PLANS TO FRESHEN UP RAK FISH MARKETS
▶ Air-conditioning and upgrades to ventilation and drainage in the works
Proposals to redevelop Ras Al Khaimah’s fish markets will be launched next year, said the emirate’s municipality, after sellers and consumers complained about the poor facilities.
Sellers said the move was needed to modernise the markets for what is a crucial industry to the emirate, and to keep produce fresh and appealing to customers.
Ali Matar, 62, has been selling fish at Al Muairied market for more than 10 years. He said the plans should have been carried out some time ago, noting that the market in the Old City has been open for about 30 years.
“It’s not only a market. It’s also a tourist attraction and should have proper ventilation and air-conditioners to give customers and visitors the opportunity to roam comfortably, undisturbed by the smell and heat,” the Emirati said.
“Fixing and upgrading the drainage network will reduce smells and odours, which are emitted from the ice melting off the fish, and will allow visitors to take their time shopping.”
He also said that fish sellers – who use between 20 and 50 kilograms of ice – would use 50 per cent less ice if there was proper air-conditioning.
“It will save us money and effort trying to keep the fish fresh,” he said.
Ras Al Khaimah has three fish markets – one morning market with 38 stalls in the Old City, one evening market with 44 stalls in Al Muairied, and one with 10 stalls in Al Digdagah area.
Emirati Ibrahim Al Shahi, who shops at Al Muairied fish market, said customers tended to leave the area as quickly as possible because of the unpleasant smell.
“I go to the market, just pick what I want and leave immediately,” the 47-year-old said.
“The heat is unbearable in summer and it prevents many customers from spending much time at the market.
“Fish is considered one of our favourite meals, and many residents visit the market at least three times a week – these improvements should have been made years ago.”
For Emirati Sultan Al Batini, 53, it is important that Ras Al Khaimah municipality takes into consideration the “traditional spirit” of the fish markets.
He buys his fish from the market in the Old City.
“It’s considered one of the emirate’s traditional markets, and we have great memories of it,” he said.
“They shouldn’t do any major changes, especially to the outside, but only add some services and make improvements that will make everyone comfortable.”
RAK municipality said a comprehensive maintenance and development project plan was being designed to improve services.
“The development plan will include all three fish markets and will be carried out in the first quarter of 2018,” said Ayisha Darwish, head of the projects management department.
“The reason why air-conditioners are not currently available in the fish markets is because the markets were built many years ago.”
The head of the public health department said fish markets were monitored by public health inspectors to ensure the validity and quality of displayed fish as well as the continuous availability of ice.
“We also inspect means of transport and supervise fish auctions and the behaviour of traders, along with the daily clean-up and disinfection processes in all markets,” said Shayma Al Tunaiji
“Most common offences include insufficient ice on the displayed fish or during storage, or displaying fish unfit for human consumption.”