Where to shore fish in Dubai legally: 7 zones and 1 licence-free spot
Updated: 2026-09-29 · FishingNet UAE
The short version: there are seven places in Dubai where you can fish from the shore, and almost all of them need a licence. It's free, but only people who live in Dubai itself can get one, and it's valid from November to May. If you're a tourist or live in another emirate (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah), you can't fish at those spots. There's one exception — Happiness Square in Jumeirah 3: anyone can fish there, no licence needed.
✅ We confirmed this by phone with Dubai Municipality (800 900) on 29 September 2026.
Below you'll find every spot, what's worth knowing about each one, and which popular "spots" you see online are actually off limits.
Every spot on one page
| # | Spot | Exactly where | Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khor Al Mamzar | The lagoon, excluding the corniche and commercial areas | required |
| 2 | Al Maktoum Bridge | Bur Dubai side only, near the court building | required |
| 3 | Creek Park | Inside the park, along the Creek | required |
| 4 | Al Garhoud Bridge | Deira side only, near Festival City | required |
| 5 | Jumeirah | From the breakwater, not in swimming areas | required |
| 6 | Umm Suqeim | From the breakwater, not in the fishing harbour or swimming areas | required |
| 7 | Al Sufouh | From the breakwater | required |
| 8 | Happiness Square | Jumeirah 3, behind Sunset Mall | not required |
Where they are and how to get there
← Swipe to see the whole map →
How to get there
No metro nearby. Green Line to Al Qiyadah or Abu Hail, then a taxi. Bus C28 from Gold Souq goes straight to the beach.
Al Mamzar, on the Sharjah border. Parking by the beach and park.
Get directions →Green Line, Oud Metha station — right by the bridge, a 5–10 minute walk.
Umm Hurair, by the Dubai Courts building. Access via Oud Metha Road.
Get directions →Green Line: Dubai Healthcare City — about 12 minutes on foot to Gate 1, or Oud Metha for Gate 4.
Parking at the park gates. Park entry is AED 5 with a Nol card.
Get directions →No metro nearby. Closest is GGICO (Red Line), then a taxi.
Deira side, Dubai Festival City area. Parking at Festival City.
Get directions →The metro is far. Bus 8 is easier: it runs along Jumeirah Beach Road from Al Ghubaiba station.
Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road. Parking along the beach, mostly paid.
Get directions →Red Line to Mall of the Emirates, then a 10–15 minute taxi or bus 81.
Turn off Jumeirah Beach Road onto Umm Suqeim Road 3 towards the beach. Parking by the beach.
Get directions →Closest is the tram (Al Sufouh stop) or the Red Line to Mall of the Emirates, then a taxi.
Al Sufouh, along Jumeirah Beach Road. Parking by the beach.
Get directions →Red Line to Mall of the Emirates, then a taxi of about 15 minutes. Tell the driver "Sunset Mall, Jumeirah".
Jumeirah Beach Road, behind Sunset Mall. Parking at the mall.
Get directions →Travel times are approximate. Check your route in the RTA S'hail app or Google Maps before you go.
Pins are approximate. If you're unsure where a zone starts or ends, check the official MOCCAE map.
Spot by spot
Khor Al Mamzar
A lagoon on the Sharjah border. The water is calm and there's a beach and park next to it, so it works well with family. Most people fish where the lagoon meets the sea and there's some current, which is where the queenfish hang out. The corniche and the café areas are off limits.
Al Maktoum Bridge
One of the oldest spots on the Creek. The main thing is to pick the right bank: you can only fish from the Bur Dubai side, near the court building. Cast from the other side and you risk a fine. The Creek holds hamour, shaari and queenfish.
Creek Park
A good pick if you want an easy, low-stress session: you fish right inside the park on the Creek bank. There's shade, toilets and parking nearby, which is great with kids. Entry is paid and the park keeps opening hours, so check them before you turn up at dawn to locked gates.
Al Garhoud Bridge
Locals come here in the evening and at night. Only the Deira side near Festival City is allowed, and the stretch under Business Bay bridge isn't. The current is strong, so leave the light tackle at home.
Jumeirah
You fish from the breakwater rocks. Come at sunrise or towards sunset, when barracuda, queenfish and kingfish move in close. Don't cast where people are swimming.
Umm Suqeim
The breakwaters by Umm Suqeim beach. Stay out of the fishing harbour and the swimming areas, where fishing isn't allowed. It gets crowded at weekends, so get there early.
