UAE fish markets have seen a significant increase in seafood prices, particularly in major cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, as regional tensions continue to impact the supply chain.

Fishmongers and market vendors report that reduced fishing activity and higher operational costs are contributing to the price surge, which has left some customers shocked by the sudden escalation in their grocery bills.

Muhammed Yakub, a resident of Abu Dhabi who regularly buys seafood at a local mall, recently experienced the change firsthand. “I have been travelling for the last month and hadn’t been shopping. When I returned last week, I went to buy seafood and was taken aback by the prices,” Yakub said.

He added that his favorite fish was now nearly 70 percent more expensive than just a few weeks prior, echoing the feedback of many shoppers.

Reports indicate that consumers in Dubai are encountering similar challenges. Mohammed Khalid, a resident of Lulu Village in Al Qusais, who frequents the Deira Waterfront market, noted a substantial price hike during his recent shopping trip.

“Every fortnight, I usually spend around Dh200 on seafood and get about 8kg, but this time, I settled for just 4kg,” said Khalid. His vendor explained that due to regional conflict, many fishing boats are refraining from going out to sea, thereby restricting supply and inflating prices.

Ashfaq, an engineer who shops at a fish market in Dubai, shared a similar experience, stating that even regular discounts are no longer available.

“My usual vendor, who previously gave us a good discount, asked us not to request any price cuts,” he noted. According to vendors, the increase in prices has led to a noticeable decline in sales, with customers purchasing smaller quantities of seafood.

Shahrez Khan, a vendor at a Dubai market, said, “Many of our loyal customers are now hesitant to buy expensive seafood. Instead of buying their usual amount, they are taking nearly half.” Khan added that vendors are now limiting their stock to avoid wastage, as unsold fish lose their freshness and are challenging to sell later.

This year, the price of Hammour, a popular choice, has seen a dramatic spike. Typically sold for Dh25 to Dh35 per kg, it now costs over Dh55.

Other popular varieties, such as Sheri and seabass, have also become more expensive. “Sheri, which is usually priced at Dh15 to Dh20 per kg, now starts at Dh30, while seabass has risen from Dh25 to Dh35,” said Samad Alangar, another vendor.

In Sharjah, seafood prices have only seen a modest increase, according to local traders. Muhammed Hashim, a fish vendor in Sharjah, explained that the prices are standardized across stalls, unlike in other markets where prices fluctuate based on vendor discretion.

Meanwhile, towns like Kalba and Khor Fakkan, which source seafood from nearby waters, have managed to maintain stable pricing.

Mohammed Apkar, a fish trader in Khor Fakkan, explained, “In the eastern towns, smaller boats go out for fishing and do not venture deep into the sea. This has prevented any significant impact on pricing.”

Apkar added that international fishing boats typically bring their catches to larger cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, bypassing smaller markets in the eastern region.

As seafood prices remain high, many UAE residents are forced to adjust their shopping habits, buying smaller quantities or opting for more affordable alternatives in an attempt to manage their budgets amid escalating costs.