Dubai recreation guide: How to book beach camping, chalets, fishing permits and sports fields

Interested in camping on the beach, reserving a football field, or renting a chalet in Al Mamzar Park? Head to Dubai Municipality, which offers these recreational services and plenty more. Since it was established in 1954, the Dubai Municipality has been overseeing daily operations in the city that directly influence the quality of life of all residents, visitors and business owners in the emirate. By 2030, it expects to become “a globally pioneering municipality that provides the best quality of life for Dubai citizens, residents, and visitors”, according to its website. We’ve curated three different catalogues of services you can access, as a resident: Veterinary services Water, waste and pest control Hospitality and recreation Learn more about each one by clicking on the links above. Below, you will find our complete guide to hospitality and recreational services offered by the Dubai Municipality. Permit for recreational line and hook fishing Obtain a recreational fishing permit for line and hook fishing, in coastal areas of Dubai that are specified in the permit, in accordance with the laws and legislations governing the protection and development of living water resources in the UAE. The permit is valid for one year, and renewable under the same conditions. The permit allows you to fish in these areas: Khor Al Mamzar Al Maktoum Bridge (Bur Dubai area, near the court) Creek Park (inside the garden) Al Garhoud Bridge (Deira area near Festival City) Jumeirah (breakwater) Umm Suqeim (breakwater) Al Sufouh beaches (breakwater) Service completion: Three working days. Eligibility criteria: Only individuals living in Dubai can obtain a recreational fishing permit, provided that they submit a proof of residency. Dubai residents, non-residents of Dubai, and tourists can fish in Happiness Square (Jumeirah 3 area behind Sunset Mall) without needing a fishing licence. Note that children under 18 years old can fish without a permit on the condition that they are in the company of an adult during the fishing activity, according to Federal Law No. (23) of 1999, Concerning the Exploitation, Protection, and Development of the Living Aquatic Resources in the Waters of the United Arab Emirates and Ministerial Decree No. (163) of 2021 Regulating Fishing and Diving for Amateurs. Documents required: At least one of the following documents is required as proof of residency in the emirate of Dubai: Tenancy contract. Residential property ownership. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) bill. Cost: Free How to apply: You can use the Dubai Municipality website/app, or the DubaiNow app. Follow these steps to apply via the Municipality’s website: Visit hub.dm.gov.ae and log in using your UAE PASS . Go to ‘Services’, ‘Individual Services’ and ‘Marine and Coastal Environment’. Select ‘Permit for Recreational Line and Hook Fishing’ and click ‘Apply Now’. Fill in your personal details, and upload documents, including your proof of residence. Submit the application. Once approved, your licence will be emailed to you. No Objection Certificate (NOC) for activities in natural reserves Obtain an NOC to visit natural reserves in Dubai and undertake projects, activities, wildlife translocation, filming, and scientific research. With this certificate, you can gain access to eight natural reserves: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Hatta Mountain Reserve Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Reserve Jebel Nazwa Conservation Reserve Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve The NOCs for reserve visits are issued exclusively by the Dubai Municipality’s Natural Reserves Section. Service completion: Tourist groups and educational institutions: Three working days Other categories: Five working days Documents required: For tourism companies, schools, and universities, no documents are required. Other categories have different document requirements: Organisations: Official letter, requesting the service. For filming: Official letter requesting the service. Filming permit from Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC). Authorisation letter from the relevant entity, if any. Filming script. Drone permit in case of aerial filming. Activities: Official letter requesting the service. NOCs from other relevant entities. Projects: Authorisation letter from the project owner, if any. Detailed work methodology. Official letter requesting the service. NOCs from other relevant authorities. Research: Official letter requesting the service or a document outlining the work methodology. Wildlife translocation: Official Letter requesting the service. NOCs from other relevant authorities. Authorisation letter from the project owner, if any. Detailed work methodology and equipment list. Cost: Free How to apply: You can use the Dubai Municipality website/app, or the DubaiNow app. Request for Children’s City or mega parks membership card Children's City Photo credit: Government of Dubai Med