The Dubai Wholesale Garment Market

Many of my wholesale customers visit Dubai to purchase wholesale garments.

Although Dubai is a relatively expensive city, its proximity to Africa can make it an ideal travel destination for African retailers looking for wholesale deals.

I know that for a while this Middle East fashion center was a destination for many of my Nigerian customers.

Whether you like vintage or new pieces from emerging creators, these markets are perfect for your weekend outings.

Tourists will be surprised to know that Dubai is not just a city of glitter and rhinestones with fashionable shops in gigantic shopping malls. Dubai is witnessing the growth of its markets, with a plethora of local events that create a new sense of community and exhibit local products and merchandise. Here are the markets not to be missed.

Farm products market | Zabeel Park and Al Barsha Park

Yes, this market is mainly oriented towards organic products cultivated by local farmers, but it is nonetheless worth a look. The farm produce market is held every Friday morning in Zabeel Park and every Saturday night in Al Barsha Park and sells everything from its many local designer booths - from costume jewellery to handmade T-shirts and bags and posters to hand-made T-shirts.

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Dubai flea market | At different locations in Dubai

Anyone who says that you can't find any second-hand goods in Dubai has clearly never visited the flea market in Dubai. Standing at various locations throughout the month (such as Zabeel Park or Ibn Battuta Mall), this market is the perfect place for seasonal merchants. There is a strict policy in this market: furniture, textiles, ceramics, clothing, handicrafts and antiques all have to sell second-hand goods. There are a lot of products, but if you're patient and you know how to negotiate, you can be sure you won't go home empty-handed.

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General Market | The Archive Library, Safa Park

As its name suggests, the general market is a place where you can find everything: second-hand goods, designer products, and all kinds of bric-a-brac imaginable. This market combines lots of stands, good food and music for a fun day at Safa Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own second-hand goods to sell or negotiate with local vendors.

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The Urban Market | Alserkal Avenue

Created in December 2014, the urban market is one of the newest markets, but is the ideal place for creative lovers. Browse through the many art, craft and fashion booths, before stopping at one of the many lorries for dinner while listening to live music in the heart of Alserkal Avenue. And, in addition, many galleries are open until late, so that you can enjoy a bit of art during your visit to the market. Check the Alserkal Avenue website for upcoming market dates.

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Main Market | Beach Park Plaza Centre

If your idea of shopping involves high-end designer labels, then go to the main market (Prime Dubai) at the Beach Park Plaza Beach Centre in Jumeirah. Held every second Saturday of the month, this market is ideal for luxury lovers, with handbags, shoes and other designer accessories, all second-hand. You can also find stands of emerging local designers, making it the ideal place to find the next big name in local couture.

Dubai can also be a great place to shop for gold jewelry, as many of my wholesale customers have planned shopping expeditions specifically for jewelry.