Santhosh Chandran
Doha
The Central Fish Market at Abu Hamour will be shifted to Umm Salal Ali on Sunday (April 9) .
According to a notice issued by the Ministry of Economy & Commerce, the last working day of the existing market at Abu Hamour (Salwa Road) will be Sunday (until 12 pm)
The Standing Committee of Central Market has instructed the allottee of shops at the new fish market at Umm Salal Ali to complete the formalities with the authority before 12 pm on Sunday.
The final auction of imported fish will be held at the existing market at Abu Hamour on Sunday, while the auction of local fish will take place at Umm Salal Ali market after the evening prayer.
The new fish market located close to Al Mazrouah Yard at Umm Salal Ali has space for more than 50 vendors. It has an auction hall and separate parking lots for trucks and customers.
A fish vendor at the existing market said,"We have completed all the formalities with the MEC and all is set for shifting. Even though the volume of business will be less for first few days, we believe, everything will be on track after a couple of days."
An employee at the market said,"We have received verbal order from the officials of the MEC to shift to the new market on Sunday."
Local business community at Umm Salal Ali, Umm Salal Mohmed, Al Sakhama and Umm al Abariq believe the move will give a major boost to their businesses.
According to an official of a real estate group, there has been substantial increase in demand for residential units in Umm Salal and Umm Salal Mohmed after the opening of the Orbital Truck Road connecting Shamal Road to Al Khor, Dukhan and Mesaieed.
Local agricultural farmers in the northern region hope that the vegetable market located close to the new Central Market will attract additional customers and boost their businesses.