Where the fish are biting in the UAE
Seasons, permitted spots, licences and tackle — all in one place. We'll match you with a charter or show you how to fish on your own.
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What's biting in the UAE, month by month
In season now:
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KingfishSpanish mackerel, kanaad | best season | best season | best season | possible | rare | rare | rare | rare | possible | possible | best season | best season |
| Queenfishdela, bassar | best season | best season | best season | possible | possible | possible | rare | rare | possible | possible | best season | best season |
| Hamourorange-spotted grouper | best season | best season | best season | possible | possible | possible | possible | possible | possible | possible | best season | best season |
| Cobia | best season | best season | possible | rare | rare | rare | rare | rare | rare | rare | rare | possible |
| Doradomahi-mahi | best season | best season | possible | rare | rare | rare | rare | rare | rare | possible | best season | best season |
| Sailfishmostly Gulf of Oman | possible | possible | possible | possible | rare | rare | rare | rare | rare | possible | possible | possible |
| Barracuda | possible | possible | possible | possible | possible | best season | best season | best season | best season | possible | possible | possible |
| Trevallyincl. giant trevally | possible | possible | possible | best season | best season | best season | possible | possible | possible | possible | possible | possible |
Based on reports from captains and fishing guides. Actual bites depend on weather, water and spot.
Tackle and bait: what to use
Short, practical tips for the main species. Beginner-friendly.
KingfishNovember–March, dawn
From a boat: troll diving lures and spoons. From shore: 30–60 g metal jigs. Use a wire or titanium leader — the teeth cut line.
QueenfishNovember–March
Surface poppers and stickbaits, fast retrieve. Medium spinning rod, 3000–5000 reel. Found around island channels and rocky points.
Hamourall year, best in winter
Bottom fishing around rocks, breakwaters and reefs. Bait: fresh squid, sardine, prawn. Strong line — it dives straight into the rocks. Respect the minimum size.
Shaari (spangled emperor)all year
Bottom rig near islands and reefs. Best bait: prawn and squid. A favourite table fish — keep only legal sizes.
Barracudasummer mornings, winter all day
Hard lures and jigs around currents and bridges. Wire leader. Most active at dawn and dusk.
DoradoOctober–February, offshore
Offshore trolling, especially near floating debris and buoys. Lures or live bait. Usually from a charter.
Trevally / GTall year
Poppers around reefs and currents. For GT: heavy spinning rod and PE 6–8 braid, mostly from a boat.
Need tackle?
We'll tell you what to bring for your target fish and spot, and where to buy it nearby. Just message us.
Where you can fish: spot map
Permitted shore fishing zones, charter departure points and kayak routes.
Map positions are approximate. Dubai zones are based on Dubai Municipality information. Before you go, check the official MOCCAE fishing zones map.
All spots as a list
- Khor Al MamzarShore, Dubai. Dubai Municipality permitted zone. Sheltered lagoon.
- Al Maktoum Bridge (Bur Dubai)Shore, Dubai. Permitted on the Bur Dubai side only.
- Creek Park / Al Garhoud Bridge (Deira)Shore, Dubai. Permitted on the Deira side.
- Jumeirah BeachShore, Dubai. Permitted zone on Jumeirah beach.
- Umm Suqeim BeachShore, Dubai. Permitted zone near Burj Al Arab.
- Al Sufouh BeachShore, Dubai. Dubai Municipality permitted zone.
- Dubai Marina / Dubai HarbourCharter, Dubai. Most Dubai fishing charters depart from here.
- Yas MarinaCharter, Abu Dhabi. Charter departure point in Abu Dhabi.
- Yas Island bridgeShore, Abu Dhabi. Current break: barracuda, queenfish, kingfish. Best before sunrise, Nov–Feb. Abu Dhabi licence needed.
- Dalma Island reefsBoat, Abu Dhabi. Remote reefs with big hamour. Boat only.
- Al Hamra MarinaCharter, Ras Al Khaimah. RAK charters: barracuda, kingfish, tuna.
- Umm Al Quwain mangrovesKayak, Umm Al Quwain. Calm mangrove channels for kayak fishing.
- DibbaCharter, Fujairah. Gulf of Oman, trips towards Musandam: sailfish, dorado.
- Fujairah coastCharter, Fujairah. Deep water close to shore — big game.
Fishing licence: cost and where to apply
You can't fish in the UAE without a licence — not even with a rod from the shore. Each emirate has its own rules and prices.
| Emirate | Who can apply | Price | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Residents and visitors | AED 30 — one week AED 120 — one year | TAMM portal with UAE PASS |
| Dubai | Dubai residents only | Free, valid for 1 year | Dubai Municipality |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Residents | AED 110 | RAK EPDA |
| Sharjah | Residents | Depends on duration and group size | Sharjah Executive Council portal |
| Fujairah | Boat owners | On request | Fujairah Environment Agency |
Visiting the UAE?
Dubai doesn't issue personal fishing licences to tourists. You have two legal options: a licensed charter (the operator's permit covers passengers) or an Abu Dhabi weekly licence for AED 30.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing licence in the UAE?
Yes. Any recreational fishing, including rod fishing from the shore, requires a licence from the emirate you fish in. In Dubai, under-18s can fish without a permit; in Abu Dhabi, minors fish together with a licensed adult.
Can tourists go fishing in the UAE?
Yes. The easiest way is a licensed charter — the operator's permit covers passengers. To fish on your own, get an Abu Dhabi weekly licence for AED 30 on the TAMM portal. Dubai only issues personal licences to residents.
How much does a fishing licence cost?
Dubai: free for residents, valid for a year. Abu Dhabi: AED 30 per week or AED 120 per year. Ras Al Khaimah: AED 110. In Sharjah the price depends on duration and group size.
When is the best fishing season in the UAE?
November to March, when kingfish, queenfish, hamour and dorado peak. In summer, fish early in the morning — it's barracuda season.
Where can I fish from the shore in Dubai?
According to Dubai Municipality: Khor Al Mamzar, Al Maktoum Bridge (Bur Dubai side), Creek Park and Al Garhoud Bridge (Deira side), and Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Al Sufouh beaches. A Dubai Municipality licence is required.
What's the fine for fishing without a licence?
In Dubai, AED 500 to 1,000, and your gear can be confiscated. Other emirates also fine violations.
Which fish are protected?
In Abu Dhabi, all sharks and rays, parrotfish, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, dugongs, seahorses and corals are protected. Your catch is for personal use only — selling it is illegal.
Plan your fishing trip
Leave your number and we'll WhatsApp or call you within a day.
- Tell us what you want to catch and when.
- We'll send 2–3 charter options with prices, or tips on where and how to fish on your own.
- You choose — we help with booking and the licence.
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