Fishing has always been a significant part of life in Dubai. The idea of deep blue waters and colorful fish may seem at odds with a desert landscape. Yet the limited fertility of the desert is precisely why people in Dubai have relied on the fruits of the sea for generations.

Today, fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in Dubai, for locals and tourists alike. Similar to the modern skyline of the city itself, fishing in Dubai is glamorous. Almost any fishing trip Dubai has to offer features a combination of advanced marine technology and decadent comfort. These tours are perfect for vacationing tourists who relish the thought of casting a few lines here and there. Many fishing charters in Dubai take place aboard luxury yachts, but this doesn’t mean you have to empty your wallet just to find a trip that’s right for you.

Known For

The best fishing in Dubai is deep sea fishing. Fishing tours which specialize in this style often take customers anywhere from 15 to 40 miles offshore, far from the overcrowded shores of the city. Unlike yacht charters which last only a couple of hours, deep sea fishing gives more dedicated anglers a chance to chase after the most impressive species in these waters.

While deep sea fishing Dubai you can troll for big game fish like giant Barracuda, Kingfish, Queenfish, Tuna, and Giant Trevally. You can also bottom fish for some of the region’s most iconic fish, such as Emperor Bream (Sheri), Orange Spotted Grouper (Hamour), Golden Threadfin Bream (Sultan Ibrahim), Painted Sweetlip (Farsh), and several kinds of Trevally (Jash). Many captains choose to troll along the way until reaching a spot where bottom fishing is preferable.

On the other hand, lots of tourists are content to come aboard smaller boats that will keep them close to shore. It’s easy to find a luxury yacht charter in Dubai which offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, onboard barbeques, and bottom fishing. With a couple of hours at your disposal, you might have a chance to reel small Barracuda, Queenfish, Snapper, and Grouper.

The neighborhoods of Jumeirah and Sharjah are particularly well known for great local fishing. On the other hand, some might argue that the best fishing spots in Dubai are not in Dubai at all! The serious sport fisherman who is less committed to comfort and more intent on landing bragging rights will find bigger fish in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. Both cities are roughly an hour-and-a-half away by car.

Rules & Regulations

A fishing license is required for all recreational fishing in Dubai, both on shore and on a boat. Only residents of Dubai can apply for a fishing license from the municipality of Dubai. A free online application is accessible through the Dubai Municipality Portal. Citizens living in other emirates must apply for a license from their own municipality.

Tourists cannot apply for an annual recreational fishing license. However, they may obtain a temporary license with the help of a hotel, charter service, or municipality. Most licensed charter operators in Dubai provide fishing licenses for their customers, so long as fishing is done aboard a boat. Always be sure to ask ahead of time.

Fishing is legal year-round in Dubai. However, size limits apply to certain species, such as Grouper, Rabbitfish, several kinds of Trevally, and Kingfish. The fine for anglers who disregard size limits may be as high as 10,000 AED.

Types of Fishing

The most prevalent techniques for deep sea fishing in Dubai are trolling and bottom fishing. Anglers will have the opportunity to try both these methods on almost any given deep sea fishing tour Dubai has to offer.

Trolling is used to target Kingfish, large Barracuda, Tuna, Giant Trevally, and Cobia when in season. Rapala lures are considered one of the most effective kinds of bait for this technique.

Bottom fishing may be done with rods and reels or with handlines. Squid and small shrimp are recommended as bait. This technique will bring you Emperor Bream, Golden Threadfin Bream, Grouper, Mackerel, and more.

A variety of opportunities are also available for those who prefer to fish from shore. The outskirts of Dubai are dotted with anglers, casting lines for Snapper and Bream. Garhoud Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge, and Al Sufouh Beach are just a few of the hot spots that locals recommend. Fishing is not permitted off the main beaches where people swim. Anglers fishing from shore in restricted areas or without a license may be subject to a fine.