Today's Edition
RAJEEV CHERIAN (ABU DHABI)
The catch of the day is lined up in a giant room as fishmongers gather for an auction at the break of the dawn. With the “dallal” or auctioneer calling out the prices and deals sealed, the adjacent stalls are packed with ice beds to store fish available for purchase, and a day at the fish market in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed District has begun.
Reflecting a way of life tied to the sea, the new market, which opened in July 2022, preserves the legacy of the renowned old fish market and offers an authentic shopping experience for seafood lovers.
The new fish market boasts stretches of stalls, cleaning stations, restaurants, and commercial spaces, bringing together a comprehensive seafood experience under one roof.
With each passing hour, the market comes to life with the arrival of customers and the vendors calling out to them.
“Weekends and holidays are very busy. The last few days witnessed a slight increase in demand because of windy seas,” Jilani, a vendor at the market, said.
Fish veterinarians are stationed at the market making regular rounds to keep watch on the quality and freshness of the fish being sold. These experts also ensure best practices for storage, handling, and transportation.
In addition to the restaurants, customers have the choice to select a fish and have it cooked on-site.From Amour, Sheri, and Kingfish to sea bream, sea bass and salmon, the market offers fish of varying size and variety.
Cloaked in barbecue smoke and the aroma of spices in the air, the restaurants are packed.
“This is my second visit to the market. The site is clean. It has a wide array of choices for sea food lovers. Rather than a market, it’s an ideal place for a getaway gathering,” Daniel from Germany said.
