All you need to know about the Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market
Planning a trip to the northern emirates? Well, no tour of RAK is complete without getting your hands on the best fresh local fish and seafood at the Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market. Even if you’re not looking to purchase anything, it’s still well worth visiting this traditional fish market to see it in breathtaking action and experience the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s oldest industries in full flow.
ALL ABOUT THE RAS AL KHAIMAH FISH MARKET
The Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market reflects the old ways of doing business. As a traditional market place, there are no online transactions or customer feedback forms. Fishermen arrive from the harbour and unload their fresh catch during the early morning hours. Customers flock to the area, which then starts the traditional open-air bidding process. If you haven’t witnessed haggling over fresh seafood like this before, it will be a fascinating experience.
What happens at the RAK Fish Markets is a world away from the bidding process on eBay. If you are visiting as a tourist, it is probably advisable not to get in the way of these business transactions. This is a serious business for the people involved in the process. If you’re not buying, it’s advised to view from a reasonable distance. You’ll still catch all the action and the buzz of the atmosphere is impossible to miss.
Once you’re inside the market, the temptation to get yourself a fresh local catch might be too heavy to ignore. If that’s the case, remember to haggle respectfully. That is just how things work at the Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market. Remember though, if you can’t the deal you’re looking for from a vendor, there’s always other options. Haggling is not for everyone so, for a bit too shy to negotiate for the right price, our advice would be to bring along a friend who’s a bit more comfortable in those kind of situations. The vendors here expect customers to haggle; so, it might an idea to brush up on those negotiation skills before coming to the market.
Once you agree upon a price, the fish and other items you choose will be taken to an outside area where they will be gutted and cleaned.
MUAIRIDH FISH MARKET
While most fish comes from the Old Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market in the morning, late risers can also head to the Muairidh market in the evening to buy exotic and local seafood. The entire marketplace was renovated in 2019 to add new counters for better presentation of the fish and other seafood. Additionally, the chopping and washing areas were rebuilt, and digital scales were added to bring transparency.
To make customers’ trips to the market a more pleasant experience, the management has designed spacious and air-conditioned waiting spots. Now visitors can stand in peace to decide which type of seafood they want to buy and which vendor they prefer. Whilst all these initiatives have improved the overall experience, the traditional quintessential essence of the market has been retained.
There is also another fish market in Al Daqdaqa area.
RAK FISH MARKET’S ONLINE PRESENCE
While the merchant’s selling methods are old school in nature, they certainly don’t shy away from using social media to attract potential customers. Before you visit the RAK Fish Market, it’s worth checking out the Instagram accounts titled “Rak_fisherman” and “Khalifahareeb” to see what’s on offer. You will get a fair idea about what to expect, what type of seafood is available in the season and the price range. It’s a good way to prepare for your visit.
HOME DELIVERY SERVICE
If you don’t want to visit the market, it’s fairly a simple process to order your favourite fish, prawns, crabs, octopus or calamari for home delivery. That’s right. Fresh seafood from RAK fish markets can be delivered to your doorstep. This change came about relatively recently as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions. Since the market’s routine business was closed, merchants decided to take up this option for their customers’ convenience.
Each home delivery has an AED 15 charge per order. The extra charges cover delivery and the cost of ice, which is used to keep your order fresh.
Another option to avoid the customer rush is to get your order delivered to the market’s parking area. A staff worker will take your order in the parking along with the payment. He will then proceed to make the purchase and return soon with your order. This saves you that extra AED 15.
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE RAS AL KHAIMAH FISH MARKET TIMINGS?
The Old Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market opens very early in the morning. Fishermen sell their catch, nice and fresh. What better way to start your day than buying some freshly caught seafood and having it for an early lunch?
WHAT IS RAS AL KHAIMAH FISH MARKET LOCATION?
The Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market location is located in the Old Market Area of Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road.
CAN WOMEN AND CHILDREN VISIT THE MARKET?
As it is an open market place, there are no restrictions on women and children visiting the Ras Al Khaimah fish market. Women, however, have to wear modest clothes.
WHAT TYPE OF ATMOSPHERE CAN I EXPECT AT RAK FISH MARKET?
The venue is a lively and busy market place, but remember, this isn’t just a tourist spot. It is where people run their businesses. Everyone is welcome to participate or observe as long as they don’t get in the way of the market’s business transactions.
Also, given it is a fish market, a little bit of a pungent odour has to be expected. You have to come prepared for that, mentally. Especially if children are accompanying you, it will most probaly take a couple of minutes for them to get used to the smell.
Whether you are a resident or a tourist, a trip is to this bustling market is so merited. You’ll see a traditional fish market in full swing, plus you get the opportunity to buy lovely fresh seafood at fantastic prices. A hot plate of garlic prawns, a healthy dose of baked fish or some crackling crabs, you can find everything here.
Each emirate has its own fish market. Dubai residents can visit the Jumeirah fish market. Those living in Ajman can check out the Ajman fish market. Abu Dhabi has Al Mina fish market. Last but certainly not least, the bustling Sharjah fish market is well worth your time.
Visit MyBayut to learn about the best tourist spots in RAK.
