Umm Salal fish market to open on April 1

The fish market at Doha-Central Market is all set to shift to Umm Salal next month and the vendors have made preparations for the imminent shifting.

“Earlier, we were given the date of March 15 and now they have decided to shift on April 1. All the vendors are set to shift to the new venue. Even though this shifting will cause a fall in number of customers as the location might not be convenient for all our old customers,” a vendor at the fish market told The Peninsula.

This shifting may cause inconvenience to both customers and retailers, it is felt. Residents who regularly visit the Central Market said the shifting would lead to considerable difficulties. The customers would only go to a place where all their needs could be effectively met.

Meanwhile, fish prices at Central Market have slightly increased due to heavy rain. Saraj, a stall operator at the Central Market, told The Peninsula: “Due to heavy rain the price of fish has slightly increased because of the difficulty we face while fishing in rain. The regular customers are still visiting here and buying fish in bulk. They are complaining over the shifting of the market to Umm Salal as it is far.”

Sameer, a restaurant owner said: “At the Central Market, the biggest advantage for customers, especially those buying in big quantities is the availability all three items (vegetables, fruits and meat) under one roof. This shifting will cause problems for regular customers like us. We are aware of location and rates here.”

On the other hand, the fish market in Umm Salal is almost complete and there are about 20 stalls at the new market.

Usually the retail prices at the fish and meat stalls at the Central Market are lower than those at malls and hypermarkets. A stall operator at the Central Market said: "Even those requiring goods in large quantities like hoteliers would be forced to make their purchases at the fish and meat outlets in malls and major shopping centres."