• The new fish market is being built beside the old one. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon
    The new fish market is being built beside the old one. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon
  • The entrance to Mina Zayed's new fish market. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon
    The entrance to Mina Zayed's new fish market. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon
  • Construction is underway to transform Mina Zayed into a top tourist and commercial destination. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon
    Construction is underway to transform Mina Zayed into a top tourist and commercial destination. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon
  • Construction is underway to transform Mina Zayed into a top tourist and commercial destination. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon
    Construction is underway to transform Mina Zayed into a top tourist and commercial destination. Courtesy: Department of Municipalities / Modon

Heritage

A glimpse at Abu Dhabi's new fish market

The market is part of the major redevelopment of the Mina Zayed port area

The National

November 20, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Developers have released renderings of what Abu Dhabi's new fish market will look like.

The modern complex is under construction at Mina Zayed as a major redevelopment of the area is about to start.

The historic fish market has been serving customers for more than three decades and is a prominent part of the new plans.

New images show the scale of building with traditional architectural elements such as arches alongside modern facilities.

The white coloured building also includes shaded areas for restaurants and outdoor space on the upper floors with views across the area.

A new water feature also marks the entrance to the market, which aims to become a catalyst for the rejeneration of the existing Fisherman’s Wharf.

It was announced on Thursday that shops and markets can stay open during the area's landmark redevelopment.

It will bring relief to traders in the historic area known for its colourful souqs, who were worried about the future of their businesses.

The redevelopment starts in earnest on November 27 when the abandoned tower block, Mina Plaza, is demolished. The area will be temporarily closed from 7pm on Thursday, November 26 to 4pm on Friday to facilitate the demolition.

  • Traders in Mina Zayed are braced for change as a major regeneration project of Mina Zayed gathers momentum. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National
    Traders in Mina Zayed are braced for change as a major regeneration project of Mina Zayed gathers momentum. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National
  • Mohammad Riyas, from Kerala, has worked at the Mina Plant Market for ten years
    Mohammad Riyas, from Kerala, has worked at the Mina Plant Market for ten years
  • Mina Plaza Towers which will be demolished on November 27 as part of an ambitious redevelopment scheme
    Mina Plaza Towers which will be demolished on November 27 as part of an ambitious redevelopment scheme
  • Abdulla Hussein, from Pakistan, delivers pillows to the Dar Al Ain shop.
    Abdulla Hussein, from Pakistan, delivers pillows to the Dar Al Ain shop.
  • Many shop owners have operated in Mina Zayed for several years
    Many shop owners have operated in Mina Zayed for several years
  • Hassan Mohammad Ali at the pillow sales section of Dar Al Ain
    Hassan Mohammad Ali at the pillow sales section of Dar Al Ain
  • A rich array of goods are sold by the many market traders in Mina Zayed
    A rich array of goods are sold by the many market traders in Mina Zayed
  • The Jaberkhoory Household Appliances shop in the vast port area
    The Jaberkhoory Household Appliances shop in the vast port area
  • The pillows and mats section of the Dar Al Ain shop
    The pillows and mats section of the Dar Al Ain shop
  • The Mina Zayed market area will be transformed as part of plans to turn the port into a tourist attraction
    The Mina Zayed market area will be transformed as part of plans to turn the port into a tourist attraction
  • Mounir A.K. has worked at the Mina plant market for four years
    Mounir A.K. has worked at the Mina plant market for four years
  • Anna Varghese, from Kerala has owned her plant stall with her husband for 15 years
    Anna Varghese, from Kerala has owned her plant stall with her husband for 15 years
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Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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If you go

The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road. 

The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
 

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