Whether you’re a professional angler or you’re new to the sport and you just want to dip your toe in the water (see what we did there?), Dubai has become a popular spot for keen anglers. There are several reasons for this and not just because it’s a wonderful holiday destination, but Dubai also offers great weather, a variety of tour companies and oceans that are teeming with hundreds of different species of fish ready to be caught. Here you can catch everything from bass and flounder to hammer and small sharks.
In fact, Dubai has become so popular amongst anglers it now hosts some of the best sea fishing events in the world. So, if you’re planning your next fishing trip, this glorious nation should certainly be given some consideration. That being said, before you book anything up, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Below, we’ve put together this guide to fishing in Dubai where we’ll take a look at some of the best places to fish, the tour providers there to help you and the laws/regulations you need to be aware of if you’re planning on visiting for a fishing trip.
The rules of fishing in Dubai
While Dubai is a great place to go fishing, the rules are pretty strict if you want to take part. Currently, citizens and residents must have a license in order to fish and they must apply for this from their municipality. This is a yearly license for recreational fishing. However, if you’re a tourist looking to go fishing on your holidays you’ll need to go through a licensed vendor/tour guide to be able to do this. Unfortunately, you can’t just arrive with your fishing gear and get stuck in.
The good news is, there are lots of great vendors/tour guides out there that can provide you with the relevant short-term license and equipment you need. They’ll also be able to take you to the best spots so you can make the most of your time there. If you’re caught fishing without a license you could be subject to a huge fine. If you own your own boat and wish to fish from that, you’ll have to produce your boat license, ID and rental contract.
When it comes to deep-sea fishing, your trip is weather-dependent which means you have to wait for the coast guard to approve this. And as part of the Dubai Coastguard directive, you’ll be asked to carry your passports with you on the trip. Now we know the basic rules, let’s take a look at some of the best places to go on your trip.
The best places to fish in Dubai
There are so many great places to go fishing in Dubai, but where you go will largely depend on what you want to catch. From bridges to beaches, you’re sure to find the perfect location for your dream fishing trip. Not to mention this beautiful nation is the ideal place to pair a fishing trip with a family getaway or relaxing holiday. When deciding where to go, why not consider the following destinations:
1. Bridges
There are two main bridges to keep in mind, Al Garhoud Bridge and Al Maktoum Bridge. While the weather can be on the warmer side in these locations (make sure to take plenty of bottled water with you!) it does mean these sites are absolutely teeming with fish. One slight downside is that it can get a little crowded here during the weekend, but if you avoid the mornings you’re more likely to get a quieter period. These are ideal locations if you want to catch yourself some Barracudas or Tilapias.
2. Beaches
There are plenty of beaches (particularly in Abu Dhabi) where you can fish. Jumeirah Beach is abundant with Sarracudas and Sultan Ibrahim and you can even enjoy watching the stingrays swimming around you. Other popular beaches for fishing include Al-Bateen, Hameed and Al Raha Beach. Just be careful when fishing in some of the rockier areas of the beach as these can become slippery!
3. The creek
The Dubai Creek Park is a great spot for recreational fishing and is swarming with Kingfish and Hammour. This is the ideal location if you want to sit back and relax, particularly if you’re a beginner. There are comfortable places to sit and unwind as you fish and you can also pop to the nearby shops for refreshments if you need food and drink at any point.
Are you considering a fishing trip to Dubai?
If you’re considering Dubai for your next fishing trip, that’s very exciting! Keeping in mind some of the top locations we’ve shared above. Although it might be tempting, it’s not a good idea to try and go it alone as this can end in a hefty fine. We will be able to point you in the right direction and help you make the most of your fishing trip.
