Sharjah’s Souq Al Jubail received 2,205,876 in the first half of this year, selling 2,086 tonnes of fish and 2,711 tonnes of fruits and vegetables.
“Year after year, Souq Al Jubail continues to witness an increasing turnout from visitors and shoppers,” said Talal Mohamed, director of Souq Al Jubail.
“We have received visitors not only from within the emirate of Sharjah and the Emirates as a whole, but international shoppers as well.
“We are pleased with the volume of turnout and sales, which is largely due to the integrated services and value the Souq provides to its customers.
“Since its inception in 2015, the Souq has succeeded in elevating its status as one of the most important markets at the state and regional level.”
The fish section staffs over 70 employees each day and houses two cutting and cleaning sections and a barbecue station, complete with a waiting area for shoppers while their fish orders are being prepared, seasoned and grilled.
Also installed is central ventilation and air conditioning to moderate temperature and mechanisms to suction odours.
“The first section at Souq Al Jubail has shown to be extremely popular among shoppers and market visitors due to the variety of fresh local and imported fish options available throughout the year for purchase,” said Humaid Al Aleeli, acting director of the hospitality sector at Sharjah Asset Management Company.
“The fish market within the Souq is subject to the highest standards of hygiene and control. It has a distinguished position and is increasingly becoming a main destination for visitors looking for reasonably priced various types of high-quality fish.
“Shoppers can also enjoy various services including the barbecue section, equipped with the best international cooking equipment, in addition to the latest international safety systems.”
Souq Al Jubail, a project of the investment of arm of the Sharjah government, Sharjah Asset Management Company, includes 120 fruits and vegetable shops, 40 dates shops, 50 meat shops and 40 fresh fish shops.
“Fresh consumer products that meet the demands of customers, whether in the fish department, the vegetables and fruits department or the meat department, along with continuous development in the type of services and catering to feedback and ideas presented by visitors ensures constant developments and enhancements,” Mr Mohamed added.
“As an iconic tourist attraction that entices visitors from across the globe, Sharjah Asset Management works diligently to enhance the national presence of Souq Al Jubail through close follow-up and continuous development at various levels and providing facilities that make the Souq a vibrant shopping and entertainment destination.”
Earlier this month, the seventh edition of the Dates Festival began.
Running until the end of September, the event showcases several variations of dates, including Nagal, Khneizi, Bu Maan, Khalas, Khadrawi, Barhi, Lulu, Shishi, Asaba Al Arous, Bu Jibal and Ain Baqr.
All dates are sourced from local farms.
“The Dates Festival is one of the annual events which enthusiasts look forward to every year,” said Mr Mohamed of the event.
“The UAE continues to champion local foods, support and upgrade palm cultivation and enhance its competitiveness as part of the tributaries of the economy locally and internationally, as palm cultivation and its export have become an integral part of the country’s economy.”
Shoppers can also find an Etisalat outlet, ATMs, supermarkets and pharmacies at Souq Al Jubail.
