The 12th edition of the Diba Al-Hisn Salt and Marine Fishing Festival 2025, organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Diba Al-Hisn Municipality from August 28 to 31, attracted over 45,000 visitors and generated sales and revenues exceeding one million dirhams for exhibitors.

The festival, one of the most prominent heritage events specialized in the salt industry at the national level, featured wide participation from more than 100 exhibitors from government and private sectors, alongside artisans, productive families, and shops specializing in salted products and derivatives.

The festival offered visitors a comprehensive view highlighting the marine fishing profession and salt production, which have been the lifeblood of coastal communities in the UAE. The festival sections included a central salt market showcasing the finest salted and dried fish, local agricultural product pavilions, a vibrant area of traditional restaurants serving dishes inspired by maritime heritage, and exhibition platforms displaying the latest technologies in boats and fishing engines, bridging traditional heritage and modern innovation.

Sustainability

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, confirmed that the festival continued its pioneering path as one of the most prominent events embodying the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to keep heritage alive and active in society and ensure the sustainability of sea-related professions, which are an integral part of the national identity. He noted that the chamber exerted efforts with its partners to organize an exceptional edition representing a qualitative leap in size and content; the exhibition area increased by 140% to reach 4,800 square meters, enabling hosting a larger number of exhibitors and expanding activities. The festival’s success in attracting entrepreneurs reflects the great confidence it enjoys as a platform encouraging innovation in traditional food industries and supporting small and medium enterprises.

Supporting Productive Families

Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, Director of Diba Al-Hisn Municipality, praised the distinguished level the festival reached thanks to the combined organizational efforts and the keenness to ensure an exceptional experience for visitors and participants alike. He affirmed that the event, while celebrating heritage professions in fishing and fish preservation, has become an investment in the future and a pioneering model for sustainable development based on identity, through supporting productive families and opening new horizons for partnership between traditional artisans and modern companies. Additionally, it plays a role in boosting tourism and economic growth and enhancing the status of Diba Al-Hisn, the Eastern Region, and the Emirate of Sharjah as a leading destination for heritage and distinguished events.

Diverse Program

The festival included a diverse program of interactive and educational activities, including practical sessions on fish salting and preservation arts, educational workshops on shipbuilding and net making, alongside live folkloric performances presenting fishermen’s tales, chants, and traditional fishing arts, in a heritage scene that revived the memories of ancestors’ struggles with the sea. Dialogue sessions addressed issues of fish wealth sustainability and the importance of adopting sustainable fishing practices, alongside heritage and artistic competitions involving visitors of various age groups, which were well received and interactive.