Dubai Ramadan Souq 2026 draws record 1.82 million visitors
Sales jump 35% amid strong family participation
DUBAI – Dubai’s Ramadan Souq 2026 has achieved record-breaking success, attracting 1.82 million visitors to the annual heritage event.
Organised by Dubai Municipality, the market posted a 12.4% increase compared with the 2025 season, bringing in more than 200,000 additional visitors. The strong turnout reflects growing public interest in heritage-driven community events across the emirate.
Held on Old Baladiya Street within Deira Grand Souk, the souq offered an authentic, heritage-inspired atmosphere alongside a diverse programme of cultural, community and interactive entertainment activities. Officials said the event continues to strengthen its position as one of Dubai’s most prominent annual heritage gatherings.
Visitor growth
The souq coincided with the “Al Wulfa” season, an initiative aimed at promoting family cohesion and celebrating Emirati cultural traditions. The event also helped stimulate tourism and economic activity in historic markets while providing a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises.
في إنجازٍ قياسي غير مسبوق، حقق سوق رمضان الذي نظمته #بلدية_دبي في شارع البلدية القديم ضمن سوق ديرة الكبير، نجاحاً لافتاً باستقباله 1.82 مليون زائراً، مسجلاً نمواً بلغ 12.4% مع استقطاب أكثر من 200 ألف زائرٍ جديد مقارنة بالموسم الماضي. pic.twitter.com/6kix3NA3nx
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) February 23, 2026
Participants including traditional souk shop owners, traders, entrepreneurs and People of Determination reported a 35% rise in sales. The increase was driven by high visitor engagement and a packed programme featuring heritage performances, interactive competitions, handicraft workshops and kiosks showcasing local products.
Cultural focus
Asem Al Qassim, Director of the Architectural Heritage and Antiquities Department at Dubai Municipality, said the results demonstrate ongoing efforts to revitalise historic districts and transform them into vibrant destinations that blend authenticity with modern appeal.
He noted that the initiative supports the preservation of Dubai’s architectural and historical identity while highlighting Emirati values to residents and visitors. According to Al Qassim, the Ramadan Souq will continue to evolve through targeted initiatives designed to attract more traders and visitors and enhance its social, economic and cultural impact.
New activities
Ramadan Souq 2026 also saw a significant expansion in accompanying activities compared with the previous year. New attractions included a henna corner, face painting, a traditional gypsum workshop, a planting workshop and Arabic calligraphy sessions.
Organisers also introduced a dedicated children’s play area, further reinforcing the event’s family-friendly appeal and widening audience participation across different age groups. The broader programme reflects Dubai Municipality’s strategy to enhance visitor experience and develop the souq into a fully integrated community platform that combines entertainment, cultural learning and support for traditional crafts.
The Ramadan Souq is organised annually as a destination that brings families and communities together through a blend of traditional Ramadan shopping and cultural experiences. The initiative forms part of Dubai Municipality’s wider efforts to support tourism, entertainment and commercial activity across the emirate while encouraging engagement with public facilities and historic destinations.