24-year-old Emirati fish seller vows to preserve ancestral occupation

Mohammed Al Mahi, Staff Reporter

Mohammed Rashid Salem Bin Zayed, 24, is the youngest Emirati to sell fish in the UAE. He constantly stands on his fish display table to start his work in the fish market, relying on himself.

He said his official job did not prevent him from fulfilling his desire to stand on the fish display table, stressing that he is proud to sell fish to contribute to preserving a profession practised by his ancestors who were very fond of the sea and seafood.

Mohammed expressed his thanks to the Umm Al Quwain Co-operative Society for Fishermen for its encouragement and support for local fishermen by providing them with facilities and launching initiatives that contribute to alleviating their financial burdens.

Pleading that Emiratis are capable of engaging in all professions, Mohammed is seeking to motivate young Emiratis to work with him in the fish market and not to abandon the profession of forefathers for others.  

Meanwhile, Jassem Al Shar, Chairman of Umm Al Quwain Co-operative Society for Fishermen, praised Mohammed’s initiative to work in the fish market and his self-reliance despite the fact that he is young.

The Umm Al Quwain Co-operative Society for Fishermen provides all the necessary facilities to local fishermen in the emirate to help them face challenges and carry on this business, which represents a lot to all Emiratis, he said.