Why Sharjah's Al Maleh and Fishing Festival is worth a visit this weekend
Sharjah: Before the skyscrapers, highways, and modern ports transformed the UAE’s coastline, there was the sea and generations of Emiratis who built their lives around it. They fished its waters, built boats by hand, preserved their catch with salt, and passed their knowledge from parents to children. This weekend, that story comes alive again at Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn. The 13th edition…
The 13th edition of the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival has kicked off at Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah, marking a return to the sea's rich heritage that shaped generations of Emiratis. The event, held from August 27 to August 30, brings together over 80 exhibitors, including government and private entities, 50 productive families, and 10 companies specializing in fishing equipment.
The festival is not only a celebration of the UAE's maritime past but also an opportunity to preserve and share the skills, crafts, and knowledge that were passed down through generations.
Visitors can witness traditional boats, nets, fishing tools, and handicrafts, as well as various competitions like rowing demonstrations and workshops teaching first aid and diving sites in Sharjah. Families, such as those from Sour Tasty, participate in the event to sell their traditional products, like achar in different flavors and Arabian coffee. The festival also highlights the economic benefits, providing a platform for businesses to showcase their products, increase sales, and promote local entrepreneurship.
Modern elements of the festival include displays of local fish species, such as hamour and sheri, and folk performances, including maritime songs and poetry recitals. The event continues to emphasize the importance of transferring knowledge from experienced fishermen to younger generations, ensuring that the legacy of the sea lives on in the modern UAE.
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