United Arab Emirates

Lubatud alad

• Abu Dhabi emirate waters (with EAD recreational permit)

  Recreational spearfishing with spearguns while free-diving is permitted in Abu Dhabi waters under EAD Decision No. 4 of 2023, subject to a permit, the diving-flag and three-persons-on-board conditions, the 24-fish daily quota, protected-species bans and post-trip reporting. EAD's 'Hadaq' interactive map defines where fishing is permitted/prohibited.

  Free-diving only (no scuba); permit required; diving flag must be displayed; min. 3 persons on boat (driver + 2 speargun licence holders); 24 fish/day per person and per boat; no selling catch; protected species banned; report catch to EAD.

  mediaoffice.abudhabi
• Dubai emirate waters (with recreational permit and separate spearfishing approval)

  Recreational fishing in Dubai waters requires a free one-week (or longer) permit. A standard recreational licence covers rod and line only; nets, spearfishing, trawling and drift nets require separate approvals. Where permitted, spearfishing uses spearguns while free-diving (Hayari) and follows the diving-flag and three-persons-on-board safety rules.

  Recreational permit required; spearfishing needs separate approval; free-diving spearguns only; diving flag required; closed season approximately June-October in practice.

  sothebysrealty.ae

Keelatud alad

• Marine protected areas and no-fishing zones (EAD Hadaq map)marine reserve / restricted coastal and infrastructure zones

  The UAE uses 'Hadaq', an interactive geographical map that defines protected areas and zones along the coastline where fishing is prohibited. Fishing in marine reserves, near public beaches and near oil and gas extraction structures is restricted or banned.

  u.ae
• Sir Bu Nair Island Marine Protected Areano-take marine reserve

  Sir Bu Nair (Sir Abu Nu'ayr), a Sharjah-administered island ~103 km offshore in the Arabian Gulf. It is the UAE's first no-take Marine Protected Area, where fishing has been prohibited since 2000. Ramsar site and IUCN Green List protected area covering ~50.3 km2 (13.3 km2 terrestrial, 36.3 km2 marine). Spearfishing/fishing not permitted.

  iucngreenlist.org
• Bu Tinah Island (Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve core)strict nature reserve / no-take core zone

  Bu Tinah is a cluster of small islands and shoals inside the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, protected as a strict nature reserve. Closed to visitors; fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited and the ban is enforced by patrols. Home to a major dugong population.

  en.wikipedia.org
• Marawah Marine Biosphere Reservemarine 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).

  unesco.org
• Al Yasat Marine Protected Areamarine protected area

  A marine protected area in the Al Dhafra region of western Abu Dhabi comprising small islands (North Yasat, Yasat Island, Ghagha, Muhaimat, Umm Al Hatab) and surrounding shallow waters, ~35 km north of the Abu Dhabi mainland. Rich in coral reefs and rare wildlife; managed by EAD with fishing restrictions.

  keybiodiversityareas.org
• Saadiyat Marine National Parkmarine national park

  A 59 km2 marine national park in the waters adjoining Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, protecting hawksbill turtle nesting habitat and coral. Part of the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network managed by EAD. Fishing status is regulated: some sources (ProtectedSeas/AD Maritime) list fishing as prohibited, others allow catch-and-release with a permit; spearfishing is not permitted.

  gulfnews.com
• Ras Ghanada Protected Areamarine protected area (coral reef)

  A 55 km2 marine protected area near Ghantoot, northeast of Abu Dhabi city, protecting the largest coral reef in the UAE and Gulf region, turtles, dugongs and sea snakes. Part of EAD's Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network; fishing restricted.

  gulfnews.com
• Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary (marine)marine wetland sanctuary

  A ~2,000-hectare Ramsar-listed marine wetland sanctuary in Dubai between the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border and Palm Jebel Ali, with coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds (incl. the Ghantoot Marine Reserve). Critically endangered hawksbill turtle nesting habitat; access restricted, fishing restricted.

  rsis.ramsar.org
• Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Areamarine protected area (intertidal/mangrove)

  A marine protected area (~145 km2) of intertidal flats, seagrass and mangroves west of the Mussafah channel, ~20 km outside Abu Dhabi city. Ramsar site supporting flamingos, dugongs and turtles; managed by EAD with fishing restrictions.

  rsis.ramsar.org