Fish factory that can create 1,000 jobs in UAE proposed

Abu Dhabi - Sharjah's Kalba area will be the ideal location for this project, an FNC member suggested.

A proposal to establish a fish export factory in Sharjah’s Kalba area was presented on Tuesday as the Federal National Council (FNC) discussed ways to support the country’s fishing industry and fishermen.

With the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment present at the session, FNC member Shatha Saeed Al Naqbi suggested looking into a study to establish an integrated national fish export factory, particularly in Kalba because of its ideal geographical location.

“This is very important, especially in light of the presence of various models from Kalba youths who have a lot of experience in exporting fish abroad. The facility will receive all types of marine life and would produce dried and canned fish, fresh fish and others, provided that the sources of this plant are from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Bab Al-Mandab,” Al Naqbi said.

If implemented, the factory can be expected to create more than 1,000 job opportunities for Kalba, she added. “It would provide support to the UAE fishermen...provide natural feed for animals, and produce fertilisers, increase national local sufficiency and raise the level of quality in local markets.”

Al Naqbi said the factory could create a UAE national mark through manufacturing and exporting.