Every city needs a heartbeat — a place where creativity, curiosity, and community collide. For Dubai, that’s what Urban Market Concept was always meant to be: a vibrant, high-energy space where you can stumble upon one-of-a-kind finds, reworked treasures, and homegrown talent, all in one place.
When we started five years ago, thrift shopping wasn’t really part of Dubai’s story. There were no charity shops to explore, no flea markets filled with life, and secondhand culture was often misunderstood — seen as something “less than.” We wanted to change that narrative. To make thrifting, vintage, and local craftsmanship feel mainstream, accessible, and — most importantly — joyful.
Urban Market Concept was built from a love of discovery and a belief in community. We’re proudly inclusive, boldly creative, and endlessly welcoming. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage jacket, a handmade ceramic mug, or a startup that’s just finding its wings, our markets are where you find something you didn’t know you needed — and probably someone you didn’t expect to meet.
Our vendors are the heartbeat of what we do. Thrift and vintage brands sit alongside small startups, artists, designers, and local makers. Fashion, accessories, home décor, artwork, custom pieces — it’s a little bit of everything, curated by people who pour their passion into every stall. We want every visitor to leave feeling like they’ve discovered something truly special, with good value for money and a story to tell.
And behind all the buzz and bustle is our team — a trio of dreamers who somehow make it all run smoothly (most of the time!).
Urban Market Concept was founded by Kirsty, who grew up in London’s marketplaces, forever chasing the thrill of a good find. A teacher turned entrepreneur, she built Urban Market Concept from a gap she noticed — and a feeling she missed. The energy, the chatter, the thrill of something unique waiting at the next table.
Then there’s Mia, our resident balance guru — part-time yoga and pilates babe, part-time operations and events specialist. She’s the calm in the storm, solving problems as effortlessly as a perfect downward dog.
And finally, Lola, our events maestro. She’s the one making sure every market day runs like clockwork — happy vendors, smiling visitors, music in the air, and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting.
Together, we like to think of Urban Market Concept as that cool aunt or uncle everyone loves — the one who disappears for a while, but when they show up, you know you’re in for a good time.
As we head into 2026, we’re thrilled to return to Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi for another year of creativity, connection, and community. Abu Dhabi’s thriving local scene has embraced us with open arms, and we can’t wait to continue growing together.
This blog is our newest chapter — a space to share stories, spotlight local talent, offer business advice, and celebrate the magic of small brands with big dreams.
Our mission has always been simple: to create an inclusive, exciting, and empowering space for everyone — brands, makers, and shoppers alike. Because Urban Market Concept isn’t just about buying and selling. It’s about belonging.
This blog marks the start of a new chapter for us. Through it, we hope to share what we’ve learned along the way — from building a local business and navigating the ups and downs of the pop-up world, to discovering how creativity thrives in community. You’ll find insights, event updates, and our take on both local and global fashion movements — all filtered through the lens of the lively, ever-evolving Urban Market Concept family.
Because for us, this isn’t just about markets - it’s about the culture around them. The ideas, the people, the trends, and the stories that make this community so beautifully alive.
So welcome - we’re so glad you’re here.