Dubai’s Old Municipality Street transforms into cultural hub with new Ramadan Market
Free Abras connect visitors across historic districts
DUBAI – The Dubai Municipality has inaugurated the Ramadan Market on Old Municipality Street in Deira, coinciding with the Season of Wulfa, a celebration aimed at strengthening family bonds and promoting Emirati cultural values.
The market, which runs until 15 February, is designed as a community-led initiative that showcases the spirit of the Holy Month and highlights Dubai’s commitment to tolerance, coexistence, and cultural preservation.
The Season of Wulfa seeks to revive local traditions and highlight authentic Emirati values, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global city while promoting social cohesion. The Ramadan Market forms a central part of this initiative, providing an immersive platform for residents and visitors to engage with Emirati customs.
مقتطفات من الأجواء المميزة التي شهدها اليوم الأول من "سوق رمضان"، حيث استمتع الزوّار بالعروض الحيّة، والفنون الشعبية الإماراتية، والأنشطة الترفيهية، إلى جانب تجربة تسوّق مميزة للمنتجات التراثية المحلية في سوق البلدية القديم.#بلدية_دبي #رمضان_في_دبي pic.twitter.com/a2KN5CVosJ
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) January 17, 2026
Set within a heritage-rich environment, the market reflects the objectives of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 to revitalise historic districts and enhance quality of life. It offers a combination of cultural, recreational, and entertainment activities alongside traditional Ramadan preparations, presenting an experience that is both educational and festive.
Community experience
The market is designed to bring families and the wider community together. It features participation from traditional shop owners, local traders, and entrepreneurs, as well as People of Determination, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility throughout the event. Old Municipality Street has been divided into multipurpose activity zones with contemporary displays integrated into the heritage setting, creating a visually cohesive and organised visitor experience.
Visitors can explore a dedicated food zone hosting more than 10 restaurants serving Emirati and international cuisines, with additional food and beverage outlets located throughout the site. The market also hosts live performances, folk arts, cultural workshops for children, competitions, and special events marking mid-Sha’ban, providing a full spectrum of immersive experiences that celebrate Dubai’s rich heritage.
Preserving traditions
Asem Al Qassim, Director of the Architectural Heritage and Antiquities Department at Dubai Municipality, emphasised that the market reflects the municipality’s commitment to preserving heritage and revitalising historic markets as active cultural spaces. He highlighted that the initiative supports community engagement and showcases the diversity of Emirati traditions through live performances, entertainment, and local products.
The market also offers a wide selection of heritage items and Ramadan essentials, including mukhawer, date-based products, traditional clothing, dukhoon, perfumes, spices, and other locally produced items. These offerings aim to strengthen the local economy while allowing visitors to experience authentic cultural products in a heritage setting.
Accessible and connected
To improve connectivity and accessibility, Dubai Municipality will operate free abras between Bur Dubai and Deira daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm throughout the market period. This service ensures visitors can conveniently travel between historic districts while enjoying the market’s extensive offerings.
The market’s spatial layout has been carefully curated, with dedicated zones including a heritage products market with live artisan demonstrations, a children’s area with a Ramadan-themed identity, and an events square hosting cultural performances, Ramadan recitations, and visual storytelling inspired by Dubai’s historical archives.
Organised as part of Dubai Municipality’s wider cultural and tourism programme, the Ramadan Market seeks to increase visitation to public spaces and heritage destinations, encourage economic activity, and reinforce Dubai’s attractiveness as a destination that combines tradition, innovation, and community engagement.