Traffic is one of Dubai’s oldest hubs for exchanging ideas, holding art exhibitions and hosting creative activities. Its current ten-day bazaar aptly named ‘The Market of Everything’ is exactly that.
The event is aimed at bringing the community together and at the same time promoting the recycling of items. Open to the public, it is the perfect outlet to unload yourself of unnecessary things you might be hoarding.
The large converted warehouse space they are located in has been filled up with tables full of items for buying, selling, exchanging, trading and donating. With no strict guidelines, the participants have brought in all types of items imaginable. Rummaging through, you can find everything from mundane home items like a humidifier to large rugs and even a fully functional motorbike.
The participants include the popular pop-up DXB Store which sells creative Arabesque style t-shirts, stationery and other items designed by local artists; Dubai’s favorite vintage store Bambah; Ragmatazz, a brand that makes bright, ethnic handbags. The K9 Friends have a large section filled with books for sale to raise money for their charity.
Traffic has also organized a set of creative workshops for children and adults throughout the ten days. The themes of each of them revolve around art, culture and identity. While children will be involved in expressing their imaginations through different mediums, the adults will have a chance to attend a cooking workshop revolving around organic, pesticide-free products.
Another event not to be missed during the time is the Future Shorts Global Pop-Up Film Festival, an initiative founded in 2003 and screening a line of acclaimed short films from all over the world including ‘Bear’ directed by Nash Edgerton from Australia. The festival is simultaneously taking place globally in 17 countries and 50 cities. The Dubai chapter is being hosted by Traffic in collaboration with 'The Market of Everything'.
Those wanting to relax can participate in the ping pong, darts and foosball competitions that are open to everyone. The Open Mic event is also drawing a lot of attention. The program includes artists, poets, writers, and musicians performing live shows, and welcomes anyone from the audience to also participate.
‘The Market of Everything’ is ongoing from April 12-21, 2012
Location: Traffic, 179 Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai, UAE. Tel: (+971) 4-3470209
– Saira Malik; Images courtesy of Saira Malik
