Al Mina Fish Market in Abu Dhabi

Ever wondered where all the biggest seafood restaurants in Abu Dhabi get their supply from? They all head out to the Abu Dhabi Fish Market – one of the largest and oldest fish markets in the UAE. The old fish market in Abu Dhabi, formally known as the Al Mina Fish Market is a bustling marketplace, where the area’s fishermen unload their catch for the day every morning. This place is crowded, with restaurant folks, wholesalers and individuals – all in search of the best catch.

Where is Abu Dhabi Fish Market Located?

Situated away from the mainland, Abu Dhabi Fish Market is located in the Mina Zayed Port area of Al Mina. The area, with its back-to-basics, small-town vibes is popular among locals, expats and tourists alike. One of the many jewels of Mina Port area, Al Mina Fish Market Abu Dhabi is a reflection of its surroundings – a place that allows you to enjoy the Arabic culture with its vibrancy, hospitality and bargain markets. 

Why Visit Abu Dhabi Fish Market

It’s An Experience

The initial experience of Abu Dhabi Fish Market can prove overwhelming for most. The place is noisy – thanks to the animated buyers and sellers, and the smell can be intense for those who are not used to seafood. But for someone who loves their seafood, this is the best place to be in Abu Dhabi. 

As soon as one enters the Mina Fish Market, you are welcomed by sights, sounds and smells like no other. The good part is, the smell is not always overpowering – because as soon as the aroma of cooking seafood fills the air, this large fish market seems a lot more inviting.

One-Stop Seafood Destination

The Abu Dhabi Fish Market is the place where fishermen from all around the region bring their freshest catch to sell. This is where you’ll find the most diverse variety of seafood available for sale, with sellers hawking their offerings in multiple languages. 

The exciting array of seafood you can find here includes clams, crabs, cuttlefish, hammour, tuna, shrimp, shark, skate and popular regional fish at the Mina Fish Market. Of course, the available variety depends on the season and time of the year. 

Enjoy Fresh-Cooked Seafood   

Once you’ve picked up your catch, it’s now time to enjoy the delicious seafood fare. Why wait to get home when you can enjoy the fresh flavours then and there. Spot one of the men in red to get your seafood cleaned. They charge a nominal fee for the work and you can skip cleaning the seafood at home altogether – that is if you’re taking it home.  

Most people simply take their cleaned and de-veined seafood to one of the restaurants in Abu Dhabi Fish Market and get it cooked right away. There are a handful of restaurants near Al Mina Fish Market, including the Gandofly Seafood Restaurant, Sea House Restaurant & Grills, and Bait Al Bhar. 

There’s More to Binge On

Now, what’s freshly cooked seafood without add-ons or something to go with it? Thankfully, you can easily find snack and juice stalls within the Abu Dhabi Fish Market. So, even when you’re visiting on the hotter days, a glass of fresh mango juice or the avocado juice can prove to be absolutely refreshing. 

These stalls even serve some delicious quick bites, including bread and salads. Something you shouldn’t miss out on is the garlic salad that pairs extremely well with the fresh-cooked fish. 

It’s Cheap

Ever felt the pain of paying around AED 100 for a dish of prawns at one of the fancier restaurants in Abu Dhabi? If you have, finding fresh tiger prawns for less than AED 50 per kg would make you ecstatic. The Abu Dhabi Fish Market is THAT cheap. 

It’s the best value bargain for fresh-caught seafood you’ll find anywhere in the capital. All items are sold by the kg, even the fish. So if you have a fair idea of prices for seafood being sold at the in-town supermarkets, you can even haggle a bargain.  

You Can Also Shop Around Nearby

Perhaps the best thing about the Abu Dhabi Fish Market location is that the area is dotted with outdoor stalls and shops, alongside the larger souks. The combination can result in one of the most budget-friendly shopping trips you can have in Abu Dhabi. 

The most prominent players in the area beside the fish market are the carpet souk and the fruit and vegetable souks. Located right across the street from the Mina Fish Market, these souks are a window into the old-school business norms of the Mina Zayed region. Buy the freshest fruits and vegetable produce priced by the kilo from the Abu Dhabi Vegetable Market. 

If you’re looking for Arabian home décor, Abu Dhabi Carpet Souk has you covered. From gorgeous carpets and special Yemeni mattresses to unique handcrafted cushions perfect for creating a majlis at home – you’ll find everything you need to give your home that Middle-Eastern look. And all of that comes at prices too tempting to resist. 

How to Reach Mina Fish Market in Abu Dhabi

The easiest way to reach Al Mina Fish Market is to drive all the way there. For those renting apartments in Al Mina, it’s a short 5-minute drive away. Whereas those living in Al Khalidiya can reach the Mina Fish Market Abu Dhabi location after a 15-minute drive. 

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to reach Abu Dhabi Fish Market, take the bus. A 15-minute bus ride from Al Wahda Terminal to Al Mina Fish Market costs AED 5. This is as cheap as it gets. If you’re new to capital, it’s best to familiarise yourself with public transportation in Abu Dhabi. An alternative to the bus ride is the taxi or the ride-sharing services available in Abu Dhabi. 

Important Information

Refer to the following information in case you’re doubtful about Abu Dhabi Fish Market timings, location or contact details. 

• Location: Dhow Harbour, Mina Port Zayed – Al Mina
• Timings: 07:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-670-3888

While the Abu Dhabi Fish Market contact details may come in handy, it is always better to just head out to the market early in the day instead of waiting for the market to respond. This will help you avoid misinformation and thronged spaces.

To sum it up, a trip to Al Mina Fish Market in Abu Dhabi is an experience like no other. Besides bagging the freshest catch from the sea, you tend to save a good amount of money. But like most other places with cultural significance, it’s not about the money – it’s about the treasure you take back with you. 

For someone who loves to experience things the local way, the feeling of enjoying perfectly cooked, fresh-caught seafood while seated on a lobster pot looking over the Mina Port Zayed is worth way more than just the savings. The famous Fish Market in Sharjah is a similar version of the Mina Fish Market Abu Dhabi – do visit it when you get a chance.

If you’re looking for more affordable places to shop, try out the souks in Abu Dhabi. And if you’re someone who values great experiences over everything else, explore what’s it like to go fishing in Abu Dhabi.