Travellers on the lookout for Abu Dhabi beach hotels will find no finer alternative to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Ideally located in a scenic landscape this verdant oasis with its own spa is suitable for both business travellers as well as holidaymakers.
Although one might regard Abu Dhabi as an unlikely fishing hub in the Emirates this bustling metropolis in the desert offers angling enthusiasts a plethora of engaging attractions. The main contributing factor to its success as a deep sea fishing heartland is due to its advantageous location on the fringes of the Persian Gulf with the ocean within close driving distance from nearly every corner of the island. As a land that is bound to the ocean Abu Dhabi was once a tranquil fishing hub with angling and fishing serving as its core industry. Although the discovery of oil altered the prominence given to fishing activities the island remains one of the Emirates’ most potent fishing locations with numerous tour operators offering angling expeditions on chartered vessels.
Fishing fans heading to Abu Dhabi should be aware of the fishing regulations in the city as certain guidelines on the size and amount of fish one can catch are in place for fishing expeditions. Most tour operators and boat charters will inform tourists of the guidelines before heading off to the designated fishing areas in the ocean surrounding the island as fishing is banned in certain regions. A 7-day recreational fishing license in another important requirement fishing enthusiasts must secure setting sail. Blessed with tranquil waters with fantastic visibility fishing excursions in Abu Dhabi is a popular hobby among locals as well as expats. The best season for fishing falls between the months of November to February although official fishing season begins in October and lasts till May.
A typical deep sea fishing tour can last up to 3 hours while those who wish to engage in the activity without a guide can charter a vessel and rent fishing gear and bait from a number of vendors around the city. Some of the fish varieties up for grabs in Abu Dhabi include Sail Fish, Tuna, King Fish and Dorados while Spanish Mackerels, Wahoos, White Marlins, Giant Trevallies and Groupers are other species that occupy the deeper sea bed off the island’s coast.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.