Dubai’s Waterfront Market breaks records with 800-tonne daily food trade
Latest expansion adds gourmet zones from cheese to specialty coffee
DUBAI – The Waterfront Market, a cornerstone of Dubai’s food economy and one of the region’s busiest trading destinations, has achieved record-breaking trade volumes.
As the city’s largest hub for fresh food, the market is home to more than 800 traders and now handles over 800 tonnes of produce daily – including an impressive 600 tonnes of seafood.
“Waterfront Market has become a central force in supporting Dubai’s food trade, bringing together fishermen, local and global traders, international suppliers, and customers each day. Our recent volumes reflect both the trust of our traders and the strength of our infrastructure, which continues to grow in step with the city’s needs,” said Mohammad Al-Madani, Waterfront Market Manager.
“We are proud to play a critical role across all major fresh food categories, contributing directly to the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 by ensuring reliable access to fresh food for shoppers and companies,” he added.
Dubai’s seafood engine
At the heart of the Market’s success is seafood – a vibrant sector that defines its daily rhythm. Over 600 tonnes of fish and seafood are traded every day, making it one of the largest seafood trading hubs in the Middle East.
More than 500 seafood traders bring together 260 species, ranging from the UAE’s prized Hamour and King Fish to premium global catches such as Seabream and Emperor Fish. The dried seafood section adds another dimension, with over 50 varieties – 70% of all seafood is locally sourced, while 30% of dried fish is imported from international markets.
Each morning, the Market’s live auction transforms the waterfront into a scene of brisk trade, attracting buyers from across the country. The auctions, a signature of Dubai’s maritime trading legacy, remain one of the busiest of their kind in the region.
Beyond the fish halls
While seafood drives the daily momentum, the Market thrives as a comprehensive food destination. More than 300 traders manage Dubai’s demand for fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, dry goods and spices.
The Fruits and Vegetables Market alone sources produce from 80 local farms and imports from all continents, offering over 160 types of fresh produce. In the Meat and Poultry Market, customers can find everything from premium cuts sourced internationally to rare products like quail and ostrich eggs.
The Dry Goods and Spices Market adds a sensory flourish with more than 250 varieties of dates, nuts, grains and spices, ensuring that the aromas of global trade continue to linger in Dubai’s air. Together, these offerings reflect the Market’s unique role in serving a diverse customer base of over 180 nationalities – from families and individual shoppers to the city’s top restaurants and hotels.
Market-to-Table concept
Waterfront Market’s recent growth is not limited to trade volumes. Responding to evolving tastes and culinary trends, the Market has expanded its offerings with new sections dedicated to cheese and dairy, alongside the introduction of specialty coffee roasteries.
These additions complement existing experiences like the Market-to-Table concept – where visitors can choose fresh seafood from the stalls and have it prepared to order in the Market’s waterfront restaurants. The space also features dedicated seafood cleaning services, adding to the convenience that draws thousands of daily visitors.
Dubai’s culinary heartbeat
The Waterfront Market is far more than a place of commerce – it is a living expression of Dubai’s identity as a global trading city. Here, traditional fishermen, international traders, and culinary experts share a space that celebrates both heritage and innovation.
Operated by Ithra Dubai, the Market plays a key role in advancing Dubai’s long-term food security goals. Ithra Dubai, wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), is known for landmark developments including One Za’abeel and the Dubai Gold Souk Extension – both pivotal in defining Dubai’s urban and commercial landscape.
Through the Waterfront Market, Ithra Dubai strengthens the city’s position as a global hub for food trade. Its strategic location near Dubai International Airport and major transport routes ensures seamless connections for the import and distribution of fresh produce. The Market also serves as a procurement hub for the city’s hospitality and retail sectors, supplying premium ingredients to award-winning chefs, luxury hotels, and restaurant groups.