Dubai Waterfront Market (WFM), the emirate’s largest food market and home to more than 800 traders, has reinforced its role as the backbone of Dubai’s food ecosystem with record seafood trading activity and strong performance across its wider offering.
On average, the market trades more than 800 tonnes of fresh food daily, underscoring its significance as a central hub for both wholesale and community trade.
Mohammad Al-Madani, WFM Manager, said: “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.
“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”.
Dubai Waterfront Market seafood sales
At both wholesale and retail levels, more than 600 tonnes of seafood are traded every day, supplied by local fishermen and international sources.
Around 500 seafood traders offer over 260 varieties – from staples such as hamour and king fish to unique catches including seabream and emperor fish – alongside more than 50 dried-fish varieties.
Approximately 70 per cent of seafood is sourced from UAE waters, while 30 per cent of dried fish is imported globally.
The live auction, held daily, remains a defining feature of the market and draws traders from across the country, making it one of the busiest seafood-trading platforms in the region.
Fresh-food portfolio
Beyond seafood, Dubai Waterfront Market hosts more than 300 traders across fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, and dry goods and spices.
The Fruits and Vegetables Market features produce from over 80 local farms and imports from every continent, offering more than 160 varieties.
Traders at the Meat and Poultry Market supply premium cuts from multiple countries as well as niche items such as quail eggs and the rare ostrich egg.
Meanwhile, the Dry Goods and Spices Market caters to buyers with more than 250 varieties of dates, nuts, grains and spices.
Collectively, these categories serve over 180 nationalities, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh food for Dubai’s residents, hospitality sector and businesses.
Customer demand
To meet rising customer demand, WFM continues to expand its offerings and support business partners across the food sector.
Recent additions include a dedicated cheese and dairy section and new specialty coffee roasteries, complementing existing experiences such as the Market-to-Table concept, where visitors can select fresh seafood and have it cooked at on-site restaurants.
The market’s daily live seafood auction and dedicated cleaning facilities add further convenience and underline WFM’s status as the region’s leading integrated fresh-food destination.
