By placing the ‘family’ at the forefront of its annual outdoors event, E88 Market, a charming outdoor food, shopping and family festival in Sharjah, has been drawing visitors from across the UAE in its second edition this year. Organised by Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC), E88 Market features an alluring combination of delicious food and delicacies, high-quality craft and culinary workshops, safe play zones and other fun activities for the entire family.

“It is very encouraging to see Sharjah take a leading role in organising events that inspire parents to spend more time with kids in a family-oriented setting,” said Emirati national, Mohammed Yusuf. “E88 Market is a good opportunity for families to step out, enjoy the lovely weather and partake in games and workshops. It is very encouraging to see how this event is bringing families together, allowing them to socialise and bond with each other in such a fantastic, lively ambience.”

Mohammed, whose wife has a retail jewellery outlet at the market, believes what sets the E88 Market apart, “is the high quality of standard it adheres to. JRCC has earned itself a great reputation for staging and hosting excellent, well-organised events, and the E88 is no exception.”

The focus on families and its unique location that enables residents of other emirates to visit, is another reason why E88 is enjoying such resounding success in its second edition, he adds. “Shopping malls are very confining but here, in the outdoors, the fun times last longer.”

While driving to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai, Mohammed Baqir and his family were attracted by the sight of many young children and families flocking around what seemed like a “children’s wonderland”. “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop and see what it was all about,” says the Pakistani father of two kids. “Our 4-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter have been enjoying the bouncy castles and inflatable slides. Our son particularly enjoyed zooming around on the wheeled ‘tiger’ while our daughter is keen to attend some of the craft workshops, especially cupcake decoration.”

Fatima Musharbak, a young Emirati mother, was lured into visiting the outdoors market by her 10-year-old son, Zayed Fahd. “I follow JRCC on social media and had also heard about the opening of E88 Market through another group I am part of. Attracted by the variety of game options, my kids pressed me to bring them here.”

“From bungee jumping and racing carts to steep slides, my sons have explored almost all the games but are in no mood to stop!” says Fatima.

“I only want to play, and I am having so much fun here!” shouted out Zayed, while his mother said she was eager to experience some of the cuisines she had not tried before.

For Indian-born Johar Qaid, it was the search for a family-friendly outdoor destination that led him to the E88 Market. “As a parent with three kids, ranging in years from 3 to 14, I am constantly looking for outdoor activities that present a great alternative to the malls. Reading up on the range of leisure and entertainment activities at E88 in an English daily, we headed out here to experience it first-hand.”

“Our experience at E88 Market has been fulfilling,” added Johar, a resident of Dubai. “The diverse range of games for children is impressive and the vibrant, festive atmosphere makes you want to linger on.”

Jean Monticalvo from the Philippines has chosen the fun ambience of the E88 Market to mark the 10^th birthday of her son. “We had been here last year, and I loved the vibe of this great outdoors event. This year it is definitely bigger and there are more games and family friendly activities.”

“Here, we are not bound by a cut-off time, and children can engage in many physical activities,” she adds. “It is a safe environment and with the added bonus of a free entry, we could not have chosen a better venue for our son’s milestone year.”

With six children in tow, Sharjah resident Fatma Abdullah, complimented JRCC for organising a great event that caters to the interests of children of all age groups. “You can see that a lot of thought and care has gone into planning this event, from the selection of games to the choices in food, retail shopping and live entertainment. There is something here for everyone. It is a great place to gather for families, especially in this fantastic weather.”

From an array of home-grown food truckers offering sweet and savoury gastronomic delights representing local and global cuisines to little kiosks specialising in traditional fares of various cultures around the world, food lovers can enjoy delectable range to suit their palates. Alongside the E88 Café serving delectable plates of your favourite dishes, the UAE’s crowd pleasers – Doner & Gyros, Napoli Pasta, The Kitchen Corner, BurgerRito, Manga Sushi, Krush Burger, IBS Burger, Rukn Tabkh Baitna, Dukkan Batata, AlFarooj, Mami Food, Jollibee, Tareeq Al Buhaira, Crunchy Bites, The Hype Restaurant – will all be there. Tea and coffee connoisseurs can park themselves in places like Al Rawi, Rajab Karak, Shaghf, Mara Café, Hoop Desert & Shaks, Pulse Café, Attibasi Café, QSA Café, Sketch Art Café and Community Café. Especially dedicated to satisfying your sweet tooth are The Yoghurt Lab, Tuk Tuk Collage, Luqmah & Jarrah Sweets and Miral Café and Ice-cream.

The vast grounds of JRCC will resonate with the vibes of a lively flea market atmosphere as vendors will offer choices in a combination of fashion, jewellery, and much more.  Find bargain deals or choose from unique, handmade designs in this open-air market where shopping all about the experience! Popular fashion and lifestyle labels like, Alf Hekaya Fashion, Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfume, Syoufi Oud, Shaqra Jewlery and several others are showcasing at the festival.

E88 Market is open from 4-11pm every day until January 4, 2020.