{
  "id": 4440573,
  "title": "Sharjah Al Maleh Festival draws crowds, brings UAE’s centuries-old fishing traditions to life",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/sharjah-al-maleh-festival-draws-crowds-brings-uaes-centuries-old",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T13:57:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/sharjah-al-maleh-festival-draws-crowds-brings-uaes-centuries-old-fishing-traditions-to-life-1.500657258"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sharjah recently hosted the 13th Al Maleh and Fishing Festival, drawing over 80 exhibitors and showcasing traditional fishing and maritime skills. The festival, organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dibba Al Hisn City Municipality, aimed to preserve centuries-old fishing traditions vital to UAE coastal communities. Visitors had the chance to watch boatbuilding and sail-making demonstrations, explore traditional fishing equipment, and learn about methods used to prepare, salt, and preserve fish. Local fishermen and craftspeople shared their knowledge of fishing grounds, seasonal patterns, and family techniques passed down through generations. Exhibitors showcased and sold traditional salted and dried fish, such as Al Qabab, Al Jara, Al Youbal, and Al Sahnah, giving visitors a taste of UAE's maritime heritage. The festival aimed to keep traditional professions relevant by providing a platform for craftsmen and experienced practitioners to interact with visitors. Sharjah's Al Maleh and Fishing Festival returns this weekend, continuing to celebrate the UAE's rich maritime heritage and traditional industries.",
  "summary": "Sharjah: Traditional boatbuilding, sail-making and fish salting drew visitors to Dibba Al Hisn as the 13th Al Maleh and Fishing Festival showcased maritime skills that sustained generations of UAE coastal communities. The festival, which concluded on Sunday, brought together more than 80 exhibitors, including over 50 productive families, 10 companies specialising in fishing equipment and about 20…",
  "key_points": [
    "13th Al Maleh and Fishing Festival held in Sharjah",
    "Over 80 exhibitors showcased traditional fishing skills",
    "Festival aims to preserve UAE's centuries-old maritime heritage"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}