With over 500 seafood stalls offering more than 350 types of fresh seafood, 75 stores selling meat and poultry, 150-plus outlets selling fruits and vegetables, and 35 dry goods and 30 spice retailers not to mention two hypermarkets, the Waterfront Market is clearly a one-stop destination for consumers in the UAE.

Centrally located with easy access via the Metro, by bus and even marine transport, the market, which also has a massive car park, is a magnet for those looking for not just fresh foodstuffs but also for a lovely weekend experience.

Friday Lite spoke with Mohammad Al Madani, Waterfront Market’s manager, to find out more.

Q: What is the USP of Waterfront Market?

The Waterfront Market is a state-of-the-art modern facility and is a key component of the Deira Enrichment Project, which aims to rejuvenate the city’s original hub, defining Dubai’s trading and commerce legacy. Renowned as the source for everything fresh and the one-stop for all essential shopping needs at a great value, the Waterfront Market also offers a plethora of food and beverage experiences lined up on its unique promenade that are guaranteed to satisfy all taste buds and offer great views over Deira Islands.

Q: With more and more people looking for good-quality fresh products, how are you ensuring the customer needs are duly satisfied?

Apart from being a one-stop shop for all fresh goods, Waterfront Market is home to the largest seafood market in the region with over 500 seafood retail stalls which offer over 350 types of the freshest seafood and fish in the UAE at competitive prices. The main fish market attracts renowned names from the hospitality and F&B industries, including Lulu Hypermarkets and Al Madina Hypermarkets. Even Emirates Airline get their fish and seafood from the Waterfront Market.

The Waterfront Market’s meat and poultry market has got a variety of meat types and cuts, with more than 75 shops and stalls to choose from. All the meat at the Waterfront is halal certified. In a bid to support the local business vendors at the meat market, we source the highest quality meat locally and regionally, while also catering to customers who wish to look for imported meat.

In addition, the fruits and vegetables market hosts more than 150 stalls that sell local and imported produce. The market is as diverse as the different nationalities and ethnic groups it caters to. Within the market, consumers can find the season’s freshest fruit and vegetables, a variety of dates and herbs, leaves and greens.

Last but not least is the Waterfront Market’s dry goods and spices market which features over 35 dry goods and 30 spice retailers, each selling a vast range of confectionary, nuts, rice, spices, pulses, cheese, grain and other dry goods. Products in this market are sold to customers by piece, kilo or in bulk.

Q: In terms of restaurant choices, people prefer to go to places that offer a unique experience. How is Waterfront Market catering to that need?

The Waterfront Market restaurants offer an unparalleled experience with a stunning sea view, stretching the length of the waterfront promenade along the gleaming Deira Corniche waterway with revamped menus and food offerings that boast rich and fresh dishes in line with the directives issued by the UAE government authorities and with extra precautionary measures to safeguard the health and safety for all those who enter the market.

The restaurants and cafes at the Waterfront Market include Yahya Seafood Restaurant, Paluto Restaurant, Sea Chef Restaurant, Kabab Shiraz, CoffeeTea Fusion Café and more.

Customers can also experience the ‘buy your fish and we will cook it for you’ service where they can purchase their choice of fresh fish from the Waterfront Market and have it cooked at the restaurant for a fee of Dh15.

Q: What are some of the key entertainment attractions at Waterfront Market?

The Waterfront Market hosts a variety of celebrations throughout the year including the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, UAE National Day, the Festive Season and more.

The Waterfront Market & Dubai Culture and Arts Authority have recently announced the return of its Murals and Art Competition, which this year will honour the UAE’s frontline workers, offering a cash prize of Dh15,000. Inspiring the community is of paramount importance to the Waterfront Market as the market aims to rejuvenate the city’s cultural scene and celebrating the Murals and Art Competition annually complements this vision.

Q: The pandemic has put health, safety and sanitisation in focus. How are you ensuring such measures are adhered to?

Waterfront Market has implemented a range of precautionary health and safety measures in order to combat the spread of Covid-19. A dedicated team has been assigned to implement a 24-hour cleaning programme, which includes disinfecting and sanitising all common areas in addition to their standard hygiene cleaning practices. Thermal cameras have been installed at all the Waterfront Market entrances to monitor staff and customers’ temperatures as they enter and numerous fixed hand sanitiser units have been installed at multiple locations in order to facilitate customers to keep sanitising their hands regularly. All customers and staff have to practice physical distancing, masks and gloves are mandatory.

In addition, all staff working at the Waterfront Market are being regularly checked by security for fever and any health issues, and are instructed to wear face mask and gloves at all times.