Dibba Al Hisn Celebrates Maritime Heritage With The 11th Al Maleh And Fishing Festival

The 11th Dibba Al Hisn Al Maleh and Fishing Festival began on Thursday, organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Dibba Al Hisn Municipal Council, and Dibba Al Hisn Municipality. The festival will last for four days in Dibba Al Hisn, featuring participation from ministries, government and private institutions, productive families, and shops specialising in Al Maleh products.

Sultan Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, inaugurated the festival. He was accompanied by Mubarak Al Nakhi from the Ministry of Culture, Ahmed bin Yarouf Al Naqbi from the Municipal Council of Dibba Al Hisn, and Talib Abdullah Al Yahyaei, Director of Dibba Al Hisn Municipality. The opening included heritage segments and poems inspired by Emirati folklore to preserve popular heritage and promote traditional activities.

Al Owais highlighted the festival's role in stimulating economic, commercial, and tourism activities in Sharjah's Eastern Region. He noted that it has become an annual event celebrating Al Maleh, a significant part of ancient Emirati heritage known for its food and traditional crafts. The festival also aims to teach children about their ancestors' professions.

The festival contributes to preserving UAE's folk heritage while boosting the economy by sustaining the fishing profession. It increases interest in fish resources, crucial for food security, and enhances the gross domestic product by creating job opportunities. SCCI, Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, and Dibba Al Hisn Municipal Council strive to develop the festival further to achieve these goals.

Talib Abdullah Al Yahyaei praised the large attendance at the festival's launch. He noted that it has become a cultural and economic landmark attracting institutions, shops, and families specialising in Al Maleh from across the UAE and Arabian Gulf region. This growing participation highlights the festival's development over the years.

Diverse Activities

The festival offers various events such as folk arts, traditional songs, marine songs, and training courses on Al Maleh production techniques like salting and canning. It also showcases fishing methods passed down through generations. The public can enjoy these activities daily from 9 am to 9 pm until September 1.

During the first day, participating government entities and shops were honoured for their efforts in this year's festival edition. The event includes distinctive corners and pavilions displaying traditional handicrafts and other heritage activities appealing to all age groups.

Al Yahyaei thanked strategic partners like SCCI and other governmental and private entities for their support in making the festival successful. Their contributions have helped highlight UAE’s maritime heritage through diverse platforms at the event.

The festival continues to be a significant cultural event that preserves Emirati traditions while promoting economic growth through its focus on local products like Al Maleh.

With inputs from WAM