With gorgeous beaches and productive turquoise waters, it's hardly a surprise that fishing in Abu Dhabi is nothing short of superb. You'll find the capital of the United Arab Emirates nestled comfortably on the Persian Gulf – the playground of an array of colorful fish.
In the offshore waters, Hammour is the local favorite (aka Brown Spotted Reef Cob) and among the most frequent (and delicious) catches on fishing charters. If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, King Mackerel, Queenfish, various Snapper species, and Barracuda are very popular and fun to catch.
The big game fishing season in Abu Dhabi starts in October and lasts until late April. This gives you plenty of time to explore the deep waters for Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin, Trevally, and even Marlin. Bear in mind that every fish has its own timing, so if there's a particular species you'd like to target, it's best to consult with a local guide when you book your trip.
After that, you just have to decide how long you want your trip to last. Half day excursions (4–5 hours) seem to always be in demand, but full day expeditions don't fall far behind. It's all a matter of preference and how much time you've got.
Rules & Regulations
If you book a local charter, you can expect your fishing license to be included in the price. If you plan to fish without a professional guide, you'll need to pay a fee and submit some documents to the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency to get a weekly license. Make sure you're up to date on local rules and regulations ahead of time.
Your fishing adventure on the Persian Gulf awaits, and chances are, Abu Dhabi will not disappoint!