Fish Market – Mina Zayed

Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s historic Zayed Port, Fish Market – Mina Zayed is a premier destination for seafood lovers across the UAE. The facility combines a pristine, modern market hall with a vibrant dining experience, redefining how residents and visitors enjoy the freshest catch from the Arabian Gulf and beyond. Visitors can hand-pick their seafood from an astonishing array of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans displayed on ice, then have it cleaned, filleted, and cooked on-site at one of the surrounding live cooking stations. The result is an unmatched farm-to-table—or rather sea-to-table—experience in Abu Dhabi Emirate.

This isn't just a place to buy groceries; it's a culinary adventure. The market is renowned for its impeccable cleanliness, superb organization, and commitment to freshness. Customers rave about the ability to personally select everything from delicate local hamour and sea bream to exotic imported varieties, before handing it over to expert cooks who grill or fry it to perfection. Whether you're a home cook looking for the finest ingredients or a foodie eager to feast on expertly prepared seafood by the waterfront, Fish Market – Mina Zayed delivers on every level. The experience is further enhanced by the reasonable prices and friendly, multilingual service, making it a must-visit landmark in Abu Dhabi.

The Freshest Catch: Market & Selection

The beating heart of Fish Market – Mina Zayed is its vast selection of fresh fish and seafood. Sourced daily from local fishermen and international suppliers, the inventory spans hundreds of varieties, many of which are unfamiliar even to well-traveled Europeans. The market is meticulously organized, with crystal-clear ice beds showcasing the brilliant colors and textures of the ocean's bounty.

• Local Gulf Treasures: Hamour, sheri, kingfish, safi, and sea bass are among the local favorites, prized for their delicate flavor and firm flesh.
• Shellfish & Crustaceans: Piles of succulent prawns, langoustines, lobsters, crabs, and mussels offer endless possibilities for a luxurious meal.
• Exotic Imports: Discover specialties from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, bringing rare species that add a unique twist to any dish.
• Custom Preparation: Complimentary cleaning and filleting services are provided by skilled fishmongers, who remove scales, fins, and internal organs exactly how you want them.
• Take-Away Freshness: Purchase your seafood to cook at home, packed with ice to ensure peak freshness during transport.

What We Offer

Beyond the raw seafood counters, the on-site dining service is what truly sets Fish Market – Mina Zayed apart. Several kitchens and barbecue grills line the perimeter, ready to transform your chosen seafood into a mouthwatering feast. There’s no menu in the traditional sense—you dictate your meal by your selection and preferences. The air is filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling spices, charcoal, and the ocean.

• Live Cooking Stations: Expert chefs grill, fry, or broil your seafood right before your eyes. Spice levels and cooking styles are customized to your taste.
• Outdoor Dining Area: Enjoy your meal at clean, communal tables just steps from the market. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and authentic, though the area is not air-conditioned, making winter evenings particularly popular.
• Grilled Specialties: The signature offering is whole fish or fillets grilled over charcoal, often accompanied by traditional rice, fresh salads, and tangy sauces.
• Fried Favorites: Lightly battered and fried prawns, calamari, or fish strips are a huge hit with families and groups.

Why Customers Choose Us

Feedback from thousands of visitors highlights the unique combination of quality, service, and atmosphere that makes this market stand out. It is more than a transactional stop; it’s a destination where trust meets entertainment. The business has earned a stellar reputation, with a 4.6-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, reflecting consistent customer satisfaction.

The core pillars of our appeal include:

• Unbeatable Freshness: With a direct supply chain from the sea to the ice beds, the quality of seafood here is unmatched in any supermarket or restaurant.
• Transparent Pricing: Customers repeatedly praise the prices as “super super super,” offering incredible value for the quality and quantity provided. You know exactly what you are paying for.
• Impeccable Hygiene: The modern market hall is kept spotless, a fact noted in nearly every review. High standards of cleanliness apply to both the retail and dining zones.
• Interactive Experience: The freedom to choose each piece of seafood personally and watch it being cooked provides a level of engagement and trust that few restaurants can replicate.
• Generous Portions: Whether you're dining for two or a crowd of ten, the cooking stations serve up hearty plates that satisfy the biggest appetites.
• Digital Convenience: The dedicated mobile app (available on iOS and Android) allows tech-savvy customers to pre-order or explore the market’s offerings digitally.

Serving Abu Dhabi & Abu Dhabi Emirate

Centrally situated at 159 Al Doum Street within the Zayed Port – Harbour district, Fish Market – Mina Zayed serves as a culinary cornerstone for the entire capital region. The location is easily accessible from downtown Abu Dhabi, the Corniche, and surrounding communities, with ample parking available nearby. As part of the revitalized Mina Zayed area, the market benefits from its proximity to other attractions, including neighbouring seafood restaurants like Virona Restaurant & Grills and the broader Abu Dhabi Fishermen Cooperative Society ecosystem. We proudly serve a diverse clientele—local Emirati families, expatriate communities, tourists, and culinary professionals all mingle here, united by a love for the sea.

Hours, Location & Directions

The market operates with hours designed to capture the early-morning catch and serve the lunch and dinner crowds. We recommend calling ahead or checking the official website for the most current schedule, particularly during Ramadan and public holidays.

Operating Hours: The facility generally reopens each Wednesday at 8:00 AM after a brief closure, welcoming visitors throughout the week. Peak hours typically fall around midday and early evening, especially on weekends when families gather for a leisurely feast.

Getting Here:

• Address: 159 Al Doum St, Zayed Port – Harbour, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
• Parking: The New Fish Market Car Parking area is located directly adjacent, with additional public parking lots and street parking available.
• Public Transport: The market is integrated into the city’s public transport network, with nearby bus stops and taxi stands making it accessible without a car.
• Map Coordinates: G97G+P8 Abu Dhabi.

Questions Visitors Ask

Newcomers often wonder about the process and what to expect. Here are some of the most common queries to help you prepare for your visit.

Do I pay for the seafood and cooking separately?

Yes. The process is transparently split: you first select and pay for your raw seafood at the market stall. Then, you take your purchase to one of the independent cooking kitchens and pay a separate cooking fee based on weight. This keeps costs fair and customizable.

Can I bring my own spices or have the fish prepared plain?

Absolutely. The cooks are highly accommodating. Whether you want a traditional Emirati spice blend, a simple lemon-garlic treatment, Indian masala, or just grilled plain with salt, simply instruct the chef at the station.

Is all the seafood locally caught?

While a large portion is fresh from the Arabian Gulf, the market also imports premium seafood from Oman, Yemen, and as far as the Red Sea, ensuring a diverse selection year-round. Staff can identify which items are local versus imported.