Strong winds halt fishing in RAK, residents look elsewhere

Ras Al Khaimah - Mohammed Akram, a fisherman, said the amount of fish available in the market has significantly decreased.

Strong winds have brought all fishing activities in Ras Al Khaimah to a stop. The RAK Police have issued strict warnings against surfing, swimming or fishing in the rough sea due to the high waves and stormy weather.
Khalifa Saif Al Muhairi, chairman of the RAK fishermen society here, said the strong winds mostly start at night and continue, "sometimes getting tougher in the mornings."
Mohammed Akram, a fisherman, said the amount of fish available in the market has significantly decreased as a result. "Most of the fishermen here could not go out into the rough sea," Akram said. 
Fisherman Ashraf Saleh said so many people went home without buying fish, mainly on Thursday and Friday because of lack of supply. "Some customers had to drive to nearby emirates to buy fish, if available, due to the unstable weather here." 
However, the rough weather has become a source of entertainment for some. Residents - both Emiratis and expats - got out during the weekend to enjoy the scenic natural views and winds. The most popular attractions were Jebel Jais Mountain, the Saqr Park, Corniche Al Qawasim, as well as long desert strip along the Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed road. 
Eng Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, director-general of the department, said they have changed the water currents from some mountainous valleys, to avoid their possible impact on nearby houses. "The most important of these was the currents from some valleys at the Manei area which used to cut through the road and block traffic flow sometimes." 
A new sewage and rainwater drainage network was also built close to the Manei police station, he added. Traffic patrols have been deployed on all internal roads and highways to ensure traffic flow.
- ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah