Emirati broker guides daily life at Fujairah fish market
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Salem Al Balushi, a 60-year-old Emirati man, has worked as a fish broker at the Fujairah fish market in the United Arab Emirates for over 17 years.
He learned the trade by observing another broker, Abdullah bin Suleiman, and now opens the daily auctions by announcing prices with a loudspeaker. Al Balushi estimates the starting price for fish based on his market experience, allowing buyers to bid and drive the price higher.
He begins his day before dawn, meeting with fishermen before the market opens and continuing work until late in the evening. The way he sells fish varies depending on the type, quantity, and demand, sometimes selling by the piece and other times by the kilogram. Prices are also affected by weather and season. Al Balushi notes sales at the market can range from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 depending on the day’s catch.
He says the Fujairah market is known for receiving fresh fish directly from local fishermen, even live fish, attracting buyers from across the UAE including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He views his work as more than a job, building friendships throughout the region and considering the entire country his family.
