Sharjah 24: The 9th edition of "Al Maleh and Fishing" Festival was officially inaugurated, on Thursday, at Dibba Al Hisn, bringing together several private entities, shops selling Al Maleh fish as well as productive families.

Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in collaboration with the Dibba Al Hisn Municipality and Municipal Council, the four-day event, which will run until September 11, will celebrate maritime heritage in Dibba Al Hisn and Sharjah.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, and Sheikh Majid bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Suburbs and Villages Affairs in Sharjah, as well as senior directors of federal and local government departments in the city, and representatives of ministries and entities taking part in the festival.

Al Owais stressed that the much-awaited event has evolved into a fantastic venue for enthusiasts of Al Maleh industry, a genuine component of the Emirati heritage, which is known for its culinary industries as well as traditional and folk crafts.

"With every new edition, the Sharjah Chamber, in association with the Dibba Al Hisn Municipality and Municipal Council as well as other partners, makes every effort to deliver an exceptional event. This has resulted in the festival becoming one of the region’s most noteworthy heritage and tourism exhibitions specialised in Al Maleh industry, and one of the key initiatives aimed at preserving such an ancient legacy."

"Through this festival, we look forward to supporting companies and productive families that still work in traditional professions while also introducing younger generations to the heritage of their country," Al Owais further said. 

For his part, Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, Director of Dibba Al Hisn City Municipality, said: "The 9th edition of the festival is witnessing an impressive turnout of various government departments in the city, in addition to shops specialised in Al Maleh industry, as well as a number of fishermen and productive families. We thank all participants and wish them good luck.”

He noted that this year’s edition includes a variety of activities, folklore, traditional and marine melodies, and training courses on how to prepare and cut Al Maleh fish.

Over the course of the four-day event, a group of researchers with expertise in maritime heritage will take part in dialogue sessions. They will talk about different issues and topics related to marine industries, navigational crafts, and traditional fishing tools.

Through a series of workshops and fascinating activities, visitors will be introduced to the basics of making Al Maleh, including how to salt it and pack it. The festival welcomes visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.