Dubai’s community winter market, Souk Al Freej, is returning for its fifth season, and Dubai Municipality has opened registration for small businesses and home-based sellers who want one of its free stalls.
The market will move between three of the city’s public parks from December 11, 2026 to January 17, 2027, giving families an evening outing during the cooler months and local sellers a chance to meet customers face to face. The name draws on the Emirati word “freej”, meaning a neighbourhood, reflecting the market’s community focus.
Dates, parks and timings
According to Dubai Municipality, as reported by Khaleej Times and The National, the market will run daily from 4.30pm to 10pm at each location:
- Nad Al Sheba Rose Garden: December 11 to 20
- Al Barsha Pond Park: December 25 to January 3
- Al Warqa Park: January 8 to 17
The rotating format means residents in different parts of the city should find an edition reasonably close to home at some point during the season.
How sellers can apply
The fifth season offers 50 stalls in total, all free of charge. Ten of them are set aside for activities and food and beverage services.
- Who it is for: local entrepreneurs, small business owners and productive families, according to Khaleej Times. The WAM report carried by Emirates 24|7 describes the initiative as supporting Emirati entrepreneurs and productive families, so applicants should check the eligibility criteria on the registration page.
- What can be sold: home-made food, handicrafts, fashion items and sustainable products.
- How to register: through the Dubai Municipality website, Khaleej Times reported.
- Deadline: no closing date was given in the reports reviewed, so interested sellers may wish to apply early.
Mohammed Abdulrahman Ahli, Director of the Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality, said the market had become “an important community platform” for supporting local entrepreneurs and productive families, The National reported.
What visitors can expect
This season adds several new attractions aimed at families and younger visitors:
- An Asian Village Experience with themed designs, food and cultural activities
- A dedicated Gen Z zone
- Free-play areas for children
- Creative workshops
- A zipline
- An interactive treasure hunt that takes visitors through the market and participating stalls
The previous edition attracted 308,842 visitors, according to Dubai Municipality figures cited by Khaleej Times and The National.
Tips for a good visit
The reports did not mention any entry fee for visitors, so it is worth checking Dubai Municipality’s channels closer to the opening date for final details. A few practical pointers:
- Arrive soon after 4.30pm on weekends to enjoy the park before the evening crowds build.
- Carry some cash as well as cards, since small home-based sellers may prefer different payment methods.
- Bring a reusable bag for food and handmade purchases.
- Plan for parking or use public transport, as park car parks can fill up during popular events.
The winter market adds to a busy season of outdoor activities in the city, which also includes the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge and its free fitness hubs.
Sources: The National, Khaleej Times, Emirates 24|7 (WAM).
