A market out of the box

With Burj Khalifa serving as a ‘towering’ backdrop and the Dubai Fountain providing a relaxing ambience, the Market Outside The Box (Market OTB), has proven true to its name of “providing a market beyond the traditional walls of a shopping mall.”

Located at Burj Park, Market OTB, now on its fourth year, is not your usual pop-up market. It is a grassroots retail movement showcasing some of the best local and regional designers offering unique pieces for discerning bargain hunters.

“Vendors, who are also talented artists, are given a chance to take part in the creative cultural movement during DSF,” organisers of Market OTB said.

Home-grown designer Dania Sadik told Khaleej Times that Market OTB is a perfect opportunity for her to showcase her ingenuity. “My project is supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and I’m proud to display my own line of women’s apparel which celebrates femininity and modernity,” she said.

This year’s focus was on emerging brands in the UAE and the wider region. Unique and exclusive items were on sale from jewellery to women’s apparel and accessories, kids’ clothing, home décor, men’s fashion and collectible items.

Some of the items which caught our attention was a Dh6,500 handcrafted long board for surfing from Bali, Indonesia and a1976 custom-built Kawasaki. There were also kids’ clothes made from 100 per cent organic material, sourced from Scandinavian countries, as well as shoes for kids locally manufactured by artisans in Dubai but the material sourced from Italy.

Some vendors are promoting their advocacy such as Syrian expat Yara Tlass, whose items are being sold as ‘Jewellery for a Cause.’ She said she has partnered with a charity organisation dedicated to supporting Syrian refugees through art therapy, educational programmes and community-based aid.

There were also live entertainment and stage performances for the whole family. While some parents were enjoying shopping, their kids were also having fun with activities such as balloon bending, fun games with clowns and magicians, and bedtime stories.

Bargain hunting was also complimented with gustatory delights from food trucks and favourite local eateries.

Catch the last day of Market OTB today (Saturday) from 10am-10pm.

A UNIQUE HIGHLIGHT OF DSF ... Shopping outdoors in the cool weather in a casual, carnival-like atmosphere is a treat in Dubai, and the Market Outside The Box offers visitors just that.

CLOWN SIGHTINGS ... A kid seems too fascinated and in awe as a clown, who is part of the entertaining team at the Market Outside The Box, says “hello” to her at the Burj Park.

THE COOL SHOP ... Dh6,500 handcrafted long board for surfing from Bali, Indonesia and a1976 custom-built Kawasaki have been quite a crowd puller.

TURKISH CANDYMAN ... It’s hard to look away when a candyman prepares ‘fresh candy’.

WHAT WOMEN WANT ... Women seemed to not get enough of the unique jewellery and accessories.

THE DO IT YOURSELF DOLL SHOP ... The shop is selling material and ideas to help you make your own dolls.

CONTAINERS TURNED INTO SHOPS ... Local merchandise sold out of colourful shipping containers is quite a crowd puller.

GOOD FOOD, GREAT WEATHER ... People enjoying tidbits from the food trucks parked at the Burj Park.