If you run a small business from home, or you know someone who does, here’s some good news. Dubai Municipality has opened registration for the fifth season of Souk Al Freej, its yearly community market for entrepreneurs, small business owners and productive families. 50 free stalls are up for grabs.
For everyone else, it means a new round of winter evenings out in Dubai’s parks, with local products, food and activities for the whole family.
Where and When
This season moves across three public parks during Dubai’s winter. The market is open daily from 4.30pm to 10pm.
| Park | Dates |
|---|---|
| Nad Al Sheba Rose Garden | December 11 to 20, 2026 |
| Al Barsha Pond Park | December 25, 2026 to January 3, 2027 |
| Al Warqa Park | January 8 to 17, 2027 |
That adds up to 30 days of market evenings across the season.
50 Free Stalls for Local Businesses
The stalls are free, and they’re meant to help entrepreneurs and productive families show and sell what they make. Ten of the 50 are set aside for supporting activities, including food and beverage kiosks.
Participants are expected to bring locally made products such as homemade food, handicrafts, fashion and sustainable goods. For a small business, a market like this is a low risk way to test products, meet customers face to face and build a following. Dubai Municipality says that’s exactly the goal.
The source doesn’t share a sign up link or a deadline, so check Dubai Municipality’s official channels before applying.
What Visitors Can Expect
The fifth season adds some new experiences:
- Asian Village Experience: Asian-inspired designs, food, and cultural activities
- A dedicated Gen Z zone
- Free play areas for children
- Creative and interactive workshops for different age groups
- A zipline
- An interactive treasure hunt that encourages visitors to explore the market and meet the entrepreneurs through challenges and competitions
The announcement doesn’t say whether the zipline or workshops cost extra, or whether there’s an entry fee, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Why Dubai Is Doing This
Dubai Municipality says Souk Al Freej is part of a wider push to turn public parks into community destinations. Alongside jogging tracks and picnic lawns, parks can host shopping, entertainment and cultural events.
Mohammed Abdulrahman Ahli, Director of the Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department, said the market keeps growing as a community platform that offers more than shopping. He added that the municipality updates the programme each season to suit families, children and young people.
Tips for Entrepreneurs
If you plan to register, prepare a short description of your products and think about what will draw people to your stall. Simple, clear packaging and a few samples can help. Since the market moves between three parks, it also helps to plan your stock and display so you can set up quickly each time.
Tips for Visitors
Go early in the evening if you want a quieter walk around the stalls. Bring cash or a card, and carry a bag for your finds. If you’re going with kids, check the activity areas first, since the free play zones and treasure hunt could keep them busy for a while.
Before the Market Season Starts
There’s plenty to do in Dubai before December. If you like starting winter on an active note, registration is open for Dubai Run 2026 on November 22, with 5km and 10km routes along Sheikh Zayed Road.
For festive plans, here are 6 Diwali events in the UAE that are worth planning for the whole family. And if you’re getting around the city, take a look at how Dubai is adding fourth generation abras that are smarter, safer and more comfortable.
Souk Al Freej is a simple idea that works for both sides: local entrepreneurs get free space to sell, and families get a relaxed evening out in a park. If you run a small business, keep an eye on the registration details. If you’re a visitor, mark December 11 on your calendar.