An Expert’s Guide on How Youth Make the Most of Your Visit                   

Discover Etisalat MOTB      

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 January, 2023: Etisalat MOTB (Market Outside the Box) has kicked off its 11th edition at Dubai Design District (d3). Dubai Shopping Festival’s flagship alternative shopping destination is the place where fashion meets food meets entertainment, and this year, there are more new concepts to explore than ever before.

Etisalat MOTB isn’t your typical shopping destination. It’s the ultimate hub of unique discoveries and hidden gems that you won’t find at your local mall. The free-to-enter open-air market means something new to discover every day, from homegrown and global fashion and homeware brands to competitions, workshops, and live performances. Open Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 10pm, Friday from 4pm to 12am, and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 1am, there is plenty of time to discover all that’s on offer.

With so much to see, and with an abundance of unmissable, new-for-2024 additions, Kaltham Alshamsi, Senior Associate, Retail Festivals & Events at Dubai Economy and Tourism shares some tips to make sure you don’t miss any of the best bits…

A full day of discoveries

Gastronomy is central to Etisalat MOTB, and food is a great way to start your visit, because you will definitely want to eat more than once. From pop-ups of the city’s best-loved restaurants like Not So Guilty, Vietnamese Foodies, and Mamafri, to quirky culinary concepts serving their Insta-famous viral creations, such as Tiger Sugar, home of the original tiger striped boba milk, and Belgian fries experts, Fritz, whose unique topping-laden fries are a must-try.

“Visitors should come hungry and ready to try something new,” said Kaltham. “Etisalat MOTB proudly offers a home to some of the city’s more unconventional and trendy culinary concepts, as well as plenty of established restaurants, and a day here would not be complete without sampling a few of them.”

Whether you choose healthy or indulgent, take a rest, grab a bite and soak up perfect winter weather and great vibes while watching one of the performances happening every hour on the main stage. Or if you don’t want to miss a thing, grab-and-go from the many food trucks and pop-up cafes, and refuel while you wander around the market stalls, where you will discover a treasure trove of one-off finds.

“The shopping at Etisalat MOTB is like nothing you will find in any mall,” said Kaltham. “Our vendor list is very carefully curated for a totally unique experience. By prioritising locally-owned and homegrown businesses, we showcase the unique culture and character of our UAE community. Of our hand-picked vendors, 40 are Emirati-owned businesses, while the remaining brands are locally and regionally based. We also only partner with young brands who have been in the market for four years or less, and this creates an exciting atmosphere of innovation, creativity, and newness.”

But while the vendors might be young, many of their one-off wares are vintage. Those feeling nostalgic can take a trip down memory lane at 90s Kids Club which specialises in 90s-inspired streetwear, or discover their favourite childhood friends at 90s Memories, which celebrates the culture of the decade with vintage clothing featuring cartoon characters. Keeping with the throwback theme, Fashion Rerun is the place to find one-off pieces of vintage streetwear.

Other homegrown brands to explore include Pamukme for organic cotton pieces, and RAI the Label for vibrant female fashion. For accessories, check out jewellery brands Lady D and Odis, and Plie Eyewear for stylish sustainable shades.

“The shopping is unmissable at Etisalat MOTB and those who get to the stalls early will be the ones to grab the best one-off vintage items or limited line designs. These are pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, and you can be the first to discover the newest collections from homegrown and regional designers,” added Kaltham. “You will be sure to find something unique to show off to your friends,” she added.

If the alternative shopping and dining is making you feel inspired, tap into your creative side with a workshop. “Etisalat MOTB is all about fresh and immersive lifestyle experiences, and art workshops by brands such as Wild Paint offer an inspiring way for visitors to get their creative juices flowing,” explained Kaltham. “The energy of the market sets an ideal backdrop for creativity and it is brilliant to see visitors of all ages trying something new.”

Brands Moza Beauty, Thalassophile, Jawa Boutique are offering workshops in beauty and skincare, sustainable swimwear and handmade natural bags and accessories, respectively. Visitors can also create their very own unique fragrance with Odela and Co, to pair with their unique fashion finds. “Fragrance is central to Emirati culture, and the fragrance making activity offers a fascinating way to learn about a rich part of UAE heritage, in a contemporary setting,” added Kaltham. Enthusiasts can also discover unique blends at Arcadia and Colish.

When you’re ready to take the weight off your feet, there are plenty of ways to kick back. Don’t miss the new-for-2024 installation, the Gamers Hub, an e-gaming zone where VR games, PlayStation, and iconic old-school games are waiting. Here you can also paint your own souvenir figurine which can be decorated with acrylic colours, while younger guests will love the giant slides and claw machines.

“The Gamers Hub is a must-visit even for those who do not think they are gamers,” explained Kaltham. “It was introduced this year for our increasingly young demographic of guests, but there is plenty of fun to be had there for kids and big kids alike.” The young at heart will also love the candyfloss station where they can also snap a selfie in the photo booth. “Younger visitors especially should also make sure they pay a visit to the Emarat Gen-Z Bubble Installation, and Emarat SlamJam half-court basketball,” she added.

Later in the day, soak up the sunset vibes over d3 at the main stage where you can kick back and enjoy hourly performances from up-and-coming musical talent, plus energetic dance performances and competitions including everything from rap battles to dance offs.

The iconic Fenty Beauty Drive In is also in town for the very first time where visitors can browse the brand’s cult products, get their foundation shade matched, and take an exclusive first-peek at upcoming launches, and maybe even bag some Fenty Beauty goodies.

“Hosting iconic global brands like Fenty Beauty alongside up and coming homegrown SMEs is what makes Etisalat MOTB so unique and exciting,” said Kaltham. “The Fenty Beauty activation was an enormous success last year, and there are new surprises for this year with the arrival of the Fenty Beauty Drive In – it is an experience not to be missed.”

So head on over to Etisalat MOTB until 14 January to be sure not to miss this incredible pop-up market before it vanishes for another year!

Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Sponsor Jumbo and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Etisalat by e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach, Nakheel Mall and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village.

Experience exceptional entertainment and adventures for all, every day, in a city like no other, with the 29^th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. Running until 14 January 2024, see the city at its best during the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy Dubai’s perfect winter weather. Adventures are waiting to be discovered in every corner – from enchanting experiences to out of this world entertainment –  each and every day, for 38 days. And of course, Dubai Shopping Festival promises the very best in retail experiences – with sales, discounts, pop-up markets featuring homegrown exclusives, high street favourites, the ultimate in luxury and a variety of retail offerings, with something for everyone.

To explore all that Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer, check out Visit Dubai and @CelebrateDubai, @DiscoverDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.