Inaugural event brings together Dubai’s fishing community to celebrate the start of the season and establish a new annual tradition honouring the emirate’s maritime heritage.
Dubai, UAE – November 2026: Waterfront Market has marked the opening of Dubai’s 2026 fishing season with an inaugural celebration recognising the fishermen, industry and generations of maritime traditions that continue to shape the emirate’s seafood economy.
Bringing together Dubai’s fishing community, industry representatives and key stakeholders, the ceremony marks the beginning of Waterfront Market’s commitment to establishing an annual event dedicated to the start of the fishing season. The initiative aims to recognise the contribution of local fishermen, strengthen awareness of locally sourced seafood and celebrate the industry’s enduring importance to Dubai’s economy and cultural heritage.
The inaugural celebration was attended by Mr. Abdulnasser Ali Saeed Bin Maleeh Al Shamsi, General Manager of the Dubai Fishermen Cooperative Association, Mr. Mahmood Amin, Executive Vice President Ports, Customers and Free Zone Corporations (PCFC) and Mr. Mohammad Al-Madani, Associate Director and Senior Centre Manager at Waterfront Market.
The event also brought together representatives from key government and industry entities, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA), the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) alongside Emirati fishermen, members of the wider fishing community and seafood traders, reflecting the collective commitment to preserving Dubai’s maritime heritage and supporting the local fishing industry.
Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer of Ithra Dubai, said:
“The opening of Dubai’s fishing season is an important moment for our industry, bringing a greater variety of fresh, locally caught seafood to market. Waterfront Market connects fishermen with the traders, restaurants, businesses and consumers who rely on their daily catch. We wanted to establish an annual occasion that recognises the contribution of our fishing community, celebrates the generations of knowledge behind it and strengthens awareness of locally sourced seafood. Our ambition is to make this a defining moment in Dubai’s calendar, honouring our maritime heritage while supporting the industry’s future.”
The celebration began with a fishermen’s parade to the Fish Market, followed by opening remarks from Mohammad Al-Madani, and recognition of longstanding members and partners of the fishing and restaurant community. Traditional fishermen’s and pearl-diving chants reflected the emirate’s maritime culture, before the ceremonial bell was rung to signal the opening of the season. A symbolic unveiling and presentation of the fresh catch followed.
Operated by Ithra Dubai, Waterfront Market is Dubai’s largest food market, home to more than 800 traders, including over 500 fish and seafood traders. With approximately 400 tonnes of seafood sold each day, the market plays an important role in connecting the UAE’s fishing community with households, restaurants and businesses across Dubai.
The annual initiative aims to deepen understanding of local seafood, seasonality and responsible fishing. Following the ceremony, guests and media were invited to explore the Fish Market and meet the traders whose work brings the daily catch to customers.
Honouring Our Heritage. Sustaining Our Future.
