QATIF — Emir of the Eastern Province Prince Saud bin Nayef inaugurated the Fish Island, the largest fish island in the Gulf region, in Qatif on Sunday. Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hoqail was also present on the occasion.

The mayor of the Eastern Province, Eng. Fahd Al-Jubeir, said: "The Fish Island will be a destination for fish merchants and tourists. The project was implemented considering sites for business establishments in order to encourage commercial movement and prosperity in the region as well as to provide job opportunities for the people of the region. The cost of establishing the island amounted to nearly SR80 million and the entire project area is 120,000 square meters, and it is located near the Qatif fishing port.”

The most prominent facilities of this market are the main building, which covers an area of 6,000 square meters and includes retail stores, a side yard for wholesalers, investment sites, an ice factory, storage and cooling areas, and facilities that serve the commercial movement of fish sales.

The 150-year-old central fish market in Qatif was transferred to the Fish Island. It used to be considered as one of the most important markets in the Gulf region and was known for its diverse fish products. — SG