United Arab Emirates · Spearfishing zone
Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve.
The UAE's first marine biosphere reserve (UNESCO MAB), ~4,255 km2 in the Al Dhafra region west of Abu Dhabi, stretching over 120 km of coast over ten islands. Seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangroves; managed by EAD. Fishing is only allowed in designated areas and limited to traditional methods (recreational spearfishing not permitted; no-take core zones such as Bu Tinah).
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
24.4428°N, 53.2379°E
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for United Arab Emirates
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply through the relevant emirate authority. In Abu Dhabi, apply via the 'Tamm' government services portal (EAD). In Dubai, via Dubai Municipality. Spearfishing requires a recreational licence for using a speargun.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · mediaoffice.abudhabi