Huge rise in demand for fish after Ramadan
Published: 08 April 2025
Decline in demand during Ramadan compensated by high demand for fish after Eid Al Fitr
NT Bureau
Doha
There is a significant increase in demand for fish after Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, fish traders have said.
Al Raya reported that Al Wakra’s fish market has witnessed a significant increase in the turnout of customers, especially since the start of Eid al-Fitr and there has been an increased demand for various types of local fish, particularly grouper and sea bream.
Several vendors confirmed that fish sales significantly increased after Eid, following a decline during Ramadan. They explained that many citizens and residents prefer to head to the fish market in the old Al Wakra market for the fresh fish it offers daily, brought directly from the sea to the table. They noted that the varieties on display satisfy a variety of tastes.
Sharif Abu Bakr Taj, a vendor at the market, said that sales increased significantly after Eid, while they were weak during Ramadan due to low demand.
He added that the market displays a variety of fish daily, including grouper at 20 riyals per kilo, sea bream and kingfish at 30 riyals per kilo, while sheri sells for 8 riyals, jesh for 18 riyals, etc.
Abu Bakr pointed out that imported fish are also available from the Sultanate of Oman and Turkey.
Vendor Samir Mohammed noted that the Eid days typically make up for the lull in business during Ramadan, noting that hamour and safi are the most in demand by Qatari customers.
A customer said the quality of the fish is high. He noted that he came from Doha to purchase fish from the Al Wakra market as the prices are reasonable, and the location is organized and clean, with fish-cleaning services and ample parking, making for a comfortable shopping experience.
Citizen Khaled Al Dosari told Al Raya that Al Wakra residents are generally “sea people” and rely heavily on fish for their diet.
He noted that the demand for fish after Ramadan is a seasonal thing, as many avoid eating it at the beginning of the month. However, it is served during the second half of the month during ghabqas, and demand increases after Eid.
