Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. It caters for every preference and taste between its collection of gigantic shopping malls and traditional souks. However, if you are on a budget or in a mood for some haggling, Dubai Flea Market is the place for you.As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This is so true for flea markets where sellers come to dispose of their unwanted stuff, and buyers flock to get a bargain.
What is Dubai Flea Market?
Launched in 2008 by a German expat Melanie Beese, it is a second-hand marketplace where people can buy and sell used items ranging from household items to home appliances, furniture, garments, toys, books and possibly everything under the sun.
First event of Dubai Flea Market was launched at Safa Park. Initially, the exhibitors mostly consisted of European expats, who were familiar with the concept of flea markets. Other residents and locals got it with time and started to visit and exhibit. Now the bazaar is visited by more than 13,000 visitors buzzing around 300 stands, on a good day. The idea was successful in Dubai due to consistent arrival and departure of expats who are either looking to
get rid of the stuff that they don’t want to take back or want to buy stuff to be used during their temporary stay.
How to buy and sell at Dubai Flea Market?
If you wish to buy from any of the flea markets, all you have to do is to carry some cash and visit the flea market near you. Generally, visitor entry is free. However, at some locations like Zabeel Park, visitors have to pay a nominal entry fee like AED 5.
The basic rule for sellers is that they can sell second-hand items and handicrafts only. It is strictly prohibited to sell counterfeit good and items of commercial interest. Foods items are also not allowed. Retailers, traders and commercial vendors are not allowed to exhibit or sell their products. A strict check is kept by the organizers to make sure that the rules are followed by the sellers.
Once you have check-marked the previously mentioned rules, you can move to the second and most important step: Book a stand. Generally, a stand costs AED 270. A typical stand package will include one table, two chairs and two exhibitor wristbands. Exhibitors without the wristbands are not allowed to take part in the market. The organizers allow up to four exhibitors per stand, extra chairs have to be paid for separately.
Exhibitors have two payment options available. They can either register and pay online or register online and pay through CashEx pick up service. In case of cancellation, the organizers will refund the registration fee if cancellation is made 72 hours before the event.
Dubai Flea Market originally started at Safa Park. However, due to the ongoing constructions in that area, it has now moved to Zabeel Park. Apart from that, the bazaar is organized at some other locations around Dubai. Some of the venues and dates are as follows:
- Zabeel Park Flea Market (every first Saturday of each month)
- Uptown Mirdiff Flea Market (every second Friday of each month)
- Ibn Battuta Mall (every second Saturday of each month)
- Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) – (every third Saturday of each month)
Further details about venues and dates for upcoming markets can be checked at their website.
The flea markets are a heaven for bargains and a gold mine for the merchants. Whether you want to unclutter your cupboards by disposing off the unwanted stuff or you are looking out for some bargains, visit Dubai Flea Market and enjoy a busy day of haggling around.
Dubai Flea Market Contacts
Official Website: http://www.dubai-fleamarket.com
Contact Number: +971553057389 / +971506595812