Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Dibba Al Hisn City Municipality, the four-day festival will showcase heritage-focused activities and programmes to honour the age-old Al Maleh (salted fish) and fishing industries, as well as traditional crafts associated with the UAE’s oldest maritime professions.

This year’s edition brings together 20 government and private-sector entities and institutions operating in the maritime and heritage sectors, as well as leading private companies and brands involved in the production, distribution, and sale of Al Maleh and related products.

The festival also provides a platform for more than 50 productive families and home-based businesses to showcase their handcrafted products and creations to a wide audience, thereby supporting their market visibility and commercial opportunities.

The event will also see extensive participation from around 10 companies, fishermen, and specialised organisations operating in fishing equipment, marine engines, and boat manufacturing and supply, creating an interactive business environment that promotes entrepreneurship, strengthens market engagement, and stimulates local economic activity.

The Al Maleh and Fishing Festival aims to preserve the UAE’s maritime heritage and ensure the long-term sustainability of traditional industries by passing on accumulated knowledge and expertise to younger generations. It also supports the ongoing integration of traditional fishing, Al Maleh production, and fish-drying practices into the UAE’s food industry ecosystem, while preserving the cultural memory of previous generations and their deep connection with the sea.

The festival’s Main Maleh Market offers a diverse selection of premium salty products, complemented by offerings from the productive families’ section and specialised pavilions showcasing local agricultural produce.

A dedicated traditional food zone brings together popular restaurants serving authentic Emirati dishes, while specialised platforms showcase the latest technological solutions for boatbuilding and advanced fishing equipment, highlighting opportunities for innovation and business development across the maritime sector.

Furthermore, the festival offers an extensive programme of daily educational workshops on fish salting, preservation, and canning, complemented by awareness sessions on fisheries conservation and sustainable fishing practices. The programme also includes live demonstrations of traditional net-making and boatbuilding, as well as cultural and heritage competitions designed to enrich the experience of visitors and children.

The festival will be open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, offering an immersive experience that celebrates the authenticity of traditional heritage and provides a dynamic platform with cultural, social, and economic value.