Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), announced the launch of the festival, revealing that more than 85 productive families had joined the event, alongside 10 government entities and institutions and six specialised companies and factories. The festival runs until 27 September and is organised by SCCI in cooperation with Kalba Municipality.

Celebrating a coastal way of life

Speaking to "Sharjah24," Al Awadi said the festival was designed to celebrate the maritime and culinary heritage of the UAE's east coast, giving producing families a platform to showcase their traditional seafood dishes and products while supporting the region's economic and tourism potential.

More than 85 productive families are taking part, offering traditional seafood dishes and products, alongside the 10 government and institutional participants and six national companies and factories specialising in fishing equipment and fish processing.

A platform for heritage and traditional industries

Al Awadi said the event gives visitors a close-up look at how Jashe and Sahnah are prepared and dried, alongside the wider practices tied to the region's maritime traditions. He described the festival as an opportunity to introduce the public to a heritage that has shaped life on the Eastern Region's coast for generations, while giving producing families direct access to visitors and buyers.

Live demonstrations and family activities

The Director-General added that the festival includes three main competitions and live demonstrations documenting traditional fish-drying methods, alongside displays of boats and modern fishing techniques. A programme of educational and entertainment activities has also been arranged to engage visitors of all ages.