Living in the UAE is one thing, but experiencing the true UAE way of life is another. If you’re in Dubai, the Souq Al Freej pop-up market offers you a perfect glimpse into the country’s rich culture and traditions.
From the moment you step into the Dubai Municipality’s Souq Al Freej, you’ll be greeted by unique aromas that capture the essence of Emirati culture. One of the standout scents comes from a massive pot of harees, a classic Emirati dish being freshly cooked right at the market.
The Art of Making Harees
At the heart of the market, expat chefs Bless and Tayyeb Hussain prepare harees—a traditional Emirati dish made of slow-cooked meat and wheat with a porridge-like consistency. They begin stirring the dish soon after the afternoon prayer and continue tirelessly until 5 pm, maintaining this routine throughout the 15-day event.
“Harees is a dish that truly tests your patience,” says Indian expat Tayyeb. “It takes around 24 hours to prepare properly.”
The process starts the night before with the wheat being soaked for hours to soften the grains. The next morning, fresh lamb is washed, boiled with spices, and cooked on a low flame until tender enough to shred. The soaked wheat is then added to the meat broth and slow-cooked for six to eight hours, creating a rich, hearty flavor.
By 3 pm, Tayyeb and the other chefs arrive at the pop-up market to finish cooking live. After hours of stirring and seasoning, the harees is finally served hot, often garnished with butter or fried onions for extra flavor.
For Tayyeb and Bless, seeing visitors enjoy their harees brings immense pride. “Cooking and serving this dish feels like a tribute to the country we now call home,” says Tayyeb.
Exploring the Market
As evening falls, Al Warqa Park 3 transforms into a lively space buzzing with families and friends. Children laugh and play in designated areas, while mascots dressed in traditional Emirati attire spread joy among the little ones.
For those interested in fashion, Souq Al Freej offers stunning pieces inspired by Emirati heritage. Intricately embroidered abayas and dresses draw plenty of attention. Fatma, an Emirati entrepreneur, proudly showcases her handmade jalabiyas adorned with traditional embroidery.
“This market is a great platform for small businesses like mine,” Fatma says. “It allows me to connect directly with customers while sharing my passion for Emirati fashion.”
A Food Lover’s Paradise
Foodies will find plenty to love at Souq Al Freej. Besides harees, several stalls serve iconic Emirati dishes, such as luqaimat, fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey, and balaleet, a sweet and savory vermicelli noodle dish flavored with sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
Visitors can also sip on traditional beverages like local tea and jellab, a refreshing rosewater and date drink—perfect for a cool evening.
Event Details
The Souq Al Freej runs at Al Warqa Park 3 until December 29, 2024. It will then move to Al Barsha 3 Pond Park from January 3 to 19, 2025.
This cultural pop-up market is more than just a place to shop; it’s an opportunity to experience the traditions, flavors, and creativity of the UAE. Whether you’re there for the food, the fashion, or the lively atmosphere, Souq Al Freej offers a unique and memorable experience for everyone.
