The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Dibba Al Hisn City Municipality are set to launch the 13th edition of the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival from 27 to 30 August at Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn city.
The festival will feature an extensive programme of heritage and economic activities aimed at promoting the UAE’s rich maritime heritage, supporting traditional industries, and contributing to their long-term sustainability.
The Al Maleh and Fishing Festival offers a strategic platform for preserving the age-old Al Maleh (salted fish) industry and promoting traditional fishing expertise, serving as both a celebration of the UAE’s authentic cultural heritage and an engine for modern economic development in Sharjah’s Eastern Region. It reflects the Sharjah Chamber’s and Dibba Al Hisn Municipality’s commitment to safeguarding the UAE’s cultural identity by showcasing ancient maritime professions that were central to the country’s coastal communities.
This year’s edition brings together key government entities and institutions operating in the maritime sector, in addition to leading private companies, retailers, and productive families specialising in the Al Maleh industry.
Key attractions of this year’s festival include the Main Maleh Market showcasing premium salted products, alongside a dedicated marketplace for productive families featuring handcrafted goods and traditional cuisine, an exhibition for agricultural goods, and a dining area offering authentic traditional Emirati dishes. The festival will also host specialised platforms showcasing advanced fishing gear, marine engines, and boats, creating opportunities for business partnerships and innovation across this vital sector.
H.E. Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said that the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival has evolved from a traditional heritage event into a strategic economic platform that contributes to Sharjah’s development agenda.
He explained that the Sharjah Chamber is committed to continuously enhancing the festival’s business model to keep pace with the evolving needs of entrepreneurs and ensure that its economic impact translates into tangible opportunities for productive families, entrepreneurs, and enterprises operating in the maritime and heritage sectors.
For his part, H.E. Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, Director of Dibba Al Hisn City Municipality, stated that preparations for the new edition of the Maleh and Fishing Festival are progressing in line with the highest standards of organisational excellence and quality to deliver a distinctive experience for both visitors and participants.
He affirmed that Dibba Al Hisn city continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism and heritage destination in Sharjah’s Eastern Region, supporting the emirate’s broader tourism and cultural development objectives.
The 13th Al Maleh and Fishing Festival will offer a comprehensive programme of interactive and heritage-oriented activities that pay homage to the UAE’s marine legacy and fishing industries. This includes daily technical workshops covering fish salting, preservation, and canning techniques, as well as exhibitions showcasing traditional fishing tools and awareness seminars on sustainable fisheries and the protection of fish stocks.
The programme will also feature cultural competitions for families and children, alongside live showcases of traditional crafts such as shipbuilding and net-making, reinforcing the festival’s role in preserving maritime skills.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dibba Al Hisn Municipality encouraged citizens, residents, and visitors to participate in the festival’s extensive programme of heritage, cultural, and family activities.
The festival will operate throughout its four-day duration, welcoming visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
