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Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with the Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, the festival ran from August 28 to 31 at Al Hisn Island, attracting more than 33,000 visitors from across the UAE and generating sales exceeding AED 1 million for exhibitors.
Recognised as one of the UAE’s most prominent heritage events dedicated to the Al Maleh (salted fish) industry, this year’s festival featured over 100 exhibitors representing government entities, private sector companies, craftsmen, and local families.
The event offered a vibrant cultural experience that blended authenticity with innovation, celebrating the UAE’s cultural heritage while serving as a catalyst for economic and tourism growth in Sharjah’s Eastern Region. It provided a comprehensive platform for showcasing traditional fishing and salted fish production—professions historically central to UAE’s coastal communities.
The festival featured a central market for high-quality salted and dried fish, pavilions for local agricultural products, and a culinary zone offering traditional seafood dishes. Exhibition spaces also displayed the latest innovations in fishing gear, engines, and boats—bridging cultural heritage with modern technology.
His Excellency Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, emphasized that the festival reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
He noted that the festival plays a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage, while ensuring the sustainability of maritime professions, integral to national identity. Al Owais also highlighted the 140% expansion in the exhibition area, now reaching 4,800 square meters, offering space for more exhibitors and a broader range of activities.
He affirmed the event’s credibility as a platform for innovation in traditional food industries and a growth driver for SMEs.
His Excellency Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, Director of Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, praised the festival’s exceptional standards, attributing its success to strong organisational coordination.
He stressed that the event has evolved beyond a heritage celebration to become a forward-looking investment and a model for identity-based sustainable development. The festival supports productive families, encourages traditional-modern partnerships, and strengthens tourism and economic development in Dibba Al Hisn and the wider region.
The 12th edition featured interactive and educational activities, including applied sessions on fish salting and preservation, shipbuilding and net-making workshops,folkloric performances with traditional storytelling and chants, panel discussions on marine resource sustainability, and cultural and artistic competitions for public engagement.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the festival’s diverse offerings, which balanced education and entertainment. Many noted that the festival provided hands-on learning experiences about fish salting, traditional crafts, and maritime heritage, while delivering a rich and authentic cultural immersion rooted in local traditions.
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