The cost of fish in Dubai, Sharjah, and the eastern towns has significantly increased, with certain types experiencing almost a doubling in price compared to cooler periods. Vendors and fishermen attribute this sharp increase to the reduced number of fishing boats going out to sea due to the intense summer heat and high humidity. During a visit to fish markets in Dubai and Sharjah, the Khaleej Times noted substantial price increases. Vendors mentioned that the daily supply of fish has decreased as fishermen avoid fishing in harsh summer conditions.
"Typically, we receive a robust supply of fish every day. We auction it and then sell it to our customers. However, now it's nearly half of what we used to get two months ago," explained Khalid, a vendor at the Dubai Waterfront Market. "The prices have risen because there's less fish available, and even at the auctions, prices are very high due to the limited supply."
"The prices vary every day but are generally higher in the summer," Khalid added. At both markets, the Khaleej Times observed that the scarcity has driven up the prices of popular fish such as hammour, kingfish, and Sheri. Hammour, previously priced at Dh25 per kilogram, was being sold for Dh50 to 60, while Sheri, which used to cost Dh15, was priced at Dh35. Similarly, farsh, which was available for Dh15, now costs Dh25; the highly sought-after kingfish, usually priced at Dh30 per kg for a whole fish, was available for Dh50. Seabream and sea bass, which used to cost Dh25, were priced at Dh35.
Other vendors also emphasized the impact of the reduced catch on their businesses. "We are struggling to maintain our usual sales volumes because customers are reluctant to buy at these higher prices," said Shazeb, another vendor at the Waterfront Market. "People are starting to complain, but there's little we can do. The fishermen aren't able to go out as often in this weather."
Vendors also pointed out that the price increase can be attributed to many of their regular customers being out of town during vacation, leading to less business in the market. "You can see many stalls at the market are empty with no customers. As the residents are away, there are significantly fewer buyers. In April and May, our daily selling volume was over 100 kg, now we struggle to make even 35 kg," said Abdullah, another vendor at the market.
The situation is similar at the Sharjah Al Jubail market. "We cannot set the price of the catch here. It is regulated and there is no scope for bargaining," said Muzammil Majid, a vendor at the market. "The buyers have to weigh the fish and pay the amount at the counter of the fish market. They do not hand over the cash to us," said Majid.
According to fishermen in Kalba and Khorfakkan, the price hikes are expected to continue until the weather improves and fishing activities can resume at their usual pace. "We are choosing our safety over fishing," said a fisherman based in Khorfakkan. "The sea conditions are not favorable, and it's simply too risky for us to go out in such extreme weather."
One major reason is that most of the vessels and fishing boats are parked due to lower sales as residents go on vacation for the summer holidays. "As residents are away, many fishermen have also visited their families back home, which has resulted in a scarcity of fish in the market," said the fisherman.
