Fishing License Dubai: Application Process and Documents

Dubai Fishing License is mandatory for every individual person who wants to do fishing activity in Dubai. Fishing without a valid license is illegal and chargeable to fine.

Whether you are an Emirati Citizen (UAE National) or GCC Citizen or Expat Resident, you have to get a fishing license to do fishing in Dubai. With a valid fishing license, you can do fishing in several designated areas of the Dubai Emirate.

Here I am going to explain how you can apply for a fishing license in Dubai online and its application process.

Types of Fishing License in Dubai

There are two types of fishing license available in Dubai. Before you apply for a fishing license Dubai online, it is important know about the 2 types of fishing license and their eligibility details.

1. Recreational Fishing License
2. Artisanal Fishing License

Recreational Fishing License Dubai

The Recreational Fishing License allows the individual person to do fishing using the fishing rod (a line and hooks) only.

• This license allows to do fishing from the coast and fishing on a boat in coastal waters of the Dubai Emirate.
• This license is available for citizens and residents of the UAE.
• This license comes with a validity of one year and it is renewable.
• Every year, the fishing service under Recreational Fishing License is suspended from June to October as per rules.

Artisanal Fishing License in Dubai

The Artisanal Fishing License allows an individual to do fishing with traditional small-scale equipment with low-level technology.

• This license is available only for Emirati National Artesian Fishers.
• This license allows to do traditional/artisanal fishing in marine waters of the Dubai Emirate.
• An approval from the local fishing organization is required to apply for an Artisanal Fishing License in Dubai.

Eligibility for Fishing License Dubai

Minimum Age: 18 Years or Older

• All expat residents and UAE citizens are eligible to apply for a Recreational Fishing License in Dubai.
• Only UAE/Emirati National Artesian Fishers are eligible to apply for an Artisanal Fishing License in Dubai.

Required Documents for Fishing License Dubai

Before you apply for a fishing license in Dubai online, make sure that you have all required documents given as follows.

For Recreational Fishing License

• Emirates ID
• A Passport Copy for Local Citizens OR A Passport Copy with Residency Visa Page for Expat Residents
• High Resolution Personal Photo
• Boat License (to apply for recreational fishing using a boat)

Additional Documents

• Tenancy Contract or Ownership Certificate (to prove residency in Dubai)
• DEWA Electricity Bill
• Job Contract and Official Letter (if you live in the accommodation provided by your company/employer)
• Labour Card or Work Permit (to apply for recreational fishing using thread and hooks)

For Artisanal Fishing License

• Emirates ID
• A Passport Copy
• High Resolution Personal Photo
• Tenancy Contract or Ownership Certificate (to prove residency in Dubai)
• DEWA Electricity Bill

Additional Documents

• Approval Letter from Local Fishing Authority
• Approval Letter from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
• Service Application Form
• Boat Testing Certificate from Coast Guard – Fourth Squadron

Fishing License Dubai Price

The Fishing License Dubai Price is Zero. The Dubai Municipality does not charge any fee for issuing a fishing license.

The Dubai Fishing License is completely free of cost but the applicant must meet the eligibility criteria and have all required documents to apply and get a fishing license in Dubai.

How to apply for Fishing License Dubai Online

Kindly follow the steps to apply for a fishing license in Dubai online.

Step 1: Go to Dubai Municipality Website

To apply for a fishing license online, you must go to the Dubai Municipality official website @www.dm.gov.ae. Click on “English” if the homepage appears in Arabic language.

Step 2: Type Fishing in the Search Box

Click in the search box and type “Fishing” to search it. As you type fishing license, a list of services related to fishing will appear on screen.

Step 3: Choose the Type of Fishing License

Now you have to choose the type of fishing license for which you want to apply. Based upon your choice and eligibility, you should click on either Apply for Recreational Fishing License (a Line and Hooks) OR click on Apply for Artisanal Fishing License.

If you want to do fishing from the coastline, you should click on Apply for Recreational Fishing License (a Line and Hooks) from the coastline.

Step 4: Read the Service Details and Click Apply

Read the service details to understand the application process, required documents, service time and other information. Thereafter click on “Apply for Service” OR “Apply Now” button.

Step 5: Login and Fill up the Service Form

Enter your Username & Password to login to your Dubai Municipality Account. You can also choose Login with UAE PASS for quick login. Thereafter fill up the service form with your personal details including your mobile number and email.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents and Submit

You need to upload the required documents as per rules. You can check the list of required documents above, make sure you provide all required documents otherwise your applicant will be rejected.

After uploading documents, click on Submit button to proceed. You will receive an SMS or Email showing that your request for a Recreational/Artisanal Fishing License is received and will be processed in 3 working days.

Fishing without License in Dubai

Fishing without a valid license is not allowed in Dubai. If an individual person does fishing without a license and is caught by an officer, s/he has to pay the fine of AED 500 to AED 1000.

Getting a Recreational Fishing License is free for anyone who wants to do fishing in Dubai. The Government of Dubai allows citizens and residents to do fishing only to the fishing license holders.

Designated Fishing Spots in Dubai

You need a fishing license to do fishing in Dubai but that does not mean that you can do fishing anywhere in the Dubai Emirate.

There are some designated fishing spots/areas in Dubai where people with a Recreational Fishing License can do fishing with a fishing rod or a line and hooks.

Here I provide the list of seven designated fishing spots in Dubai as follows;

1. Al Maktoum Bridge
2. Jumeirah Beach
3. Umm Suqeim Beach
4. Al Mamzar Creek
5. Al Garhoud Bridge
6. Al Sufouh Beach
7. Al Seef Road

So, you can do fishing at the 7 designated fishing areas in Dubai that are mentioned above.

Dubai Tourist Fishing License (Fishing Visa Dubai)

The weekly recreational tourist fishing license is available in Abu Dhabi but there is no such thing in Dubai. Moreover, the Fishing Visa Dubai is a rumour, the Dubai Immigration Department does not offer such a type of visa to any tourist.

The tourists who who want to do fishing in Dubai, can go for fishing with a tour guide who has a valid fishing license.

The tourists can talk to the executive of a charter boat company nearby any beach of Dubai to know how a tourist can do fishing without violating the law.

Summary:

The fishing license Dubai is available through online application at Dubai Municipality website. You can apply online to get a free fishing license to do fishing from the coastline or on a boat in designated fishing areas of Dubai.

If you want to know more about Recreational Fishing License or Artisanal Fishing License in Dubai, you can contact Dubai Municipality Helpline Number 800900 or +971 4 2215555.

FAQs