Returning for its 11th edition, the popular al fresco market will run from 5 to 14 January at Dubai Design District.
Just when you thought the citywide festivities were over, there’s a new event on the roster, and it kicks off this weekend: Etisalat MOTB. Returning for its 11th edition, the al fresco market has long been a key feature of the Dubai Shopping Festival, bringing with it experiential brand activations, live entertainment, plenty of food trucks, and unique fashion finds that span urban streetwear and vintage must-haves. Etisalat MOTB will take over Dubai Design District (d3) from 5 to 14 January. As for what to expect? Read on.
Fashion Finds
With homegrown brands once again taking centre stage, this year’s instalment will highlight more than a dozen local and regional brands that offer products you won’t find on the high street — think: handcrafted furry gifts from Horrible Pear, handmade candles from Adore Sand, and meticulously crafted kaftans and abayas by Rai The Label. Jokes Aside and SWEY – both born in the UAE – will showcase local talent by way of streetwear staples and edgy eyewear respectively, as will Emirati brand Alnihaya, which will debut its luxury leisurewear at MOTB. Elsewhere, you can find statement socks at Lurk in Shrubs, quality tees at TOPVIBES, dynamic unisex fragrances at Arcadia, and ethically made jewellery at Odis Studio. And because 90s nostalgia is still going strong, the T-shirts and tote bags at the aptly named 90s Memories Club also belong on your radar. 
Something New
Fenty Beauty is returning to MOTB, this time upping the ante with the new Fenty Beauty Drive In. Makeup enthusiasts can swing by the parking lot to get shade matched, snag the best products, and enjoy an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming launches by Rihanna’s global beauty brand. Bonus: Fenty Beauty freebies also await. 
Flavour Fest
True to al fresco events in Dubai, foodies will be spoilt for choice at MOTB as everything from on-trend dining experiences from homegrown culinary stars set up shop. Dine on aromatic favourites at a whole host of Asian eateries (Vietnamese Foodies, Rosa’s Thai, Rare, and Streetery included) before washing them down with a handcrafted beverage by Tiger Sugar. Founded by Tyra Banks, gourmet ice cream brand SMiZE & DREAM will also be onsite. Those with a big appetite should stop by Oddo’s Burgers – famed for its Wagyu cheeseburgers – or sample authentic local dishes at Not So Guilty. For more upmarket fare, head to the Emirati-owned Mamafri for a highly curated menu of Asian fusion dishes or Casa Pons, a homegrown UAE business specialising in honey and chocolates. The likes of Fritz, Mamacita, and Mama Rama will serve food truck fare, while Abu Dhabi café IRDK will introduce its experiential dishes to Dubai audiences. 
Hoops & Hip-Hop
MOTB will also feature hourly live entertainment and fitness activities on the main stage. Basketball fans, for starters, can check out the Emarat SlamJam for some sporty fun. Also noteworthy is the Emarat Gen-Z Bubble installation with an Insta-worthy backdrop of retro petrol dispensers, as is the Gamers Hub in the dedicated E-gaming zone. Visitors can also look forward to performances by locally based artists as a part of Tunes DXB on 6 January with Al Taj, along with festival DJs every day. Further along, the Rap Olympics will see rappers go head-to-head on 11 January before the Dance Battle invites dancers to flaunt their moves from 13 to 14 January. 
DSCVR: Etisalat MOTB. Dubai Design District, Dubai. @visit.dubai
