Visit to Jeddah seafood restaurants a nightmare

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Customers have been complaining about the price hikes in the fish market, Al-Madina reported.

Customers noticed that the prices of fish in the market on Jeddah Highway were hiked drastically during Eid. Customers requested from authorities to interfere and regulate the prices as some fish are even sold for SR160 and over.

Abdulmohsen Al-Amry said he took his family to a seafood restaurant and was shocked by the price hikes.

“Some restaurants charge SR100 for entry only. Dishes are sold for SR160, SR120 and SR80. This excludes the drinks and side dishes. Going to a seafood restaurant was a family tradition but now it is barely affordable to do that,” said Al-Amry.

Abdulaziz Al-Mashni said no one is monitoring and supervising the pricing at the fish market.

“Consumers are not protected in the fish market. Many of the families find the new prices to be unaffordable. Pertinent authorities should interfere and protect the rights of the consumers,” said Al-Mashni.

Mohammad Al-Luqmani said consumers do not know which authority is supposed to protect their rights. Restaurants exploit customers because they know they are ignorant of their rights.

Makkah Municipality Media and Public Relations Director Sami Al-Zaytouni said the municipality is responsible for ensuring that restaurants adhere to health and safety regulations such as a proper license, ensuring all workers have health certificates and ensuring hygiene.