Deep sea fishing happens to be one of the most popular outdoor activities in Dubai, particularly for those who love to be out on the water, and Dubai has become a renowned sporting destination, playing host to some of the finest sea fishing events in the world. Fun, adventure, gorgeous weather and waters teeming with fish make it deep sea fishing an adventure of choice for many tourists as well.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional angler, the warm Arabian Gulf waters are teeming with fluke, bluefish, flounder, striped bass, blackfish, porgy, barracuda, sherry, Sultan Ibrahim, hammour, small shark, king fish and cobia. It’s no wonder that Dubai has become a favourite spot for fishing enthusiasts from around the region.
Dubai has several fishing tour companies. They provide their own sports fishing boats, with professional captains manning the helm. Quality fishing equipment is also available. Certain fishing tour companies can organize additional activities, such as coastal cruising and watersport activities, and depending on the duration of the trip, may have light refreshments. Ask to see if their service includes pick up and drop off at your hotel or residence.
Fishing rules
For recreational hook-line fishing in the UAE, a license is required. UAE residents can acquire a license from their municipality. The annual cost of recreational fishing license may vary from place to place. Tourists can get a short-term license with the help of their fishing tour company.
When applying for a license, a passport copy with valid residence visa and a passport-size photograph are required for expats. If you own a boat, you will have to produce boat license, photographs and rental contract. Your fishing tour company can assist you with these details.
Deep sea fishing trips in Dubai are dependent on weather conditions and are subject to Dubai Coast Guard approval. You will have to carry original passports with you, as per the Dubai Coastguard directive.
Places to consider for fishing
There are several good spots for fishing in Dubai: Dubai Creek, beyond Jebel Ali Free Zone is known to have Kingfish and Hammour; Dibba, near the Maktoum Bridge; and the East Coast known for Dorado, a Kingfish or a Queen Mackerel. Whether you DIY or hire a fishing tour company, you are sure to have a wonderful time.
Fishing tips
Dubai weather demands lightweight summer clothing for most of the year, but you may need a sweater or jacket on a fishing trip in the winter months. In the winter, the fish are plentiful and enjoying the warmer temperatures nearer to the surface. During the summer months, the fish go deep into sea, as the water begins to get hot on the beach, so the best time for deep sea fishing is before sunrise or after sunset. Full moon nights are also a very good time to go deep sea fishing.
Fishing accessories available at:
Al Boom Marine
Festival City, Dubai
Tel: +971 4 289 4858
www.alboommarine.com
Barracuda Fishing Equipment
P.O. Box: 286
Tel: +971 4 3466558
www.barracudadubai.com
Blue Waters Marine LLC
Dubai
Tel: +971 4 2232189
www.bluewatersmarine.com
Fishing Tour Companies in Dubai
Here are the contact details of few fishing tour companies in Dubai
Dubai Fishing Trip
Tel: +971 4 4327233 / +971 4 4327233
www.dubaifishingtrip.com
Fishing Tour Dubai
31st Street (Behand Jumeirah Libarary)
Near From Emirates Petrol Station, Jemairah 3, Dubai, UAE
Telephone: +971 504967367
www.fishingtourdubai.com
Go Fishing Tours Dubai
Tel: +9714 3424255 / +97155 7960099
www.gofishingdubai.com
Deep Blue Sea Fishing Adventures
31A St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 50 450 1340
www.deepbluefishing.net
Cruise in Dubai - Al Wasl
Diera Main Post Office - 16th St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 239 4760 ?
www.cruiseindubai.com
Palm Tree Court & Spa
35th St - United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 883 6000
www.hotelswhiz.com
Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort
Jumeirah Beach Rd - United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 399 3333
www.westinminaseyahi.com
Ultimate Charter - Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 325 4975
www.dubaiultimatecharter.com
Oasis Palm Tourism (Al-Wasl)
Office 404, Royal Plaza Building, Al Rigga Street, Dubai
Tel: +971 (4) 2628889
www.alwaslyachts.com