Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — February 2026 — Dubai Municipality has announced that the Ramadan Souq 2026, hosted on Old Baladiya Street within the historic Deira Grand Souk, achieved unprecedented success by welcoming 1.82 million visitors.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the landmark event recorded a significant growth of 12.4 percent, attracting over 200,000 more guests than the previous season.
Organizers attribute the surge in attendance to the market’s authentic heritage-inspired atmosphere and a diverse lineup of cultural, community, and interactive entertainment activities.
The turnout underscores Dubai Municipality’s ongoing commitment to solidifying the market’s status as one of the emirate’s premier annual community and heritage gatherings.
Held in conjunction with the “Al Welfa” season, the souq played a pivotal role in stimulating tourism and economic activity within the historic trading district. The event provided a vital platform for small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering family participation and reinforcing the role of traditional markets as key cultural and tourist destinations.
The economic impact was substantial, with participants recording a 35 percent increase in sales. This commercial success was driven by high visitor engagement and a rich programme of activities.
Attendees enjoyed heritage performances, interactive competitions, handicraft workshops, and kiosks featuring local products.
Strategic partnerships with various government and private entities further enhanced the market’s appeal, drawing residents and tourists alike to experience Emirati heritage within Dubai’s historic trading hubs.
Asem Al Qassim, director of the Architectural Heritage and Antiquities Department at Dubai Municipality, highlighted the strategic vision behind the event. “These results reflect Dubai Municipality’s continuous efforts to activate historic districts and heritage markets, transforming them into vibrant destinations that blend authenticity with modernity,” he said.
He explained that the initiative contributes to reviving local heritage and sharing authentic Emirati values with a broad audience. “Ramadan Souq will continue to evolve in the coming seasons through qualitative initiatives aimed at attracting traders and visitors and further maximizing its social, economic, and cultural impact,” he added.
The 2026 edition marked an expansion in accompanying activities compared to the previous year, featuring a wider array of workshops and interactive experiences for all age groups. New activations included a dedicated henna corner, face painting, a traditional gypsum workshop, a planting workshop, and Arabic calligraphy sessions. The introduction of a children’s play area further strengthened the event’s family-friendly appeal and broadened audience participation.
This event reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to continuously enhancing the visitor experience, transforming the seasonal heritage market into an integrated community platform. By combining entertainment, cultural learning, and support for traditional crafts, the event reinforces its sustainability and positions itself as one of Dubai’s most prominent Ramadan destinations.
Organized annually by Dubai Municipality, the Ramadan Souq serves as a vibrant gathering place that brings families and communities together through a unique shopping and entertainment experience.
