Mina Market

Being an archipelago with hundreds of islands, Abu Dhabi has a deep and historic connection with the sea. It’s no surprise then that seafood is still a key commodity in the city. Take a trip to the Fish Souk at Mina Zayed, near Abu Dhabi’s main port area, to get a few characterful photographs and, maybe, your dinner. Every morning, fishermen here load their catch on to the quayside and prepare for a day of haggling.

Across the road from the Fish Souk, the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk is bursting with colour as sellers arrange fresh, gleaming produce outside shop doors. Another fantastic place to take photos, the choice of fruits and vegetables here is amazing, and you can buy by the kilo or the box.

Yemeni mattresses and machine-made carpets dominate Abu Dhabi’s nearby Carpet Souk, located on Mina Road, but bargains can be found if you know what you are looking for. Some of the sellers will make up Arabic-style cushions that are traditionally housed in a majlis (sitting place to host guests) for a very reasonable price; the perfect memento from your trip to the city.