Sharjah: National CSR Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Seafood Souq, concluded the Fisheries Impact Lab in Sharjah, bringing together more than 35 experts, researchers, decision-makers, industry leaders, government representatives, private sector stakeholders, academic institutions, and technology and innovation providers. The lab aims to unite efforts and co-create practical solutions that deliver credible and measurable impact, advancing the sustainability of the fisheries sector, strengthening food security, and creating long-term national value for the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative reflects Majra's commitment to strengthening the UAE's Sustainable Impact Ecosystem through cross-sector partnerships that address national priorities and transform challenges into opportunities that generate sustainable economic, social, and environmental impact. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Seafood Souq, highlighted the opportunity within the fisheries sector to create sustainable economic and environmental impact, supporting national food security and enhancing the resilience of the UAE's food supply chains.
The Fisheries Impact Lab brings stakeholders together under a national umbrella to align priorities and develop scalable solutions that advance the long-term sustainability of the sector. Sheikh Fahim emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency, supply chain efficiency, and the adoption of innovation and advanced technologies to strengthen sector competitiveness and deliver credible, measurable, and tangible impact aligned with the UAE's Sustainable Development Priorities.
Sarah Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Majra - National CSR Fund, expressed that the lab reflects Majra's commitment to advancing the UAE's Sustainable Impact Ecosystem by uniting government entities, the private sector, academic institutions, and experts under a national umbrella with a shared purpose: supporting the UAE's Sustainable Development Priorities. She believes that sustainable impact is achieved through cross-sector partnerships and the development of solutions that generate credible and measurable impact.
The lab seeks to identify priority challenges and emerging opportunities across the fisheries value chain while fostering collaboration among stakeholders to develop sustainable impact initiatives that support responsible marine resource management and strengthen local seafood production. Discussions focus on five key themes: sustainable fish stock management, aquaculture innovation and growth, traceability and supply chain efficiency, food security through increased local seafood production, and stronger collaboration between regulators, industry, and academia to accelerate innovation and generate sustainable impact.
Dr. Maria Hanif Al Qasim, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Policies and Studies at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, stated the strategic importance of the fisheries sector to the UAE, directly linked to food security and sustainability. She highlighted the significance of cross-sector partnerships in developing innovative solutions that support sustainable marine resource management, strengthen local production, and advance alignment with the UAE Sustainable Development Priorities.
Majra will document the lab's outcomes and recommendations in a comprehensive report that will serve as a reference for stakeholders and a roadmap for advancing sustainable impact, strengthening alignment with national priorities, and creating measurable national value across the fisheries sector.