The second edition of E88 Market, a 21-day outdoor food, shopping and entertainment festival, organised by the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) on its sprawling grounds in Sharjah, has attracted a visitor footfall of more than 20,000 visitors, from diverse nationalities and across different age groups.

With an alluring combination of delicious food and delicacies, safe play zones and a bouquet of unique family-friendly entertainment activities, E88 Market is the first-of-its-kind outdoor food, shopping and family festival in Sharjah.

Themed ‘Dine, Meet & Shop’, E88 Market translated JRCC’s vision of providing a key family destination that enhances family relationships and strengthens the social fabric of the UAE. It is also in alignment with JRCC’s strategy of bringing together public and private sector entities, start-ups, and other entrepreneurs to showcase their unique products and services to the public.

Hanan Al Mahmoud, CEO of JRCC, said: “We were delighted to see the huge turnout of visitors to the second edition of E88 Market. As a family-oriented destination, this annual outdoors event offered a platform for visitors across the UAE to partake in a host of activities that served to strengthen close family bonds and build community ties amongst all segments of the society.”

“Throughout its duration of 21 days, E88 Market attracted more than 20,000 visitors who took delight in its varied shows, performances and array of activities that targeted all age groups,” she added. “The success of the event, held for a longer duration this time, motivates us to build on the momentum and vigorously prepare for the next edition. We will intensify efforts to expand activities and entertainment offerings to improve visitor experience and transform E88 Market into a permanent annual event for families and friends to gather together in winter.”

E88 Market featured a plethora of outdoor programmes including recreational shows, live music and dance, acrobatic performances, and several traditional activities such as oud performances along with Emirati singing and folk dancing.

JRCC’s Chef Rami Abdo Al Jibrael and Executive Sous Chef Aravinda Leelarathna hosted several workshops for children where the young participants learnt to dress up cupcakes and gingerbread cookies and gained mastery in new skills and techniques of working with the fondant and buttercream.

The event also saw innovative competitions like the Mystery Box, a live cooking contest that challenged the cooking skills of participants above 18 years of age who had to prepare an appetiser (soup or salad of their choice) and a main dish from the secret ingredients in the box. Winners scooped up exciting prizes.

Food lovers enjoyed a wide range of Arab and international cuisines at the dozens of food trucks, outlets and kiosks present at the venue. Cake and pastry lovers indulged in a range of delectable treats at E88 Market. From a wide array of fashion, jewellery, accessories and toys, there was plenty of choice for shoppers too.

Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) was the event’s diamond sponsor. Supporting partners of E88 Market comprised of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (Ruwad), and Special Moments.