The Sharjah Fish Resources Authority convened with the Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Young Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), an affiliate of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, to explore avenues for bolstering national entrepreneurial ventures in the fisheries sector. They discussed launching structured awareness and media campaigns to enhance the visibility of their production resources in the market.
Aligned with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which prioritises backing the fishing industry, supporting fishermen, and advancing the fishing profession.
Ali Ahmed Ali Abu Ghazin, Chairman of the Sharjah Fish Resources Authority, Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), and several officials from both parties attended the meeting.
Abu Ghazin welcomed RUWAD’s delegation, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts and institutional resources to activate citizen-led projects in the fisheries sector. He commended RUWAD’s role in nurturing small and medium-sized Emirati projects across various sectors in Sharjah.
Abu Ghazin outlined the authority’s vision and objectives aimed at preserving and developing the emirate’s fisheries resources, enhancing food security, revitalising the fishing profession, and supporting local markets by selling fishing materials competitively. He underscored providing comprehensive support to fishermen and their activities across the emirate.
In turn, Al Mahmoud emphasised RUWAD’s dedication to utilising its services and programmes to expand the involvement of fisheries sector projects in boosting the emirate’s GDP and advancing its burgeoning economy.
He elaborated on new support initiatives for small and medium-sized projects in Sharjah, particularly in industry, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental sectors, aiming for sustainable food security. This has led to the establishment of innovative and sustainable national projects, reflecting Sharjah’s leadership in these fields and translating the directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, with oversight from H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
The meeting agenda included discussions on enhancing existing cooperation between the two parties, particularly in awareness and educational programmes, and sharing media content for publication on their social media platforms. They also explored cooperation in developing local regulations governing the fisheries sector.
Attendees deliberated on potential support methods for fishermen, including offering training programmes for aspiring entrepreneurs to establish fisheries-related businesses. This would create direct or indirect investment opportunities in fish farming, transportation, packaging services, engine and boat maintenance, among others, generating significant economic and investment returns.
Both parties agreed to identify resources produced by cooperative societies for promotional and marketing campaigns. They also considered creating networking opportunities between licensed fishermen and commercial markets, facilitating access to RUWAD financing to expand these projects, thereby increasing market share and competitiveness. Additionally, they decided to form a joint working group to monitor the implementation of the meeting’s recommendations and outcomes.
