Shop/dine/party in shipping containers at Market OTB

What’s On previews a Market OTB in Downtown Dubai, at Southridge Park between January 15 and 24, part of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2015. 

More…
– Nicole Richie
– Boutique shops DXB
– Design District Dubai
– Concept stores
– Vintage shopping

One of the coolest elements of the Dubai Shopping Festival rolls out this weekend in Downtown Dubai.

Running from January 15 to 24, the second edition of Market OTB is held at South Ridge Park and is an ‘out of the box approach to shopping, dining and entertainment’.  

Featuring around 60 of the region’s trendiest boutique shops, cafes and art galleries, including the likes of Clinton St, Little Majlis, Studio Manhattan, Jam Jar, West LA, Urban Yogi and The Hipster, the pop-up spot is a collection of shipping containers and other temporary spaces forged to make a glorious urban hangout.

“Market OTB is a destination of discovery,” organisers say, “where the community gathers in a sustainably created space to experience new retail talent, performances, and fun for the whole family.

“The success of our first event in 2014 inspired Market OTB to expand its platform to 10 days – showcasing brands not found in conventional retail venues, but accessible to the public within a programme of events and experiences for all members of the community, residents and visitors.”

Among the live performers in and around the park is Pimms Brooke, GCC-based alternative/electronic multimedia artist and producer Zahed Sultan, and Lebanese singer, songwriter and visual artist Tania Saleh. An outdoor cinema screening the works of regional filmmakers will also run, as well a custom-created RAGE skate ramp for the growing community of riders. There will also be industry talks.

And the best part? Access is free. It is is open Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 10pm, and from 10am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday.

Another special event occurring as part of the 20th Dubai Shopping Festival is the arrival of Nicole Richie. The reality TV star-turned-acclaimed fashion designer will host a pop-up shop of her her signature brand ‘House of Harlow 1960′ at The Beach opposite JBR between January 29 and 31. The store itself will run for 12 days from January 20. As part of her remit, Richie, daughter of Lionel, will offer personalised styling sessions and undertake numerous appearances across town, as well as several meet-and-greets. She will also attend a high tea.