Why would I spend my weekend walking around a fish market?
Just for the halibut! Puns aside, there’s plenty more to do here than scowl around a pungent, cold marketplace. But, if you are a lover of seafood, you have to eat here. There are plenty of poky restaurants to choose from, but we suggest picking your own fish, taking it to the in-market chefs who will prep it, cook it and serve it. You just have to scoff it; this is in no way glamorous so expect plastic chairs and a noisy backing track of shouting market men. That’ll all be masked by the delicious food, though.
Is there any other shopping besides fins, gills and flounders?
Absolutely, head over to the fruit and vegetable market on 20th Street to make a complete meal from scratch. It’s hard to miss the rows of stalls, jam-packed with fresh stock, as you enter the port area. It’s slightly cheaper than the supermarket and there are certainly some items you’ll have never seen before. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a pretty decent store to get plants, trees, flowers and even a selection of herbs. This is located right next to the waterfront by all the dhow ships.
There’s also a huge ACE Hardware which will save any downtowners slogging up to Yas Island and plenty of other shops for books and homeware goods.
Another popular place for shopping – and testing your bartering skills – is the carpet souk just off 20th Street in the port. You’ll find a plethora of silk and mixed weave carpets, as well as Middle Eastern cushions.
What else is there for us cultural types looking for an art scene?
A visit to Warehouse421 is a must. Enjoy the art, design, dance and music performances that have been scheduled for this urban space. The project started this November and it already has expansion plans in the pipeline. For more information on Warehouse421, visit www.warehouse421.ae.
The dhow ships look fun – but are they only for the fishermen?
Now that the weather is a lot cooler in the evenings, we suggest trying the Al Dhafra Dinner Cruise. From 7.30pm to around 10pm, hop on board one of the traditional wooden dhow ships for a leisurely cruise along the Corniche. You’ll be served an Arabic feast and, as you’d expect, seafood is very prominent on the menu. And for Dhs180 per person and Dhs90 for kids aged five to ten years old, it’s great bang for your buck. For more details on the cruise and food menu call (02 673 2288).
Only in Mina Zayed
Custom furniture
Reclaimed wood and scrap metal is transformed by Swans of London into eye-catching rustic furniture. From coffee tables to mirrors and custom pieces of your desire, check out this workshop for something unique to show off in your pad.
By appointment only. www.facebook.com/swansoflondon (052 879 1437).
