get to the Ripe Market by metro?
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Mall of the Emirates station, then take a short taxi ride to Dubai Police Academy Park.
What is the best time to visit the Ripe Market?
Visit around 9am for fresh produce and easy parking, or late afternoon and evening for cooler weather, food trucks and live music.
Can White Sky help me plan a trip to Dubai?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism can book your flights, hotels and airport transfers with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. Contact us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
The ripe market academy park is one of the easiest and most enjoyable weekend plans in Dubai, with local produce, homegrown brands, great food and plenty for kids in one open air setting. Go early or in the evening, bring a bag and some cash, and pair your visit with nearby beaches, malls or hotels. If you are coming to Dubai for the season, White Sky Travel and Tourism can take care of your flights, hotels and transfers with flexible payment plans. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to start planning.
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