Dubai: There is no better way to enjoy the few cool months in the UAE than to head out to the beach or to the sea. Fishing holds historical significance in the UAE and even today many people head over to the beach or onto a boat along with their fishing gear. If you would like to also enjoy fishing in the UAE, here is all you need to know about getting a fishing licence.
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The UAE’s waters and its species are protected by Federal Law No. (23) of the year 1999 concerning the exploitation, protection and development of the living aquatic resources. The article protects the aquatic wildlife by clearly stating the protected zones and prohibited equipment that are banned from use in the UAE. The law also bans fishing during the fertilisation or reproduction seasons and determines the minimum size of fish that can be caught, to protect the marine eco-system. The ban on fishing is announced each year and the respite allows time for fragile fish stocks to replenish.
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###Some of the regulations stated in Federal Law No. (23)###
What is the official fishing season of the UAE?
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The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has specified the months in which fishing is banned based on species. The complete list can be found here.
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###Fishing calendar for banned seasons
Image Credit: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment ###
Which species are overfished?
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In January 2018, The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) revealed the results of its Fisheries Resources Assessment Survey, which was completed over a period of two years. The survey indicated that mainly due to severe fishing pressures, key species like Hamour (Epinephelus coioides), Shaari (Lethrinus nebulosus) and Farsh (Diagramma pictum) were being fished between three and five times the sustainable limits for those species. Eighty five per cent of fish species stocks were considered overexploited when compared to sustainability standards.
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According to the survey results, Farsh is severely exploited and has been reduced to 7 per cent of its adult stock size. Data collected on Farsh revealed that very few adult fish live over the age of two, despite an expected lifespan of over 30 years in the Arabian Gulf.
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Hamour’s stock size was found to be 12 per cent of unexploited levels. For the Hamour, which has a life span of over 20 years, they are only growing to a maximum age of eight years.
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Shaari was another overexploited fish with stock sizes at 13 per cent of unexploited levels.
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In cases where such a species of fish is caught, it is recommended to release it back into the ocean.
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How do I get a licence?
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Abu Dhabi
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To go fishing in Abu Dhabi waters, citizens, residents and tourists need to apply for a licence at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The licence can be applied for easily online here.
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You can also call the agency on 02 693 4444
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These are the different types of fishing licences that can be applied for:
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1. Commercial fishing licences
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Commercial fishing licences are issued to professional fishermen in Abu Dhabi. To get this service, the following conditions the applicant:
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• Must be a UAE citizen and registered with Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCaE).
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• Must have a fishing boat registered by the MoCCaE.
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• Must have good conduct and behaviour.
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• Must be at least 18 years old.
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• Must comply with decisions issued by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and use allowed fishing equipment.
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Cost: Dh200 for Tarad (speedboat)
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Dh250 for Lansh (motor-engine powered dhow)
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The same fee needs to be paid for the renewal of the licence.
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2. Hadhra fishing licence
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Hadhra is a traditional fishing method used in shallow coastal areas. This licence is issued to traditional UAE fishermen.
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Required documents:
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– Emirates ID
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– Personal photo, a letter to EAD with coordinates of the fishing location
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3. Fishing net permit (Al Ghazal)
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This permit is issued to fishermen who own a speedboat and hold a commercial fishing licence. Net fishing is permitted in the waters of Abu Dhabi except for the areas banned by Law No. 23 of 1999 on the Exploitation and Protection of Living Aquatic Resources in the UAE (PDF), and the related local decisions. This service is provided to owners of fishing boats only, not of big fishing vessels.
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4. Weekly recreational fishing licence
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The public can apply for this licence, which enables them to fish along the Abu Dhabi beaches. It is issued for UAE citizens, expats (with valid visa) and tourists.
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Cost: Dh30
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5. Annual recreational fishing licence
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Holders of the annual recreational fishing licences are allowed to fish along the Abu Dhabi beaches. This licence is valid for one year and issued to citizens, residents and tourists. The applicant should be 18 years old or above and a UAE citizen or expatriate (with valid visa). Tourists would need to provide details of their tourist visa.
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Cost: Dh120
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Processing Time: Three working days
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Required documents:
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– Copy of Emirates ID
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– Personal photo
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Gargour permit
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A gargour is a cage-like fishing trap with an opening that allows the fish to swim inside without being able to escape. It targets deep-water fish such as the hammour, jesh and zuraidi. Gargour permits are issued for commercial fishers having big fishing launches (motor-engine powered dhow).
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Bohoor permit
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‘Bohoor’ signifies internal waters and the UAE’s regional waters within the Abu Dhabi emirate. This permit allows traditional fishers to practise fishing in these areas. It can be renewed every four years.
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Required documents
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– Emirates ID
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– Copy of the family book
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– A letter directed to EAD with the location coordinates
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Fees: Dh1,500
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Dufara fishing permit
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Dufara is a small fishing net used in shallow waters to catch fish such as the golden trevally, scaled queenfish and the yellowtail scad. This service requires the applicant to have a registered fishing boat.
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Cost: No fees
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Required Documents
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– Copy Emirates ID
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– Copy of fishing boat ownership
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Dubai
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The Natural Resources Protection section of Dubai Municipality is the competent authority to provide licensing services for fishing within the emirate’s regional water. There are two types of fishing licensing service provided by Dubai Municipality:
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Recreational fishing licence
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This service enables the customer to obtain a licence for recreational fishing using the fishing rod only. This licence allows fishing from the coast, or using a boat in coastal waters of the emirate of Dubai. Fishing will be in compliance with the terms of the Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 amended by Federal Law No. 7 of 2016 on Protection and Development of Bio-Aquatic resources in the UAE and related regulations. This service is available to citizens and residents. The licence is valid for a renewable term of one year. The service is suspended from June to October of every year to keep sustainable consumption of local fish resources.
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Artisanal fishing licence
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This service enables the customer to obtain fishing licence in the UAE’s marine waters as per the Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 amended by Federal Law No. 7 of 2016 on the requirement of protection, and development of Bio-Aquatic resources in the UAE and according to the procedures of Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This service is available and eligible by UAE national artesian fishers. Applying for this service requires an approval from the local fishing organisation.
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To apply for a licence in Dubai, click here.
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Ras Al Khaimah
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In Ras Al Khaimah, Environment Protection and Development Authority is the entity competent to issue fishing licences in the regional waters of the emirate. Its duties include regulation of fishing and protection of fish resources in the emirate. Fishing for recreational or commercial purposes is not allowed in Ras Al Khaimah without obtaining a licence from the authority.
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Fishing boats registration
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Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is in charge of issuing licences and registering fishing boats all over the UAE. According to the Ministerial Decree Ho. 372 of 2013 on Temporary Suspension of New Fishing Boat Registration (PDF in Arabic), Ministry of Climate Change and Environment suspended issuance of licences for new boats. Current licences issued by the ministry cover sale, assignment, replacement of damaged boats and transfer of title to heirs. To licence a fishing boat, the owner of the boat must:
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• Be a citizen of the UAE
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• Be at least 18 years old
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• Get security approval
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• Have a fishing licence from the competent authority
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• Not have been previously registered with the ministry
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• Have fishing experience
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Information courtesy government.ae and Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
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