Seafood Delicacies Along the UAE Coast

With its long coastline hugging the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Sea, the UAE offers an incredible bounty of seafood. From bustling fish markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, seafood is a cornerstone of Emirati coastal cuisine. Whether you’re dining in Dubai’s Jumeirah, Abu Dhabi’s Al Mina, or Ras Al Khaimah’s fishing villages, expect fresh catches, bold spices, and centuries-old recipes served with modern flair.

Emirati Seafood Staples You Must Try

1. Hammour (Orange-Spotted Grouper)

• Dish: Grilled, baked, or curried
• Flavor: Mild, meaty, and versatile
• Where to Try: Al Fanar Restaurant (Dubai), Bu Qtair (Jumeirah Beach)

Note: This is one of the most beloved fish in Emirati cuisine, often served whole with lemon and spices.

2. Jasheed (Spiced Shark Mince)

• Dish: Flaked and spiced baby shark, sautéed with rice, garlic, black lime, and herbs
• Traditional: Often cooked during family gatherings and festivals
• Where to Try: Al Fanar or local homes in Fujairah

Fact: Jasheed is deeply rooted in Bedouin fishing culture and rarely found outside the UAE.

3. Shrimp Majboos

• Dish: Spiced rice cooked with fresh shrimp, similar to biryani
• Flavors: Cardamom, cinnamon, loomi (dried lime)
• Where to Try: Al Mandi Al Khaleeji (Abu Dhabi), Logma (Dubai)

Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors with soft seafood textures.

4. Kingfish (Kanaad) Curry

• Dish: Thick tomato-based curry served with saffron rice
• Where to Try: Speciality at coastal eateries in Sharjah and Ajman

Pro Tip: Order it with regag (thin crispy bread) to soak up the curry.

5. Grilled Prawns or Lobster

• Preparation: Chargrilled, butterflied, or with Emirati spice rub
• Where to Try: Pierchic (Dubai), Finz (Abu Dhabi), The Fish Market (Deira)

Often served with garlic butter or harra sauce (chili-coriander blend).

6. Samak Mashwi (Whole Grilled Fish)

• Typical Fish: Hammour, Kingfish, or Shaari
• Presentation: Wrapped in foil or banana leaves, cooked over charcoal
• Best Spots: Abu Dhabi fish market restaurants, local beachside grills

Travel Tip: Ask for “Emirati-style” seasoning for an authentic spice profile.

7. Crab and Calamari Platters

• Popular In: Dubai Creek, Dibba, and Umm Al Quwain coastal stalls
• Style: Fried, stir-fried with chili garlic, or cooked with coconut milk (fusion style)

Best enjoyed at casual seaside eateries where catch of the day is king.

Top Coastal Spots for Seafood in the UAE

When it comes to truly experiencing the UAE, few things are as rewarding as learning to cook Emirati food—right from those who’ve inherited recipes through generations. Cooking classes in the Emirates offer more than just a meal; they open a door to tradition, family stories, and age-old techniques that define local life.

Step Into an Emirati Kitchen

These aren’t your typical cooking demonstrations. In these intimate sessions—often hosted in local homes or cultural spaces—you’ll be invited to cook, taste, and connect. You might find yourself:

• Preparing harees, a nourishing wheat and meat dish slow-cooked to velvety perfection.
• Stirring a pot of machboos, where saffron, cardamom, and dried lime come together in harmony.
• Rolling and frying sweet luqaimat, drizzled with date syrup.
• Brewing a pot of karak tea as your host shares stories over a spread of fresh gahwa and dates.

Cultural Note: How Emiratis Traditionally Enjoy Seafood

• Eaten with rice or regag bread
• Hands-on dining encouraged—especially at home
• Accompanied by: Date syrup, pickled vegetables, fresh limes, and Arabic coffee
• Often shared—Emirati meals are built around hospitality and communal dining

Tip: Dried limes (loomi) give many seafood dishes their signature tang.

Traveler Tips for Seafood Lovers

Visit early morning fish markets like Deira or Al Mina for the freshest catch
Ask your hotel concierge about hidden local gems or pop-up seafood nights
Try a dhow cruise dinner—many offer seafood buffets with Arabian Gulf views
Mind the spice level—Emirati cuisine uses warming spices, not searing heat, but you can always request milder versions

The UAE’s seafood scene is a flavorful journey into its maritime heritage, influenced by Indian Ocean trade, Bedouin resourcefulness, and Gulf Coast generosity. Whether you're eating a fire-grilled kingfish on the beach in Ras Al Khaimah or dipping into lobster machboos in a five-star Dubai restaurant, you're tasting history and culture in every bite.

Want to experience the UAE’s seafood secrets like a local? Let Hi DMC craft a bespoke culinary itinerary—from fish market tours and dhow dinners to private seafood feasts in coastal villages. Get in touch today and explore the UAE through its most flavorful waters.

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