Al Sufouh
The most southern spot on the list. If you live in the Marina, JBR or on the Palm, this is your closest option, because shore fishing right by you isn't allowed (more on that below).
Happiness Square
The one exception. It's in Jumeirah 3, behind Sunset Mall, and anyone can fish here: residents, people from other emirates, tourists. No licence needed. If you're in the UAE for a week and just want to wet a line, this is your spot.
Spots you'll find online that are off limits
Blogs often recommend the Dubai Marina breakwater, the Palm, Jebel Ali or Port Rashid. They're genuinely good fishing grounds, but you can't fish them from the shore — they aren't on Dubai Municipality's list. If you want to fish there, the only legal way is from a licensed charter boat. Before booking, ask the operator whether their licence covers passengers.
What to realistically expect from the shore
To be honest, shore fishing in Dubai mostly means smaller fish — mullet, trevally, seabream, and at dawn sometimes queenfish or barracuda. Big predators and deep-water species are rarely within reach from the shore; for those you need to head out to sea. On the breakwater rocks you'll snag often, so bring spare hooks and weights. Summer daytime is usually dead, and the good spots fill up at weekends.
The rules in plain English
The licence comes from Dubai Municipality and it's free. You'll need UAE PASS and proof that you live in Dubai, like a tenancy contract or a DEWA bill. It usually takes about three working days. We walk through it step by step in our licence guide.
The licence covers rod fishing only — line and hook, no nets. The season runs from November to May; from June to October licensed recreational fishing is paused so the fish can recover. Under-18s don't need a licence, but an adult has to be with them.
Get caught without a licence or in the wrong place and the fine is AED 500 to 1,000, plus your gear can be taken. Sharks, rays, parrotfish and turtles are off limits entirely, and you can't sell your catch — it's for your own table.
A few last tips
Sunrise and sunset are your best bet; midday is usually dead. Watch the tides: fish feed best on the incoming tide, and the bite often switches on when the current turns. Plenty of anglers also find full and new moons more productive. Use a wire leader for barracuda and kingfish or they'll bite straight through your line. For more on what to bring for each fish, see tackle and bait. And even in winter, bring water and a cap.
Only step onto the rocks in non-slip shoes — breakwaters get wet and slippery. Keep an eye on the tide so you don't get cut off on the rocks. If you fish at night, bring a strong torch. And keep well away from swimmers.
Shore or charter?
| From the shore | Boat charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid, usually by the hour |
| Tackle | Your own | Usually included |
| Fish | Mostly small to medium | Kingfish, cobia, barracuda, GT, tuna in season |
| Licence | Required (except Happiness Square) | Check with the operator |
| Best for | Beginners, a couple of hours | Families, groups and trophy hunters |
What to ask the operator before booking:
- Are rods, reels and bait included?
- Does their licence cover passengers?
- Is there shade and a toilet on board?
- Can you keep your catch, and will there be ice?
- Will the crew help if it's your first time?
- Does the company hold a marine operator licence? You can check on the Dubai Maritime Authority portal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fish in Dubai without a licence?
Yes, but only at Happiness Square in Jumeirah 3 (behind Sunset Mall). Anyone can fish there, including tourists. Everywhere else you need a Dubai Municipality licence.
When can I shore fish in Dubai?
With a Dubai Municipality licence, from November to May. Licensed recreational fishing is suspended from June to October.
Can tourists get a fishing licence in Dubai?
No, Dubai only issues licences to its residents. Tourists can use Happiness Square, book a licensed charter (check the operator's licence covers passengers), or get an Abu Dhabi weekly licence for AED 30.
I live in another emirate. Can I fish in Dubai?
From the shore, only at Happiness Square. Dubai licences are for Dubai residents only — people living in Sharjah, Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah can't get one. We confirmed this with Dubai Municipality.
Can I fish from the Dubai Marina breakwater?
The Dubai Marina breakwater isn't one of Dubai Municipality's licensed shore fishing zones. The nearest permitted zone is the Al Sufouh breakwater.
Want a spot and tackle suggestion?
Tell us where you're staying in the UAE and what you'd like to catch. We'll point you to the closest spot, the right tackle and your licence options, or find you a charter.
Sources
- Dubai Municipality — "Recreational Fishing License (Line and Hooks)" service
- Emirates 24|7: Dubai Municipality services, fishing zones and Happiness Square
- Khaleej Times: fishing in the UAE — licences, penalties and seasons
- Sky Walker Yachts (charter operator): shore and charter fishing tips
- Phone enquiry with Dubai Municipality, 800 900 — 29 September 2026