Abu Dhabi to get fresh fish markets

Abu Dhabi intends to inaugurate one of the world’s largest fish markets in October after a delay of several months and officials said the new facility would include fish restaurants for the first time in the UAE.

The market near Mushref Mall on Murour Road on the outskirts of the city will be served by 75 shops and the fish will be supplied locally and from external markets, including China and Japan.

Operators said the project, which will complement  the existing fish market near Port Zayed at the western edge of the city, will be launched just after the Eid Al Adha holiday in the second half of October.

“The market was due to be opened in August but it was shelved for more work and arrangements for fish supply,” said Ali Al Mansouri, chairman of the UAE Fishermen’s association.

“What distinguishes this market from other fish markets in the UAE is that it has been supplied with equipment to eliminate bad smell inside the market.”

Mansouri said the market would initially handle around 30 tonnes of fish per day before the quantity increases to 50 tonnes per day at a later stage.
“We expect customers from Abu Dhabi and all other emirates as the market will have types of fish that are not available at other markets in the country.”

Mansoori said the market would operate for 15 hours a day between 7am and 10pm, adding that he expects the market to become a tourism destination.

“Around 500 boats will serve that market. Local fishermen will supply between 40 and 50 tonnes of fish to the market every day,” he added.

Abu Dhabi city, with a population of more than one million, currently has a small fish market in Zayed City and a larger one near Port Zayed.
Official data showed the UAE is one of the largest fish producers in the Arab region, with output exceeding 150,000 tonnes in 2012.

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