The Dubai Fish Market in Deira is set to undergo a Dh3million overhaul in a project that is expected to boost annual income from Dh800,000 to well over Dh1.3 million.
An extensive plan of refurbishment work at the market includes a seafood restaurant and even a museum for visitors showing them about the history of fishing in the region and details about some of the seafood available and other marine life.
But as a result of the expansion plans, traders at the market, opposite Al Hamriya Fruit and Vegetable Market, will now be asked to pay for the privilege of operating a shop or stall.
Dubai Municipality will no longer be covering the cost of services at the market. Up until now, the civic body has paid about Dh700,000 every year to cover the market's expenses. No rent was taken for some stalls, while electricity, water bills and other services were covered without charge by the municipality.
Humaid Saeed Al Marri, Director of the Markets and Abattoirs Department, said the development work was now well advanced after being started last year.
It is being completed in phases and the final phase will be the construction of a new seafood restaurant. The design of the two-storey restaurant is now being finalised allowing construction to start soon. It will consist of two levels - one serving different types of international food and the upper floor dedicated to seafood only.
The revamped market is expected to be a major draw for residents and tourists alike and underlines Dubai's heritage as a fishing port and a commercial centre. The existing fish market already attracts nearly 20,000 tourists every year, mainly from Europe.
A fish museum will help to educate shoppers and tourists about the types of fish available in the Arabian Gulf, as well as the history of fishing in the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with a display featuring models of dhows and a description of the types of equipment used by fishermen through the ages.
New stalls for traders are being built, in addition to one to receive fresh fish from vehicles. Special areas for cleaning fish and for frozen storage will be constructed, in addition to a special room set aside for municipality inspectors.
The whole market will be completely renovated and painted with themes of marine life.The latest part of the revamped market to be unveiled was a Dh500,000 facility for cutting fish. A new hall at the market covers 2,000 square feet.
Al Marri said the market also includes 21 new stalls for chicken and meat, as well as additional space for fruit sales. A refrigerated storage area will allow for transporting produce without it being exposed to heat. In the first phase of the development the municipality constructed a new road network around the market.
The sewage system, electricity network, the air conditioning system and lighting were also either renewed or improved.
Al Marri said: "The new area, with modern and hygienic facilities, accommodates 88 workers and has waiting areas for customers. We have installed 24 big stainless tables topped with Teflon boards, each accommodating four workers.
"The system of cutting fish has also been revised as we have employed two supervisors for each row of tables, who will weigh the fish brought in by the customers and give them cards. The customers can sit in a waiting area, and there will be a special section for ladies.
"The project also includes the expansion of the fish sale area by adding 52 shopkeepers' benches, a special chilled area to store meat and fish, and an auction area. The building also has very hygienic specifications such as special flooring and walls with marble tiles."
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