The coastal regions of the United Arab Emirates share a profound and enduring connection with the sea.
For generations, the maritime environment has not merely been a backdrop for daily life; it has served as a primary source of sustenance and commerce. Traditional fishing methods and preservation techniques have long sustained communities along the eastern coastline. As the nation embraces rapid modernisation, there is a growing emphasis on preserving this maritime heritage. By integrating indigenous culinary practices into modern economic frameworks, authorities aim to support cultural tourism and empower home-based enterprises.
At the forefront of this cultural preservation is the newly announced Jashe and Sahnah Festival. Scheduled for 24 to 27 September in Kalba, the inaugural event places the spotlight firmly on the coastal food industries defining the region. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, the four-day event is designed to bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary commerce.
The Culinary Staples of the East Coast
The festival takes its name from two highly revered traditional Emirati seafood products. Jashe refers to a traditional sun-dried fish product, which has historically allowed coastal families to preserve their catch long before the advent of modern refrigeration. Sahnah, on the other hand, is a distinctive fermented fish condiment—often ground into a flavourful powder—prepared using dried fish mixed with a unique blend of traditional spices.
Visitors attending the festival will be immersed in the historical processes behind these staples. Demonstrations will showcase the intricate techniques involved in catching and drying Al Ouma fish, alongside the careful preparation required to create authentic Sahnah. This hands-on approach offers both residents and international tourists an opportunity to sample Jashe varieties and Sahnah powders crafted from long-standing family recipes.
Driving Local Commerce and Tourism
While the festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, its underlying purpose is deeply rooted in local economic development. By providing a dedicated platform for small businesses, the event seeks to commercialise ancestral knowledge and elevate regional trades.
Mohammad Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, emphasised the strategic vision behind the event, stating that "the Jashe and Sahnah Festival is SCCI's latest economic and heritage initiative, supporting its efforts to promote the coastal food industries deeply rooted in the heritage and collective memory of Eastern Region communities." He further highlighted that the gathering showcases the potential to transform age-old customs into value-added economic products, reinforcing the value of sea resources.
Local leadership is equally committed to the event’s success. Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Director of Kalba City Municipality, noted that "preparations for the Jashe and Sahnah Festival are progressing in line with the highest quality standards, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber and participating partners, to deliver an inaugural edition befitting Kalba's standing and stature."
He underscored the tourism appeal, explaining that "the festival will serve as a family and tourism destination, drawing visitors from across the UAE and international tourists while supporting greater community engagement and local economic activity."
Festival Programme and Key Participants
To ensure a comprehensive experience, the event will feature broad participation from fish-processing factories, specialised fishing-supplies companies, and productive families. Held with Sharqiya Kalba TV, the festival is supported by six government and community entities:
- Sharjah Fish Resources Authority
- Sharjah Museums Authority
- Sharjah International Marine Sports Club
- Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)
- Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH)
- Kalba Cooperative Society for Fishermen
What Visitors Can Expect
The dynamic programme offers something for everyone. Beyond the marketplace, the festival will host competitions, educational workshops, and awareness sessions focused heavily on marine sustainability and responsible fishing practices. For those interested in industry evolution, dedicated displays will exhibit cutting-edge fishing technologies, vessels, and marine accessories, demonstrating how the sector has advanced whilst retaining traditional roots.
By establishing a vibrant marketplace, organisers are empowering local artisans and fishermen to reach a wider demographic. This direct-to-consumer approach boosts household incomes for productive families whilst fostering deeper appreciation amongst the younger generation for their ancestral trades. Ultimately, the inaugural festival stands as a testament to marine sustainability, ensuring the UAE's maritime heritage continues to thrive, educate, and inspire within the modern economy.
Kalba's inaugural Maritime Festival champions UAE coastal heritage
Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in cooperation with Kalba City Municipality, the four-day event is designed to bridge the gap between historical heritage and contemporary commerce.
