Sharjah launches the region’s first digital system for tracking fishing operations, strengthening national food security

Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah; and Seafood Souq, global specialists in B2B SaaS products, have launched the region’s first digital traceability system for the fisheries industry in Sharjah. This pioneering advancement is developed to verify the origin of local catches, promoting sustainability, enhancing national food security, and building consumer trust.

The digital application, which has been launched at Souq Al Jubail, is the first end-to-end digital solution in the fisheries sector across the UAE and the wider region; and generates a unique QR code for every fishing vessel, allowing instant verification of licence details, catch type, source, and quantity. This ensures accurate tracking from the moment the boat leaves shore to the point of sale, giving consumers and regulators clear and reliable data. 

The launch, attended by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, co-founder of Seafood Souq, and Omar Al Mulla, CEO of the Investment Sector at Sharjah Asset Management, alongside key representatives from government and industry, marked the signing of a strategic agreement between Seafood Souq and Souq Al Jubail to expand the digital tracking system to Souq Al Jubail – Hamriyah and Souq Al Jubail – Kalba. This expansion will ensure full traceability and digital verification across all major landing sites in the emirate. 

Seafood Souq, in coordination with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), also announced that plans are underway to extend the system across all seven emirates, paving the way for a unified national framework for sustainable fisheries management.

Trusted global destination

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.” 

For his part, Omar Al Mulla said: “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.”

Driving digital transformation and sector-wide confidence

By enabling direct verification of product origin and quality, the digital traceability system enhances consumer experience, and also improves governance and oversight of the fisheries sector, a key pillar of national food security.

Digitisation of all administrative and monitoring processes reduces time and operational costs for market operators and regulators; and establishes a unified digital record for audits and regulatory checks. Sharjah is the first emirate to embed data at the core of its marine sustainability strategy, offering a model for broader national and regional adoption.

Embedding blue economy principles into national growth

At the macroeconomic level, the digital traceability system advances blue economy practices by encouraging sustainable use of marine resources for economic growth and environmental protection. It helps UAE fishermen compete based on quality rather than price, supporting stable incomes and preserving traditional sea-linked livelihoods.

National recognition for leadership in sustainability and governance 

Following the launch, the platform received the Majra National CSR Impact Seal, the UAE’s highest recognition for excellence in CSR and ESG practices. The recognition reflects the institutional trust Sharjah has earned in advancing sustainability, green-economy principles, and responsible resource management. The system aligns with the UAE’s national entrepreneurship agenda, which aims to position the country as a global leader in SME competitiveness and innovation by 2031.

Scalable impact backed by measurable results Since the system went live, it has digitally verified 140,500+ kilograms of seafood landed by 139 active vessels, covering 53 local species in just one landing site. These figures demonstrate the system’s operational scalability across other markets and ports nationwide.

Early data shows significant improvements in traceability and verification speed, enhancing market efficiency, reducing errors in registration and sales, and supporting more effective environmental planning and management. The newly established digital database provides a foundation for future programmes, initiatives and strategic decisions related to national resource management.