The market which has served people living in Umm Al Quwain Fish Market throughout many generations will be an incredible discovery for any tourist who loves tasty seafood. Being situated near the beautiful Khor creek in the least touristic emirate, the market will allow you to buy fresh seafood and meat products, talk with local vendors, and watch the unloading of fishing boats near the market. This article contains all necessary information about the fish market of Umm Al Quwain.

Location and Getting There

Where Is the Market Located?

The fish market of Umm Al Quwain Fish Marketis located in the Al Khor shore in the Al Khour 1 district of UAQ. It has been established deliberately – local fishermen moor their boats right in the territory of the market to provide you with the opportunity to buy the freshest products in the country. All you need to do is just type ‘Umm Al Quwain fish market’ in your navigation application to reach the market entrance, but you can use the simple description – drive to the Khor district and follow the coastline to the market.

Getting to the Market by Car

Driving will be the most convenient way of arriving at the market, especially if you are going to visit it from another emirate. Driving time from Dubai will not exceed one hour if you travel along the E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) in the north direction; driving time from Sharjah is about 40 minutes; and driving time from Ras Al Khaimah is approximately 30 minutes if you drive to the coast in the south direction. Once you arrive at the UAQ city, you will not have any problem to see the signs of the Khor district.

Getting to the Market by Public Transport

You do not need to take your car to visit this market destination. Local buses of Umm Al Quwain run two lines: UAQ-1 and UAQ-2. They stop in 5-9 minutes from the market entrance. Lulu Centre bus stop is situated in 5 minutes from the market entrance, and Carrefour Market bus stop is approximately in 9 minutes from it.

Parking at the Market

Usually, you will not have any problems with parking in this market. Parking places near the entrance are available at any time of the day, although weekends will be the busiest times for parking with the highest traffic in the mornings. Visit the market before 8 am to park conveniently and buy fresh catch in the beginning of the day.

History and Development

Origin of the Market

It is one of the oldest trading centers of Umm Al Quwain Fish Market, and it is the reason why this market is so connected with life of local people. Prior to becoming a quiet resort in contrast to Dubai, local fishermen used to sell their catch in this market location, developing relationships with customers which have existed for several generations already.

Redevelopment of the Market in 2015-2016

In late 2015, the decision about redevelopment of the market has been made by Umm Al Quwain Fish Market Municipality, and the new building of the market has appeared in the same place near the coast of the Khor. As a result, 28 additional stores and 51 additional stalls for sale of seafood have been built, and 13 more stalls for fruit and vegetable have been added to the market. Besides, the auction area has been developed (it was an open air auction before), 51 additional parking lots have been added, and electrical and water networks have been reconstructed.

Comparison of the Current Market Building with the Previous Souk

In comparison with the previous souk, the current market is cleaner and better organized but no less authentic. With stainless steel display counters, granite floor, and double-layer heat-proof ceiling, you will be able to walk around the market easily, but you will be still able to enjoy vendors’ calls and negotiations in the market.

Working Hours and Practical Information about Visiting

Opening Hours

Normally, the market operates daily, but most of vendors work in the period between morning and midday and then reopen in the evening. Opening hours may be changed slightly due to religious holidays and fasting month of Ramadan; therefore, you need to check the current opening hours prior to your visit.

The Best Time for Buying the Freshest Seafood

If freshness of the products is important for you, visit the market in the early morning. Local fishermen usually unload their catch either at night or in early morning, and it means that visit to the market in the early morning will allow you to buy the freshest fish, crabs, and lobsters. In case of the evening visit, you will feel the atmosphere of the market better.

Entrance and Cost of Entrance and Visiting Etiquette

Entrance to the Umm Al Quwain Fish Market is free for visitors, and you may visit all stalls freely until you start purchasing. Bargaining in this market is not only allowed but required; therefore, do not hesitate to negotiate with vendors on the prices in case you need to buy seafood for several persons or in bulk. You may also make photos of stalls and products, but ask vendors to get their permission if you want to make photos of them.

Market Experience

The Market Layout and Description of Stalls

The market has a rational layout: each kind of seafood is sold separately, and bilingual signs in Arabic and English mark each fish. You may buy fresh fish, use the services of cleaning and cooking, and you may buy vegetables and meat in the neighboring shops.

Atmosphere of the Umm Al Quwain Fish Market: Sights, Sounds, and Smells

Once you visit the market, you will immediately feel the atmosphere of vendors’ calls of prices and names of fishes, customer-friendly haggling, smells of the sea and fresh products, and watching somebody filleting kingfish at one stall and somebody grilling it at another.

