Dibba al hisn: The 12th edition of the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival is set to officially commence on Thursday evening, August 28, in Dibba Al Hisn. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with the Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, the four-day event will take place at Al Hisn Island, running until August 31.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival gathers a wide range of participants, including government entities, private sector companies, retailers, and local families involved in the Al Maleh (salted fish) industry. The event aims to highlight the economic and cultural importance of marine fishing and preserve the UAE's maritime crafts and heritage-based industries.
This year's festival sees substantial involvement from maritime-focused government bodies, leading private companies, and local Al Maleh producers. The event supports productive families and aligns with the UAE's 2025 "Year of Community" initiative by fostering public-private collaboration and community involvement.
The festival is pivotal in safeguarding the maritime traditions of the UAE's ancestors by passing down skills and knowledge to younger generations. It showcases traditional practices like fishing, salting, canning, and Al Maleh production, thereby supporting the continuity of heritage industries within the national food value chain.
Serving as an economic catalyst, the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival supports SMEs, encourages partnerships between traditional craftsmen and modern businesses, and boosts tourism and local trade in Sharjah's Eastern Region.
Beyond cultural celebration, the festival underscores Sharjah's leadership in promoting traditional industries that contribute to food security, job creation, and innovation in fisheries-based food production.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry views the festival as a vital part of its strategy to merge commercial activities with community development across the emirate. By linking traditional heritage with future economic opportunities, the event sets a model for sustainable and identity-driven growth.
Key attractions at the festival include the central "Al Maleh Market," which showcases premium salted products, as well as exhibitions for agricultural goods, advanced fishing gear, engines, and boats. Visitors can also enjoy a dining area offering authentic traditional Emirati dishes.