What’s On has details of the new tourist attraction on Deira Corniche set to create a “bridge between the past and present”.

Construction is now underway on a new Dhs250 million fish market – complete with shops, restaurants and cafes – in Al Hamriya.

Set to replace the old fish market that has stood in Deira since 1988, the new 120,000sqm development will incorporate restaurants and cafes, as well as a vast fruit and vegetable market, supermarkets and more than 60 spice shops.

Occupying one of the most prominent locations on the Deira Corniche, it is hoped the new market will become a tourist attraction promoting traditional and heritage activities in “modern and sophisticated” ways.

Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, told The National: “Work on preparing the plot, including drilling, digging, and soil preparation has been completed, and construction work is progressing according to the schedule.

“The project is a bridge between the past and the present and directly overlooking the sea. There will be a dedicated area to host fish auctions so tourists can see the traditional way of selling fish.

“This is expected to be the most successful market in terms of the shopping convenience for all, as well as its role to boost the economy, especially in foodstuff trade.”

The new market is already around 30 per cent completed, and is expected to open in the middle of next year.

It is one of a number of major new developments set to spring up around Dubai Creek. Last week Dubai unveiled plans for Aladdin City – three towers echoing genie lamps that will sit above the Creek, linked by a 450m long pedestrian walkway.