The Kلباء Festival for جاشع and سحناه, hosted by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Kalba Municipality, is proving to be a remarkable event as it wraps up its inaugural edition today in the Samir neighbourhood of Al Ghayl in Kalba. Over four days, the festival has attracted thousands of visitors and enthusiasts of marine industries, showcasing a distinguished participation from leading national companies and skilled artisans alongside seasoned fishermen. This unique event has successfully highlighted the rich coastal heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah and unveils the significant maritime legacy of Kalba as a vibrant hub for the nation.
Strategic Participation of National Companies
One of the festival’s core highlights is the involvement of companies specialising in fishing technologies and fish processing equipment. Their presence has created a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, particularly for project owners and productive families engaged in the fish drying and processing sector. The exhibition of modern equipment has enabled local producers to learn about the latest safe packing, sorting, and drying techniques, empowering them to enhance the quality of their products and increase their value, thus positioning them favourably within larger distribution channels and expanding their reach to a broader audience both locally and regionally. This advancement plays a crucial role in enhancing the national sustainable food security system by leveraging local natural resources.
Celebrating Success and Development
Khalil Al Mansouri, the chairman of the festival’s organising committee, confirmed that the event’s exceptional success was reflected in the overwhelming public engagement and the diverse range of participants. “With the participation of six specialised national companies alongside over 85 productive families and a select group of artisans, the festival has provided a significant investment and industrial dimension that elevates the process of manufacturing and trading dried fish from a limited scope to promising transformative industries,” he remarked.
Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ali Mohammed Al Kindi, the general coordinator of the Kلباء Festival for جاشع and سحناه, emphasised that the presence of leading factories and companies has offered fishermen, entrepreneurs, and aspiring youth the chance to explore the latest fishing equipment, advanced processing techniques, and environmentally-friendly production solutions. He expressed the Sharjah Chamber’s commitment to continuing its support for the fishing community and artisans by equipping them with modern knowledge and technologies necessary to preserve their historical maritime professions and open new commercial avenues that contribute to the Eastern Region’s local economy.
Highlighting Traditional Techniques
The boat craftsman Hashim Jumaa drew considerable attention from festival visitors, providing hands-on demonstrations and a documented account of the manufacturing steps for جاشع and سحناه. He explained that the preparation begins with the capture of small sardines and anchovies, locally referred to as “برِّية,” using beach seine nets known as “ضّغوة.” Fresh catches are then transported immediately to traditional sun-drying locations, historically termed “يِرْدَاب,” where they were once laid out on smooth pebbles but have now transitioned to utilising modern nets and protective coverings to adhere to health standards and safeguard the product.
From Catch to Culinary Delight
Hisham explained that the fish remains exposed to the sun for three to five days to dry before being classified into “كَدَس,” where it is organised in pyramid stacks according to a system known as “العشر.” This involves the transporter receiving one كدس for every ten they process as a commission. The final stage sees the fish packed into burlap sacks, called “اليَوَانِي,” and stored in traditional “البخار” warehouses pending sale to traders. He concluded by highlighting the vital steps leading to the grinding of dried fish into “سِحْنَاه,” a powder mixed with local ghee and lemon juice and served hot over bread, stressing that safeguarding this integrated series—”برية – جاشع – سحناه”—is a national duty for passing ancestral knowledge to the younger generations.
Innovation in Marine Resources
Salim Hamam Mubarak from the Arabian Sea Animal and Feed Production Company shared his team’s experience over 15 years in recycling and utilising marine resources. His participation showcased two primary products: “Fish Meal” (a fish protein supplement) and an organic fertiliser made from excess jash and local fish scraps. This highlights the festival’s role in emphasising value-added supply chains and circular economies that boost the utilisation of marine products to support both the agricultural and animal sectors nationwide.
Craftsmanship and Education
The craftsmen’s exhibits included meticulously crafted models of traditional wooden ships, designed to resemble historical vessels such as “البوم,” “الصنبوق,” “الشوعي,” and “الجالبوت.” Alongside these were various old fishing and diving tools, offering practical lessons to visitors and youth about traditional shipbuilding and the navigational tasks associated with each vessel through history.
A Rich Experience Awaiting Visitors
The festival is designed to offer a rich experience that blends shopping with cultural heritage education and direct engagement with maritime experts. Visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase premium jاشع, سحناه, and salted fish from reliable sources at preferential prices, while also learning about modern fishing gear and processing equipment. Additionally, informative workshops on sustainability and responsible fishing practices have been a notable feature of the festival.
The festival continues to welcome visitors today until 10:00 PM at its venue in the Samir Park, Kalba, inviting families and all those interested in maritime and heritage industries to partake in the festivities. Attendees eagerly anticipate the evening’s announcement of winners and recognition in three competition categories: “Best Quality جاشع and سحناه” for adults, “Best Innovative Dish for Families,” and “Best Product for Children and Youth.”