Reeling in Leisure: UAE Fishing License Guide

Fishing in the UAE: How to Get a Leisure License

The aim of the laws is to eliminate overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated practices, and introduce science-based management plans.

From diving into the sea to building towering skyscrapers, the economy and development of the UAE have flourished rapidly over the past few decades. However, everything started at the sea, where pearl diving and fishing were the main sources of income in the early days.

Fishing is not just an economic activity in the Emirates; many people also participate as a leisure activity. To protect the region's marine diversity, the UAE has enacted laws, established specific seasons, and implemented restrictions to regulate fishing in the country.

These laws aim to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated overfishing and destructive fishing practices, and introduce science-based management plans to restore fish stocks as quickly as possible.

Obtaining a license is mandatory before commencing fishing activities, even on a hobby level.

Here's everything you need to know about fishing in the UAE.

Obtaining a License

Obtaining a license to participate in recreational fishing is mandatory in the UAE. The process and authority differ by emirate. Here's a guide to obtaining a license in Dubai.

In Dubai, the Dubai Municipality is responsible for issuing fishing licenses. The service allows residents to fish only with hook and line and permits fishing in coastal areas of Dubai listed in the license.

This license allows individuals to fish at Al Mamzar Creek, Al Maktoum (only the Bur Dubai side), Creek Park, Al Garhoud bridges (only Deira side) at Dubai Creek, and the Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, and Al Sufouh beaches.

This fishing service is suspended from June to October each year to preserve sustainable consumption of local fish resources.

Only Dubai residents are eligible to apply for the "recreational fishing license."

The license is valid for one year and is renewable.

Process

Interested individuals can apply through the Dubai Municipality website or the Dubai Now app. No fees are required during the process.

Residents must submit the following documents:

• Proof of residency in Dubai (lease contract/property ownership) or water and electricity bill.

• Passport copy and Emirates ID

• Personal photo

• Boat license (for recreational fishing by boat)

• Work card/work permit (for recreational fishing with hook and line)

Under Federal Law No. 23 concerning the exploitation, protection, and development of aquatic living resources in Dubai, children under 18 can fish without a license.

Applicants can expect a response within three days.

Hadaq

For fishing enthusiasts seeking guidance during their fishing trips, the Hadaq map is an interactive geographic guide that helps understand the regulatory framework for the fishing sector in the country.

This map identifies the locations of fishing boats within permitted fishing boundaries and areas. It displays protected areas and zones along the UAE's coastline where fishing is prohibited, and provides information about seasons. Additionally, it highlights the specifications of tools permitted based on the geographic location of the fishing boat.