CategoriesNews & Blogs By admin

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism signs partnership with HaejooX

Leading reef developer HaejooX has been formally confirmed as the official construction and fabrication contractor for Dubai Reef, a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can.

The signing ceremony for the agreement was attended by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), a strategic partner of Dubai Reef, His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Chairman of Regulatory Committee on Fishing of Living Aquatic Resources in Dubai and Director General of Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), and Sang-Hyun Paik, Chairman of HaejooX. In the contract signed by Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Performance at DET, and Ryan Paik, CEO of HaejooX, it was announced that the company will design and construct 20,000 purpose-built reef modules, which will be deployed across Dubai’s waters over a three-year period.

HaejooX, a pioneer in the purpose-built reef industry originating in Korea, has been involved with the Dubai Reef project since its initial proof of concept in 2021. Inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Reef pilot stage began in April 2024, and the deployment of the first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules is expected to commence in late November 2024.

A citywide collaboration of key partners from across the public and private sectors, Dubai Reef is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. The project’s strategic partners include DET; DECCA; DP World; Dubai Chambers; Nakheel; the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC); and Emirates.

His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Chairman of Regulatory Committee on Fishing of Living Aquatic Resources in Dubai and Director General of DECCA, said: “Dubai Reef brings together multi-industry stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to advance Dubai’s environmental goals. After working with HaejooX since the project’s initial proof of concept, the promising findings from this initial phase highlighted the potential for significant positive impacts of purpose-built reefs to bolster marine biodiversity and support sustainable fishing practices. As Dubai continues to drive forward with its ambitious environmental agenda, these interconnected efforts showcase the emirate’s holistic approach to sustainability.”

Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Performance at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), added: “Guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Reef is a landmark initiative that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Partnerships and collaborations play a crucial role in achieving Dubai’s wider sustainability objectives, and HaejooX will bring its expertise to support the project’s long-term aim to enhance biodiversity and safeguard Dubai’s coastal and marine habitats, aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda.”

Ryan Paik, CEO of HaejooX, said: “Since the initial proof of concept in 2021, HaejooX has been analysing the effectiveness of purpose-built reefs in Dubai and we are delighted to support the emirate’s long-term objectives for ocean sustainability. Dubai Reef is a milestone project and we look forward to continuing working with the strategic partners and stakeholders to ensure its success.”

Dubai Reef is the second major project under the citywide Dubai Can sustainability initiative. Since its launch in February 2022, Dubai Can, through its ‘Refill for Life’ campaign, has seen the reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 24 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles and 12 million litres of water dispensed via 50 water fountains located across the city.

Leveraging its expertise in marine biology and environmental engineering, HaejooX has previously assisted in the design and deployment of purpose-built reefs for development projects both in the Gulf region and globally.

source: emirates247

CategoriesNews & Blogs By admin

Best Places to Visit in Dubai

Dubai is known for being UAE’s vacation hotspot, and shopping and clubbing hub. A city of high-rises and awe-inspiring shopping districts has transformed itself to a destination du-jour, where people flock from all over the world to avail the biggest sales, bargains, food and fun.

Dubai is popular for its wide range of tourist attractions; from the grandiosity of the Burj Khalifa to the world’s largest malls that come with gigantic aquariums and ice skating rinks.

With the city’s breathtaking attention to detail, Dubai doesn’t hold back from showcasing its cultural history to the world through a plethora of well-preserved heritage sites. Take a walk around the city’s heritage sites and you’ll experience the old Dubai, realising that there is more to this city than its flashy exterior.

Mentioned below are some of the best places you must visit upon your travels to Dubai – the land of majestic opportunity.

  1. The Mighty Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is known to be the tallest man-made structure in the world. Standing at 828 metres in Downtown Dubai, the building is one of the most notoriously prominent attractions in the entire Middle East.

Exploring this exceptional work of art is the best way to begin your sightseeing journey in Dubai. With an entry fee of DHS 100 per person, you can climb to The Top, or the ‘observation deck’ on its 124th Floor to get a view of the city’s striking skyline. The experience is all about the splendour and grandeur and is a must for every visitor who comes to Dubai for the first time.

