SCCI Successfully Concludes Inaugural Pearl Of The East Coast Festival In Kalba

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) wrapped up the first "Pearl of the East Coast" festival in Kalba. The event, held from 24th to 26th January at Kalba Hanging Gardens, attracted over 20,000 visitors. It showcased the city's cultural heritage and economic growth through various activities and festivities.

The festival offered a rich cultural experience, highlighting Kalba's maritime and agricultural heritage. Visitors explored six themed tracks focusing on historical and cultural development, including equestrian sports, traditional crafts, and marine environments. Economic and agricultural activities were also part of the diverse lineup.

Key agricultural initiatives were showcased during the festival. The Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock presented advanced technologies for optimising agricultural production. Innovations in dairy farming were also highlighted, demonstrating modern techniques in wheat farming stages.

Local farmers had the chance to display a variety of crops such as lemons, nabags, olives, and pomegranates. Educational lectures and workshops emphasised the importance of mangrove trees in maintaining biodiversity and sustainable marine ecosystems.

The festival collaborated with the Sharjah Fish Resources Authority to offer activities exploring Kalba's marine world. Skilled artisans shared insights into traditional crafts linked to maritime culture. This provided an engaging journey for visitors into the region’s marine heritage.

Competitions during the festival saw enthusiastic public participation with prizes totaling around AED 100,000. The "Pearl of the East Coast for Creativity" contest was a highlight, recognising 15 winners for their captivating visual films depicting cultural and artistic events.

Festival's Impact on Kalba

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, expressed satisfaction with the festival's success. He noted its role in celebrating Kalba’s cultural heritage while showcasing innovative projects aimed at sustainable development. Al Owais emphasised that this annual event will continue promoting economic growth and environmental awareness.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, stated that the inaugural festival marked a milestone in highlighting Kalba’s progress in tourism, economy, and agriculture. He added that it aligns with SCCI's vision to drive development in Sharjah’s Eastern Region by leveraging Kalba’s rich heritage for sustainable tourism growth.

The closing ceremony featured notable attendees such as Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi from Kalba City Council and Ali Obaid Ali Al Zaabi from SCCI Board. They honoured participating government entities along with members of various committees involved in organising the event.

With inputs from WAM