Dubai: Dubai’s long-awaited Birds and Pet Market is now open, with a few shops receiving customers.
By the end of this month, some 80 shops are expected to open in Dubai’s first dedicated market for birds, cats, dogs, fish, snakes and other reptiles.
Officials say the market only offers animals screened for health and suitability as pets under local and international rules. Prices are regarded as competitive as shop rents are lower than rates in areas such as Satwa and Al Karama, home to many pet stores.
Previously, there was no dedicated central market for pets in Dubai.
Half of the shops are run by Emirati pet owners who were selected after background checks on their experience and passion in handling pets, including house visits, said Faisal Al Badaiwi, head of the markets management section of Dubai Municipality’s assets management department.
The market will also serve as a legal and regulated channel for animal lovers to engage in the trade of pets, he added.
There are no fixed prices, but rates usually start at Dh70 for a pair of small birds, for instance, to Dh5,000 for a Casco bird.
Al Badaiwi said the market, its services, specifications, rules and pets are all compliant under Cites (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
Cites “is an international agreement between governments” seeking “to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival”.
Dangerous or “exotic” animals not suitable as pets, such as big cats, or wildlife sanctioned under Cites will not be sold at the market.
“All animals will have the relevant certificates from port authorities, health and environment ministries, and Dubai Municipality. A checkpoint will ensure compliance before they enter the market,” Al Badaiwi said.
The market, located in Al Warsan 3 close to Emirates Road, also boasts a pet hotel, vet clinic, pet auction hall, quarantine area, food court and shops for pet food, medicine and accessories. Free parking for 800 cars has been made available at the market. There is also a municipality administration office on site.
The 50-hectare facility is open daily from 9am-10pm.
For the next phase of the market, officials are studying the possibility of adding a pet park, children’s play area, more shops and warehouses. An official inauguration of the current phase one of the market is expected soon, Al Badaiwi said.
The pet hotel, which will be run by a private operator, has also not been officially inaugurated but has received its first guests — a few dogs, puppies, and rabbits staying for a few days. Besides space for housing the pets, whose owners may be away on holiday or moving home, facilities including grooming and washing, laundry, and a kitchen for pet food.
Al Badaiwi said solar power is being used for lighting in the market, besides environment-friendly paint on the buildings. There is also a labour housing building on site for workers employed in the market.
