What would the two gentlemen at this fish-counter in the 1970's make of the glittering new fish hall that will open in Abu Dhabi after Eid Al Adha?
This photograph from our sister paper Al Ittihad captures a customer examining what seems to be salted fish down at the old market in Mina Zayed. If there was any doubt about the date of the photograph, the massive collar and giant flares worn by the customer give the game away. That and the fact that the vendor is about to light up a cigarette while standing over his stock.
It will be very different in the new market, which will handle the catch from up to 500 boats at 75 stalls. The market will be in the basement of Mushrif Mall and run by Lulu Hypermarkets. Customers will be able to have their fish cooked on demand and eat it in a seating area.
Hopefully the new market will also be a no-flares as well as a no-smoking zone.
*James Langton
