Everything you need to know about the Jumeirah Fish Market

If you are a pescetarian or just a diehard seafood buff, we are sure you are always looking for fresh seafood in Dubai. The Jumeirah Fish Market or Souq Al Bahar for Fish is the best location to get affordable and fresh catch of the day in Dubai. Located in Umm Suqeim 1, Jumeirah Beach Road, the market is in close proximity to the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour and Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC).

This consumer-friendly fish market was a much-needed upgrade for the nearby residents who previously had to drive all the way to the Shindagha market, located near the Gold Souk, to buy fresh, cheap seafood in Dubai.

Why should you visit the Jumeirah Fish Market?

The Jumeirah Fish Market is a one-stop destination for seafood lovers. This quaint little fish market is open every day of the week. Head over to the market when you crave lobster, fish, tiger prawns, shrimps or other varieties of seafood without spending a fortune. The market is clean, hygienic, organised and well maintained, all thanks to the Dubai Municipality.

Jumeirah Fish Market history

The literal translation of Souq Al Bahar in English is “market of the seas” and the title befits this small but convenient seafood market in Dubai. The Jumeirah Fish Market was established by the Dubai Municipality back in January 2014 to cater to the residents living in Umm Suqeim, Umm Suqeim 1 and Jumeirah 3.

The shopping experience at Jumeirah Fish Market

Jumeirah Fish Market has some of the best seafood in Dubai. The market is a huge relief for the residents of Jumeirah and other upscale communities nearby. Before the establishment of Souq Al Bahar for Fish in 2014, residents either had to buy their seafood from local supermarkets (mostly the frozen ones) or drive all the way to Old Dubai to buy fresh seafood.

Jumeirah Fish Market has over 40 stalls with more than 50 different types of fish and other popular seafood. The best seafood restaurants in Dubai rely on this fish market for its seafood supply. Located at the heart of Umm Suqeim fishing harbour the catch is always fresh out of the sea.

One of the highlights of the market is a dedicated cutting area. The separate cutting space keeps the rest of the market clean and relatively odour-free. If you need to have your fish or other seafood cut, cleaned and filleted simply take it to the cutting section to save yourself from the hassle of gutting and cleaning your seafood.

When is the best time to buy seafood at Jumeirah Fish Market

The best time to visit the market is early morning. Each day the fresh catch starts to arrive by 06:00 am. Salesmen work independently, they buy their stock directly from the fishermen each day through a blind auction where the hawker is unaware of the actual weight of the fish until purchase. The stock arrives once or twice depending on the demand and customer influx and season.

Souq Al Bahar for Fish is among the best and most affordable fish places in Dubai. The best time to pay a visit to the market is on weekends. Fridays are crowded as more expats choose to visit the market on the weekend while Sundays are normally not that busy.

Bargaining is an essential element of most of the best fish places in Dubai and Jumeirah Fish Market is no different. Haggling with hawkers is important if you’re looking for a bargain.

Types of fish and seafood at Jumeirah Fish Market

The market has a huge variety of seafood from the local Arabian Gulf while some types of fish are flown in from other areas like India, Pakistan, Oman, and European countries. You can even have fresh Atlantic salmon or giant lobsters flown in from Norway.

There is a variety of seafood in the Indian Ocean near Oman. The area is popular for their giant crabs, prawns and shrimps. 

The market has a range of fresh seafood procured locally from the Arabian Gulf not far from the shores of Dubai. Some of the local variety of fish include:

• Faskar
• Koffer
• Schaam
• Laisar
• Sheri
• Sea bream
• Sardines
• White mullet
• White tuna
• Hammour
• Kingfish
• Safi
• Jesh
• Prawns
• Crabs
• King crab
• Lobster

Places to eat near the fish market

Grab a bite after seafood shopping at the different Jumeirah Fish Market restaurants, apart from KFC there are other options for you to try. 

Seaview

If you feel peckish after all the seafood shopping, head to Seaview, a Jumeirah Fish Market restaurant. This restaurant is considered a must-visit spot if you are visiting the fish market. Seaview restaurant is an idyllic spot facing the fishing harbour where you can see different types of boats and yachts. The restaurant specialises in seafood and fish with a special “catch of the day” on the menu. The restaurant has its own fishing boat that brings in fresh seafood and fish every day.

• Opening hours: Everyday 12:00 pm – 12:00 midnight
• Average cost for two: AED 180
• Location: Fishing Harbour, Al Fintaas Street, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-333-5552

Mado

If you want something other than from seafood, your best option is Mado. The restaurant serves Turkish cuisine. Some of the most popular menu items from Mado are baklava, Turkish tea, Adana kebab, lemonade, Turkish coffee, Turkish breakfast and different types of pasta.

• Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 08:00 am – 01:00 am, Thursday and Friday 08:00 am – 02:00 am
• Average cost for two: AED 260
• Location: Beside Miraj Islamic Art Center, Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-222-2338

How to reach Jumeirah fish market in Dubai?

If you’re travelling from Umm Suqeim 1 by car, take the D94 via Jumeirah street to reach your destination within 9 to 10 minutes.

Jumeirah Fish Market opening times, location and contact details 

Here is a quick snippet of Jumeirah Fish Market address, timing and other important information.

• Jumeirah Fish Market location: Alyasaat Fish Trading LLC, 186 4c St, Dubai, Jumeirah1, Dubai 
• Jumeirah Fish Market timings: The Jumeirah Fish Market opening hours are from 06:00 am to 08:00 pm every day.
• Jumeirah Fish Market contact number: +971-050-561-4386

That’s all from our review of the Jumeirah Fish Market Dubai. The city has other fish markets as well like the Waterfront Market in Deira where you will find fresh seafood, groceries, vegetables, places to eat and much more. The capital city has a bustling fish market as well, Al Mina Fish Market in Abu Dhabi is a one-stop seafood destination for Abu Dhabi residents. Similarly, residents in Sharjah get their seafood fix from Souq Al Jubail, popularly known as the Sharjah Fish Market.