The Malah and Fishing Festival, organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality, continues to celebrate Emirati maritime heritage through a vibrant array of cultural and interactive activities on Al-Hisn Island. The event showcases traditional crafts and practices inspired by the UAE’s rich maritime legacy, alongside educational and creative initiatives that aim to introduce this heritage in innovative ways, complementing the commercial activities of the “Malah Market” and sections dedicated to local produce and family enterprises.
Interactive Workshops Enhancing Maritime Knowledge
The festival features a series of awareness and educational workshops addressing topics related to the marine environment and local heritage. Among these, the “Valuable Fishing Workshop,” “Fish Tank Workshop,” and “Jahal Workshop” engage participants in traditional pottery crafting techniques. Creative workshops that blend traditional crafts with contemporary design, such as “Bag Printing” and “Tally Keychain Series,” further enrich the festival experience.
Engaging Activities for All Ages
In addition to hands-on crafts, activities like the “Puppet Pool” and “Happy Family Marina” offer participants the chance to learn and practice skills rooted in the local environment in an interactive setting. These initiatives are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the region’s maritime heritage while encouraging practical engagement.
Promoting Sustainable Learning and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Mohamed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked that the programme of interactive workshops exemplifies the Chamber’s vision of transforming the festival from a seasonal economic and heritage event into a sustainable educational platform. He highlighted the importance of transmitting ancestral maritime skills to younger generations through tangible, practical experiences. Al-Awadi added that merging traditional crafts with contemporary creative products encourages youth to leverage their heritage into modern entrepreneurial avenues, aligning with the Chamber’s objective to empower young entrepreneurs and connect tradition with future job opportunities.