Cleaning and Cutting Counters

After you buy your products, you may leave the market with ready fillets instead of the whole fishes. Special counters for cleaning, scaling, and cutting of the seafood are situated in all parts of the market.

Seafood Available in the Umm Al Quwain Fish Market

Popular Fishes and Seafood Varieties

There is a big variety of fish in the market: it includes hamour (grouper), kingfish, safi (rabbitfish), red snapper, and sheri (emperor bream) – the most popular local fish due to its delicate taste and availability.

Shellfish and Special Seafood

You may buy various kinds of shellfish: crabs, lobsters, shrimps, cuttlefish, and squids which you may use to cook various seafood dishes.

Live Seafood and Changes in Daily Offered Products

As most of the products are caught by local fishermen, you will notice changes in their assortment every day. Some vendors even keep their seafood alive in special tanks, allowing you to choose the exact product which you need and to be sure that you will have maximum freshness of the seafood which cannot be bought in supermarkets.

Pricing in the Market:

How Much Cheaper Is the Market in Umm Al Quwain Fish Market Compared to Similar Markets in Dubai and Sharjah Products are usually cheaper here than products in the similar Dubai market; therefore, visit to this market becomes a great advantage for buyers who are ready to spend some time travelling. Besides, you may negotiate, and it allows buying more products in bigger quantities for family dinners or restaurants.

Market Area and Nearby Attractions

Nearby Vegetable, Fruit, and Meat Markets

Vegetable and fruit market, as well as meat market, is situated right next to the seafood market. It means that you will not need to visit several markets to buy all your products in Umm Al Quwain.

Neighborhoods and Other Nearby Landmarks

There is a lot of neighborhoods located nearby the market: Al Dar Al Baidaa, Al Humra, and Al Reqqah are situated in 3 minutes from the market, and Al Bootain is only in 4 minutes.

Tourist Attraction Nearby

It will be possible to visit other attractions nearby: Martyrs Square with its monument is in 4 minutes from the market, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Park is in 6 minutes, Al Butain Lake is about in 7 minutes, Mall of Umm Al Quwain Fish Market is in 12 minutes, and Mangrove Beach is in 16 minutes.

Local Context

Economic Importance of Fishing forUmm Al Quwain Fish Market Residents

Fishing is not just a local tradition but the main economic resource of the emirate which exports seafood to Europe and the Middle East countries, and it all starts from the local markets, such as the market which is described above.

Where Does the Fish Come from?

Each fish which is sold in the market has a short and clear origin – it is brought by local fishermen who moor their boats near the Khor creek and sell their catch to vendors who sell it to visitors. It is the shortest supply chain which explains the highest level of freshness of the products available at this market.

Visitors’ Tips

What to Bring and How to Buy More Wisely

Do not forget to bring the cooler bag or insulated tote because it will be useful when you will buy seafood, and also bring the money for negotiating and bargaining. Visit the market in the early morning, choose several stalls, compare them, and ask vendors about the freshest fish of the day.

Cooking Tips from the Vendors

Ask local vendors about the method of cooking of the purchased seafood – they will usually share the recipe with you whether it is grilling of hamour, safi, or frying shrimps with spices.

Why the Umm Al Quwain Fish Market Deserves Attention of Tourists

For a long time, this market of Umm Al Quwain Fish Market has become a unique place where you will be able to buy fresh seafood at fair prices in the really local atmosphere. Combine your visit to the market with nearby landmarks and parks, and you will have a great half-day tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Working Hours of the Market?

The market operates daily, and working hours vary from morning to evening, but in case of holidays, they may be different, and it will be better to check them prior to your visit.

How Can I Get to the Market Without a Car?

You need to take buses of Umm Al Quwain Fish Market which operate lines UAQ-1 and UAQ-2. They stop near the market entrance in 5-9 minutes.

Are Prices Negotiable at the Market?

Yes, they are. Bargaining is an integral part of shopping process.

Which Seafood Is Freshest, and Does It Change Depending on the Season?

The freshness of the products depends on the daily catch, but some seafood is available daily, for example, hamour, kingfish, and sheri.

Is Cleaning/Scaling of the Seafood Paid Separately?

Yes, it is paid additionally at the separate counters.

How Does the Market Compare to Similar Markets in Dubai and Sharjah?

You will usually find lower prices and fewer tourists here.

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