End of heat wave drives fish prices down

Fish prices in Abu Dhabi have fallen sharply over the past few days as supply started to recover following the end of the summer heat wave and the return of many fishermen from holidays, a local newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Special Hamour (small grouper) prices lost nearly Dh90 to dip to around Dh160 per kilo while sardines were sold this week at about Dh35 per kilo, more than double the price in the previous weeks, al Khaleej said.

Kinaad and Shiri fish prices rebounded after a decline in previous weeks but most other types of fish were sold this week at far lower prices, it said.

Dealers said the decline followed what they described as price madness in the previous weeks at Abu Dhabi’s fish market near the Port of Zayed.

“The fall in prices this week is a result of better climatic conditions at Abu Dhabi coasts as this led to an increase in fish catch and consequently in supply to the market,” fish dealer Omar Ahmed said.

Another trader said the surge in supply followed the return of most fishermen from their annual and Eid holiday. Imad Shinnawi said weakening demand at this period also contributed to the sharp price decline.

“Sellers were forced to cut prices of their fish because of waning demand…without this they could have suffered losses,” he said.

Abu Dhabi is a major fish producer and consumer, with its annual demand exceeding 30,000 tonnes per year, all of which is met through local production.

The fish market is controlled by a handful of national boat owners, served by more than 500 fishermen, mostly from India.

The Abu Dhabi Municipality has sought control dealing at the market but there have been reports of persistent price violations.