Dubai: A number of new markets and souqs are getting ready in Dubai with several ready to open soon, a Dubai Municipality official announced.
Several projects are currently at different stages of construction including a sprawling fish and vegetable market in Al Hamriyah that will replace the existing fish market near the Gold Souq.
“Based on the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Municipality has implemented a number of market projects in the emirate which is expected to be a big leap in the markets in the Gulf Arab region,” Eng Hussain Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said.
“These markets include Al Fahidi Market, Traditional Market, Truck Market and Pet Market,” Lootah said.
According to Lootah, Dubai Municipality has established the pet market in line with international standards, consisting of 80 shops for selling pet birds and animals along with pet food and accessories.
The pet market is equipped with a hi-tech hotel for pets in tune with the best international practices with the aim of taking care of pets when their owners are away.
“The hotel contains a clinic for the treatment of these animals according to the most advanced methods and practices,” he said.
He added that the municipality conducted some surveys which resulted in the adoption of a proposal to establish a market in the neighbourhood called occupational market in residential neighbourhoods that accommodates workers and technicians in all areas of work.
Al Fahidi, one of the major souq projects has already begun operation with a hypermarket, while 57 shops are expected to open in September. The market has a total of 145 shops, in addition to restaurants, cafeterias, jewellery stores and a money exchange. Most of the shops are rented out through tender bids.
“The traditional market has been distributed on the basis of ancient and modern traditional occupations handled by the people of UAE such as Arabian perfumeries, jalabiyas, candy and some heritage items with the participation of Architectural Heritage Society.
The truck market, which will open by the end of this year, will accommodate nearly 88 shops for the sale of large heavy-duty trucks. The building of this market has been coordinated with all heavy vehicle dealers in Dubai and a market study was conducted regarding all the requirements of the market which will be opened at the end of this year.
“All these markets are expected to provide a big leap in the economic growth of the emirate and add several new tourist attractions in the city of Dubai that always lives in the future,” Lootah said.
