The visit is part of a series of field trips conducted by the MOCCAE team to meet with workers and other stakeholders under the Ministry’s mandate and listen to their feedback. The trips seek to address the stakeholders’ needs and the challenges they face, and provide them with the necessary assistance to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries industry in the UAE.

Speaking on the visit, His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi said: “MOCCAE is keen on monitoring and supporting the sectors that fall under its mandate. Forms of support include establishing an integrated legislative and regulatory framework to govern the sectors, launching programs and initiatives that drive their growth, and carrying out field visits and tours to follow up on the latest developments. The Ministry aims to promote sustainability across all sectors in line with the guidance of the wise UAE leadership, as well as the goals of the UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071.”

An MOCCAE team, including His Excellency Sultan Al Habsi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector, Salah Al Rayssi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity & Marine Life Sector, and Mohammed Al Zaabi, Director of the Environmental Compliance Department, accompanied the Minister on the tour.

Lachlan Gyde, Executive Director – Retail, Residential & Commercial at Ithra Dubai – the owner of the Waterfront Market, Mohammad Al-Madani, Centre Manager of the Waterfront Market, Adel Al Harmoodi, Director of Operations at the Waterfront Market, and Khalid Al Awadhi, Assistant Director General of the Environmental, Health and Safety Control Sector at Dubai Municipality, were also present during the visit.

His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi met with a group of fish traders and fishermen, listened to their concerns, and was briefed on the system of selling fish and distributing them to other markets. During the conversation, he emphasized the importance of the fishing sector and related professions, and the keenness of the Ministry and other concerned authorities in the country to provide all necessary support.

The Minister called on fish traders and fishermen to comply with the laws governing the fishing profession to preserve local fisheries and ensure the sustainability of fish stock and of the sector as a whole.

Open since June 2017, the Waterfront Market in Dubai is one of the largest fish markets in the UAE. Spanning an area of ​​120,000 square meters, the market provides a platform for selling fish and other food products from the UAE and abroad, in addition to serving as a distribution point for fish exports.

The prime destination for consumers looking for fresh, high-quality, and competitively priced food items comprises several sections dedicated to fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, as well as dry goods, such as spices, nuts, and honey.

The market offers several advantages for fishermen, including easily accessible and well-organized loading docks, an air-conditioned auction hall, and an ice factory to preserve the freshness of the fish.