How to Apply for a Fishing License in Dubai
Before it became known to the world as a modern mega city, Dubai was a small fishing village on the Persian Gulf.
And even if Dubai grew into a major trading hub for pearl, oil and other products, fishing is still a major activity for residents, especially with the abundance of its seas.
You can also fish in Dubai as a foreigner as long as you meet the qualifications to apply for a recreational or artisanal fishing license.
Fishing Laws in Dubai
The UAE’s waters have always been abundant with marine life.
Since fishing is a favorite activity during winter, the government created Federal Law No. 23 stipulating the rules that protect the country’s aquatic resources including:
- Using trawling nets, nylon nets, drift and bottom settling nets regardless of size, length of type are strictly prohibited.
- Capturing of sea turtles, sea cows, whales and other sea mammals or tampering with their habitat and collecting their eggs are strictly prohibited.
- Extracting sponges, coral reefs and oysters except for use in scientific research is strictly prohibited.
- Anyone fishing in the waters of the UAE should obtain a fishing license and be listed under a general register created by the Ministry.
In Dubai, the Municipality’s Natural Resources Protection section is the designated authority in providing licensing services for those who want to fish in the city’s waters.
You can apply for two types of fishing license when in Dubai:
- Recreational Fishing License
This type of license is given to those who are fishing in Dubai using only a rod.
A recreational fishing license allows the holder to fish on a boat or from the coast in the waters of Dubai as long as the rules of Federal Law No.23 and Federal Law No.7 are followed.
This license is also renewable every year and only available to residents and citizens of Dubai.
However, fishing in Dubai is suspended from June to October to maintain the abundance of the emirate’s fish resources.
- Artisanal Fishing License
This type of license is given to qualified national artesian fishers in the UAE and allows its holders to fish in the country’s marine waters following Federal laws.
An artisanal fishing license requires the approval of a local fishing organization.
The Best Spots in Dubai for Fishing
You can’t just fish anywhere in Dubai, so it’s important to know which are the best spots in the city to get a good catch:
- Al Maktoum Bridge
One of the best places to fish is under the Al Maktoum Bridge on the Bur Dubai side. Remember that it’s prohibited to fish on the Deira side of the bridge.
- Al Mamzar Creek
You can fish in some parts of Al Mamzar Creek as long as you’re not near the Mamzar Corniche and in investment spaces, landing bases and swimming areas.
- Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim Breakwaters
Behind Sunset Mall, you can go fishing in the breakwaters of both Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim beaches as long as you’re not near the fisherman harbor and designated swimming areas.
- Garhoud Bridge
Choose a spot under the Garhoud Bridge on the Deira side for fishing.
Remember that you’re not allowed to fish on the Bur Dubai side of the bridge and below the Business Bay bridge.
- Al Sufouh Beach
The breakwaters on Al Sufouh Beach are also open for fishing as long as you’re not in the designated swimming and investment areas.
If you want to catch big fish like Tuna and King Mackerel, you can fish from October to May.
On the other hand, June to September is ideal for catching smaller species like Queenfish and Sailfish.
Dubai’s waters are also abundant with fishes like Hammour, Barracuda and Tilapia all year round.
How to Get a Recreational Fishing License in Dubai
A recreational fishing license is ideal if you’re only fishing for fun since you can only do it from November to May.
You also need to be at least 18 years old to qualify for a recreational fishing license.
Here are the steps to follow in obtaining this type of fishing license:
Step 1: Gather all your requirements.
Before you can apply for a recreational fishing license, you need to gather these documents first:
- A copy of your passport and Emirates ID
- Boat license (To be used in applying for a permit to fish using a boat)
- Photograph
If you’re not a citizen of the UAE, you also need to provide these additional requirements:
- Electricity bill issued in your name from DEWA
- Proof of housing (Ownership or Housing Rental Contract)
- Labor card or work permit
- Employment contract if your housing is under your employer
Step 2: File for your application online.
If you’re ready with your application, log on to the Dubai Municipality website and fill out a form to apply for the recreational fishing license.
You’ll be asked to provide your email address where you’ll be notified within three working days if you got approved or rejected for a recreational fishing license.
If you get an approval, you can receive your fishing license through your email. You also don’t need to pay anything for your application.
If you’re a resident of Dubai, your license will be valid for one year. But tourists may also be given a one-week fishing license.
How to Get an Artisanal Fishing License in Dubai
If you wish to apply for an artisanal fishing license, remember that you’ll only qualify for one if you’re a UAE national and a national artesian fisher.
This type of license allows you to not only use fishing rods for fishing but also other fishing methods.
Here are the steps to applying for an artisanal fishing license in Dubai:
Step 1: Gather all your requirements.
To get started with your application for an artisanal fishing license, you need to complete these documents first:
- A Boat Testing Certificate issued by the Coast Guard Group – Fourth Squadron
- Letter of Approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Step 2: File for your application online.
Once you have all the approvals needed, you can log on to the Dubai Municipality website and fill out the Service Application Form.
Submit this with your other documents and wait for three working days to know if you got approved or rejected for an artisanal fishing license.
If you’re granted one, you’ll receive your license through your email.