UAE night markets come to life during Ramadan

Both cities are hosting family friendly night markets that offer something for everyone.

More than 20 stalls have been set up at Yas Mall’s Ramadan souq, which opened on Wednesday night. Delores Johnson / The National

Delicately crafted items, artwork and a range of locally made products caught the eye on the first evening of a Ramadan Night Market in the capital on Wednesday.

People visited Yas Mall’s Ramadan Souq after evening prayers to wander about the more than 20 stalls set up by small and medium businesses.

Ten per cent of profits made during the seven-day event will be donated to charity, in coordination with Emirates Red Crescent.

“Going to these kinds of events is always good, especially during Ramadan when a lot of people get into a routine after iftar and stay at home,” said Mariam Akhtar, a Pakistani who lives in the capital and plans to visit the souq this weekend.

“It sounds like it will be a nice evening and, with some of the profits going to charity, I think more people will want to go.”

The souq has been organised by Abu Dhabi Government and runs until July 6.

The closing ceremony will gather the Government’s leadership and employees under one roof, with social events as well as artistic performances and competitions.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, thousands of people are expected to enjoy the Ramadan Night Market at Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday night.

Organisers expect hundreds of thousands of visitors to attend the 10-day festival, which is now in its fourth year. Bargain hunters will be navigating through more than 300 retailers on the lookout for the latest offers and discounts of up to 70 per cent, as well as to win prizes.

There will be offers available on clothes, branded perfumes, cosmetics, jewellery, linen, handicrafts, gift items, health and beauty products, furniture, home appliances and electronic gadgets, toys and stationary.

The night market bills itself as a great opportunity for people to stock up in preparation for Eid.

There will be a henna majlis where women can get their hands painted and a play area for teenagers and older children to burn off excess energy.

Parents with younger children can drop off the little ones at the kids’ play area, where there is plenty to keep them entertained and out of mischief.

Elsewhere at the Dubai market, visitors can learn more about their inner self and explore their passions through handwriting analysis.

There will also be a huge food pavilion with more than 50 outlets offering something for a wide variety of tastes — scrumptious delights from the tradition of Arabic cooking, Indian treats and Chinese feasts as well as the modern regular fast foods and goodie-filled crepes.

Those with a sweet tooth can try a range of Italian and Korean ice creams as well as kulfi falooda, which is Indian ice cream, among many other sweets.

There will also be activities for the whole family, with entertainment from street performers, games to play and a host of exciting prizes to be won.

“The unique blend of shopping and fun, and the fact that it has something for everyone, is what makes Ramadan Night Market one of the most appealing consumer events for many people,” said Sunil Jaiswal, president of the event organiser Sumansa Exhibitions.

“The exciting ambience, the pace and the plethora of choices available in wide-ranging categories draws more and more people to the event, making it the happening place to be.”

Dubai’s Ramadan Night Market is at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, between 8pm and 2am each day until July 11.