Sharjah is set to host the inaugural Jashe and Sahnah Festival in Kalba from September 24 to 27, bringing together more than 65 productive families and home-based fishing enterprises to showcase traditional fish products. The event, organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in collaboration with Kalba City Municipality, will take place across a 4,800-square-metre site in the Al Samar neighbourhood of Al Ghail Suburb.
The festival celebrates two key elements of the UAE’s maritime food heritage: Jashe, a form of sun-dried fish, and Sahnah, a fermented fish condiment. In addition to local producers, the event will feature participation from six government bodies as well as six fishing-supply and fish-processing companies, underscoring efforts to boost economic activity linked to traditional practices.
Throughout the four-day event, visitors will have the opportunity to observe live demonstrations of traditional fishing methods and fish-drying techniques, alongside heritage workshops designed for families and children. A particular highlight includes showcasing the preparation of Sahnah using the Minhaz, a traditional mortar and pestle.
Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, emphasised that the festival aligns with the chamber’s mission to preserve the nation’s cultural identity while fostering development and business opportunities for entrepreneurs. “This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to both protect heritage and stimulate economic growth,” he stated.
The event also features three competitions offering cash prizes: best Sahnah product, best family dish incorporating Jashe and Sahnah, and best Jashe and Sahnah products prepared by children under family supervision. These contests aim to encourage innovation and creativity within the traditional framework.
Beyond cultural preservation, the festival intends to provide producers with a commercial platform to market both classic and newly developed varieties of Jashe and Sahnah, including options that incorporate innovative flavours and ingredients, helping to attract a broader audience and promote tourism in the region.