Dubai Shopping Festival is featuring free-to-attend outdoor markets, offering a chance to browse for exclusive items for one’s wardrobe or home, taste some of the most delicious street food, and hear from up and coming musicians.

Head down to one or more of the locations from this round up of the must-visit markets and pop ups which will be popping up across the city throughout the 28th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, presented by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).

Al Seef Market
Al Seef Market returns this DSF with yet another fun-filled programme of activities and entertainment for all. Running from 23 December through to 29 January, from 4PM to 10PM, the authentic souq experience means this market has become a firm family favourite for both residents and visitors. With live performances throughout the month, weekly themed workshops for kids to immerse themselves in, deliciously curated F&B creations, fabulous fireworks every weekend, and unique retail experiences fusing both the modern and the traditional, it packs in something for everyone.

Etisalat MOTB
The annual Etisalat MOTB is back again in 2023, running from 19-29 January. The original - and still the best - alternative shopping concept for Dubai features numerous international and local brands, food, entertainment, and activities to explore. This year, Etisalat MOTB takes up residence in Dubai's global hub for art, design and creativity Dubai Design District (d3) and is themed around New York City's electric and cosmopolitan energy.

The market has unbeatable retail highlights with an array of sustainable and trendy designer-makers such as jewellery brands All that Dori and Mathilde, clothing brands Only Ethikal and Wasted Youth, and Emirati leather-goods brand, Wadi D.

Shop and eat with a delicious selection of food stands; grab some delicacies from Baofriend, crispy fried chicken from Pickl and Chick'n Cone, and always a fan favourite, Fomo's irresistible burger.

Dubai 80's
Time travel with DSF's newest addition - Dubai 80's, happening from 23 December to 8 January at Last Exit Al Khawaneej and Al Khawaneej Walk. This nostalgic activation brings all things old-school and pop culture to Dubai-  from toys, magazines, and books to video consoles, classic cars, and more. Get immersed in nostalgic graffiti while munching on childhood snacks and jamming out to '80s, '90s, and 2000s musical throwbacks. An unmissable blast from the past that is sure to resurface everyone's most incredible childhood memories.

Vibes by The Bay
Explore a wide range of Instagram worthy tastes, sights and experience at Vibes by the Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall, from 4PM to 10PM, up until 31 May. Visitors to the mall can indulge in an array of scrumptious meals from street food trucks, shop at a diverse marketplace, or even catch the first ever travelling aquatic circus in the Middle East, Fontana, showing at 6PM on weekdays, along with 3PM and again later 6PM on weekends until 31 December. With a host of activities for all ages to enjoy, plan the trip to Dubai Festival City Mall with the whole family or with friends. For more information on the events and activities, visit the website.

Shop, win and be entertained as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns from December 15, 2022 to January 29, 2023 with incredible deals, innovative events, world-class entertainment and life-changing prizes. As the longest running event of its kind, DSF has grown over the last 28 years into a signature celebration for citizens, residents and visitors alike. Featuring the ultimate retail therapy from a wide range of homegrown and global brands as well as live concerts, outdoors markets, pop-up dining and more, this year’s DSF experience is not to be missed. – TradeArabia News Service