Explore, Hunt and Taste: 6 Reasons to Make Waterfront Market Your Next Family Day Out

How many fish can you reel in at Dubai’s largest food market? Can your trolley collect every colour of the world?

At the Waterfront Market more than 800 traders come together under one roof to offer the city’s widest variety of seafood, meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. It is a place where freshness meets discovery, inviting customers to explore, taste, and learn with the whole family.

1.     Play the spot-the-species tally game

Start at the live fish tanks and play spot-the-species with the kids. With more than 25 types on show, from king crabs and candy lobsters to oysters and prawns, it makes for a great counting challenge. Across the Seafood & Fish Market there are over 260 varieties, from Hamour and Sheri to queenfish, parrotfish and mud crabs, enough to keep their curiosity buzzing all day.

2.     From market to family table

Fresh produce straight from trader to plate is an experience not to be missed. The Market-to-Table experience is not only a wonderful way to enjoy a nourishing meal together, but also a chance to teach children about freshness and the traceability of food from a young age. Choose your seafood directly from the Market, have it cleaned and prepared, then relax and enjoy the waterfront view as the restaurant cooks and serves it for you and your family. With beautiful sunset views across the waterfront restaurants, it’s a dining experience that celebrates food in its freshest form.

3.     Fresh finds from every corner of the world

It’s a colour explosion at the Fruits & Vegetables Market, where aisles are piled high with over 160 varieties from 80 local farms and imports from all continents. From the bright pinks of Ecuadorian pitahaya and the greens of local cucumbers to the golden hues of South African avocados and Colombian baby bananas, every visit is a feast for the eyes. Kids will love spotting shapes, colours and scents they’ve never seen before – and you’ll love filling your trolley with the freshest, most vibrant produce in town.

4.     Follow your nose to the spice trail

Let your senses guide you through the Dry Goods & Spices Market. With more than 250 varieties of dates, nuts, grains and spices on display, it’s a feast for eager eyes and noses. Discover Medjool, Ajwa, Khalas and Deglet Noor dates, then follow the rich aromas of saffron, cardamom, turmeric, sumac and more It’s a treasure trail for budding home cooks. Be sure to also stop by the Cheese, Dairy & Roastery area, where freshly ground coffee beans and a wide selection of cheese are ready to take home.

5.     Get a passport to yummy town

Pick up the free Little Foodie Explorers Passport and turn the visit into a mini adventure with the family. Children can follow a simple route through the fish, fruit and vegetables, and spices markets, collecting stamps at each stop as they interact with traders, spot new ingredients and learn fun facts about the fresh produce. The passport nudges them to experience, learn and use their senses, so even shy customers find a reason to ask questions. Hand in the completed passport to the customer service desk to receive acertificate and prizes. It is an easy way to keep energy high, build confidence and sneak in learning while you shop.

6.     It’s trolley time for tiny hands

Let the little ones take charge of the shopping basket. Hand them a Little Roller trolley so they can indulge in shopping in a fun and exciting way. From exploring what’s in season to learning how healthy and colourful fruits and vegetables can brighten up a plate, it’s a fun and educational experience. They’ll love picking out their Ecuadorian pitahaya, local cucumbers or South African avocados and getting them weighed. It’s also a simple way to raise confident, informed young children who also learn the value of money by comparing prices per kilo.

The Market is open daily, with full timings available at www.waterfrontmarket.ae. Stay up to date with what’s happening at the Market by following @wfm.uae on Instagram and @waterfrontmarket Facebook.