Sharjah rolls out first regional digital system to track fishing operations

Sharjah: Sharjah has become the first in the region to digitise end-to-end tracking of fishing operations, launching a QR-based verification system that allows regulators and consumers to instantly confirm the origin, quantity and species of every local catch — a move officials say will strengthen national food security and modernise the fisheries sector.

Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, and Seafood Souq, a global specialist in B2B SaaS solutions, introduced the traceability system at Souq Al Jubail. It is the first digital solution of its kind across the UAE and the wider region, assigning a unique QR code to each fishing vessel and documenting all activity from the moment a boat departs to the point of sale.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, co-founder of Seafood Souq, and Omar Al Mulla, CEO of the Investment Sector at Sharjah Asset Management, attended the launch, which also saw the signing of an agreement to extend the system to Souq Al Jubail – Hamriyah and Souq Al Jubail – Kalba. The expansion will ensure full digital monitoring and verification across the emirate’s major landing sites.

Seafood Souq, working with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), confirmed that plans are already in motion to roll out the platform nationwide, creating a unified digital framework for sustainable fisheries management across all seven emirates.

Commenting on the launch, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said: “The system we have developed is a prime example of how leveraging advanced technology and smart solutions, can create a business environment defined by efficiency, transparency and long-term sustainability. As a first for the UAE and the region, it also demonstrates why Sharjah is a key destination for enterprises and investors committed to data-driven responsible growth, further cementing the emirate’s position as a regional leader in the smart economy.”

Omar Al Mulla added: “The launch of the digital traceability system reflects Sharjah’s broader commitment to embedding sustainability across all sectors. Beyond enhancing the management of marine resources, it strengthens our vision of building a diversified economy founded on innovation, environmental and social responsibility and national food security, and strengthening trust in local products.”

The new system enables direct verification of product origins and quality, improving transparency and oversight in a sector considered vital to the UAE’s food security ambitions. It also reduces administrative burdens, cuts operational costs and creates a unified digital record for audits and regulatory checks.

Sharjah is the first emirate to integrate data-driven processes into its marine sustainability strategy, setting a benchmark for potential national and regional adoption.

Embedding blue economy principles
By supporting sustainable use of marine resources, the digital system strengthens the UAE’s blue economy objectives. It helps fishermen compete on quality rather than price while preserving traditional livelihoods and encouraging responsible harvesting practices.

National recognition
The platform has already earned the Majra National CSR Impact Seal — the UAE’s highest recognition for excellence in CSR and ESG practices — underscoring Sharjah’s growing leadership in sustainability and green-economy governance. The initiative supports the country’s entrepreneurship strategy, which aims to position the UAE as a global leader in SME innovation by 2031.

Scalable impact
Since going live, the platform has verified more than 140,500 kilograms of seafood from 139 vessels, covering 53 local species at just one landing site. Early data indicates faster verification, fewer registration errors and improved environmental planning, demonstrating strong potential for scaling the system across other ports nationwide.