Ithra Dubai, a leading real estate developer in Dubai, UAE, has announced the relocation of traders from Deira Fish Market to the brand-new 104,373-sq-m Waterfront Market on new Deira Corniche in Dubai.

Waterfront Market carries on the legacy of the Deira Fish Market, which traces its history back to the very early days of Dubai, said the statement from Ithra Dubai.

The company is wholly-owned by Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the principal investment arm of the government.

The move from Deira Fish Market to Waterfront Market will be a smooth transition for all traders with steps being put in place to ensure continuity, said the developer.

The Waterfront market welcomed the traders to their new facility with a tour of the premises. The reaction was extremely positive with many impressed by the fresh clean new look, it stated.

On the tour, traders were shown through all the areas and extra features introduced to make their life easier.

The new market boasts several hitech facilities aimed at improving efficiency and creating less waste of produce with chiller and freezer facilities for vegetables, fish and meat.

Fishermen can now unload direct from their dhows at the pontoons with the freshest fish being delivered direct from the sea. The new modernised facilities help small businesses improve their productivity enabling them to react better to increased footfall.

Traders were eager to look around the highly-anticipated market with everyone commenting on the beautiful new façade and the authentic look and feel inside the market, said the statement from Ithra Dubai.

Many were impressed with the new cleaning and cutting area as well as the large auction with its own ice plant.

The fully air-conditioned, odour-controlled environment improves working conditions for the traders who spend all day at their stalls.

Ithra Dubai said a new committee has been established to ensure that all the needs of the traders are taken care of.

Abdulla Al Qubaisi, the head of the committee said it represents various government organisations: Dubai Municipality, Investment Corporation of Dubai, Dubai Police, and Fishermen Association who are working together to support the traders in their move to the new market.

"The committee is working in conjunction with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation amongst others to provide a smooth transition," he added.-TradeArabia News Service