Fishing in Sharjah? Swanky, hi-tech catch for you at Al Jubail

The state-of-the-art fish market in Sharjah’s Al Jubail area opened to traders this week.

The Dh200 million two-storied new complex, has replaced the old fish market that was built in 1980, is 10 times bigger and boasts about 400 stalls.

The ground floor is divided into three separate sections that sell fish, meat, and fruits and vegetables respectively. There are 162 stalls for selling fish, 123 stalls for selling meat products, and 114 stalls for selling fruits and vegetables.

Apart from parking space, the new complex also has prayer rooms, toilets and administration offices. With a centralized cooling system, the new market is comfortable and attracts traders and shoppers. It also has a dedicated area for cleaners. Earlier, fish mongers sat on the floor cleaning fish for customers. “Now, it is more hygienic compared to the previous one,” said Sadiq, a Sharjah resident.

Rents of stalls in the new complex allegedly range between Dh30,000 and Dh60,000 per year.

Even as most of the traders have shifted to the new complex, some of them have not found a place. “Not all traders who operated out of the old market have found a place at the new venue. The rents are high,” claims a fish trader.  

There were about 800 traders who worked in the old place.