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 Dubai residents can get one, and it's valid for fishing from November to May. There's one exception — Happiness Square in Jumeirah 3. Anyone can fish there, tourists included, and you don't need a licence.
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 on the map
Pins are approximate. If you're unsure where a zone starts or ends, check the official MOCCAE map.
Spot by spot
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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).
8. 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.
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, because the bite often switches on when the current turns. 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.
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, or get an Abu Dhabi weekly licence for AED 30.
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