The festival will feature broad participation from government institutions, specialised fishing-supplies companies, and fish-processing factories, alongside productive families and home-based businesses, showcasing the traditional Jashe (sun-dried fish) and Sahnah (fermented fish condiment) products, which have been staples of daily life along the UAE’s east coast for generations.

Government and community participation

The Jashe and Sahnah Festival will bring together six prominent government entities: Sharjah Fish Resources Authority, Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), and Kalba Cooperative Society for Fishermen, in addition to companies specialising in fishing equipment, as well as fish production and processing facilities.

Held in partnership with Sharqiya Kalba TV, the festival will bring together a number of productive families to showcase and market innovative products rooted in the UAE’s maritime heritage. Visitors will have direct opportunities to purchase locally made products and explore a variety of Jashe products and Sahnah powder in different flavours and traditional recipes.

Supporting coastal food industries

His Excellency Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said the Jashe and Sahnah Festival is SCCI’s latest economic and heritage initiative, supporting its efforts to promote the coastal food industries deeply rooted in the heritage and collective memory of Eastern Region communities.

He highlighted the traditional expertise involved in the sustainable use and preservation of marine resources, noting that the festival showcases the production of Jashe and the preparation of Sahnah from dried fish, while demonstrating how these traditional practices can be developed into value-added economic products.

Festival to boost tourism and local economy

For his part, His Excellency Dr Ahmed Saeed Al Mazrouei, Director of Kalba City Municipality, said preparations for the Jashe and Sahnah Festival are progressing in line with the highest quality standards, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber and participating partners, to deliver an inaugural edition befitting Kalba’s standing and stature.

He noted that the festival will serve as a family and tourism destination, drawing visitors from across the UAE and international tourists while supporting greater community engagement and local economic activity.

Competitions, workshops and maritime heritage

The festival’s programme will feature major competitions, educational workshops, and awareness sessions highlighting marine sustainability and responsible fishing practices.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the different stages of catching and drying Al Ouma fish, as well as the preparation of Sahnah using traditional spices.

The programme will also include dedicated platforms showcasing the latest fishing technologies and boats, in addition to a dedicated marketplace for productive families.