Souq: Ocean's bounty

Open every day from about 3am to receive the first loads of fresh fish, Dubai's fish souq is a hive of activity. Colourful and full of energy, it is a place where all walks of life come together to purchase the ocean's bounty.

According to fishmongers, most of the fish originates from Oman, Dubai and Sharjah, and is transported from the boats to the souq in refrigerated trucks.

Long rows of ice trays display a wide range of delicacies, from the ever-popular hammour and prawns to more prized commodities such as shark fins.

Each tray is manned by between four to six fishmongers, who say that Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays see the highest numbers of customers flocking to the souq.

The rest of the week is dominated by buyers from restaurants and supermarkets.

However, according to many of the men working in Dubai's souq, the appeal of the fish souq is dwindling as more customers opt to buy fish from supermarkets.

The fish souq, which is located near the Deira Corniche in the Shindagha area, is full of vibrant characters - from longtime fishmongers to loyal customers and bargain hunters.