  1. The Three Palms – Palm Jumeirah

The three planned, man-made Palm Islands of the Palm Jumeirah are the newest addition to the list of attractions that Dubai has to offer. From courteousness of the luxury beach resorts to the up-market shopping malls, the island has a range of touristic activities to indulge in.

The artificially constructed marvel is also home to the Atlantis – The Palm and other exciting theme parks. The entry to Palm Jumeirah is free, unless you’re planning to visit Atlantis on the same day.

  1. The Atlantis Aqua-Venture

Atlantis – The Palm Jumeirah in its luxury and splendid extravagance is more than just a hotel. While your close encounter with the sea’s friendliest creatures Dolphins at the Dolphin Bay will leave you fascinated, the wild rides at Aquaventure will take you to a world of adventure.

The Shark Safari and Cownose Ray feeding is a great opportunity to explore marine life, feed the fish and catch an entertaining show at the Lost Chambers Aquarium, Aquatheatre.

The souvenirs from the Dolphin Bay shops are free for visitors staying at the Atlantis, so don’t forget to grab yours.

  1. The Snow Dunk – Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is known to be the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort; one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dubai. Along with a beauteous wintery setting and 60,000 tonnes of white snow, there are many fun things that you can do during your visit here.

From snowboarding, tobogganing to cuddly Snow Penguins, themed restaurants St. Moritz Café and Avalanche Café, Ski Dubai has a lot in store for visitors of all ages. The entry fee is DHS 200 per person which includes a snow park entry, Mountain Thriller, unlimited chairlift rides and more fun stuff until closing time (11 pm on weekdays and 12 am on Fridays).

  1. Culturally Swayed – Heritage and Diving Village

Dubai’s two historic and economic mainstays include displays of pearl diving and dhow building; showcased at the Heritage and Diving Village. These were once the largest means of sustenance for the local people, and are a hallmark of the region’s architectural, cultural and maritime heritage.

The place harmoniously brings together the artistic recreations of the traditional Bedouin and coastal village life, with Persian homes, a coffeehouse and a small souk where potters practice their traditional handicrafts.

The best time to visit is between April and October where you can experience the local music and dance while getting medical advice from practitioners of traditional medicine.

  1. The Gaming Zone – Sega Republic

Dubai doesn’t fall short on options for its adventure-seeking visitors. SEGA Republic is an indoor theme park that consists of a wide range of adrenaline-rushing activities for those looking for fun and adventure.

While Storm-G, Initial D4 Limited, Spin Gear, After Burner Climax are not meant for the weak hearted, SEGA UFO Catcher, Whopper Water and Wild Jungle provide fun for everyone in the family! The entrance fee is DHS 175 per person and the Gaming Zone remains open till midnight on  weekends.

  1. The Ferrari World Venture

Ferrari World is considered to be the world’s biggest themed amusement park. Located in Abu Dhabi, it’s quite a popular getaway option for adventure-seekers visiting Dubai.

The Speed of Magic, Made in Maranello, The Racing Legends, Paddock, Fast Lane and Tyre Twist and Ferrari World takes gaming to a whole new level. The more hard-boiled, adrenaline-rushing experiences for the wild-ones include the ever popular Formula Rossa, Scuderia Challenge and Fiorano GT Challenge. The entrance fee is DHS 240 for adults and DHS 195 for children.

  1. Dubai’s Miracle Garden – Nature’s Miraculous Splendour

As the name suggests, Dubai’s Miracle Garden boasts of nature’s miraculous beauty. The colourful floral species spread as far as the eye can see, are combined with multi-hued floret which will surely make you feel as if you are in heaven.

You haven’t experienced Dubai fully if you don’t pay a visit to this miraculous splendour of nature. The Miracle Garden is like a dreamland for people of all ages. Additionally, the garden authorities are now coming up with a plan to install a round-shaped 3D Butterfly Garden.

This will include 9 architecturally striking domes, filled with countless species of large and small butterflies. The Miracle Garden is usually accessible between the months of May and December with an entry fee of only DHS 20 per person.

From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the contemporary bustle of the Dubai’s bazaars, malls, and streets, the city is a perfect mix of culture and modernity. Out of the 100 more places worthy of exploration, the 8 main getaways mentioned in this article are a must-visit for first-time visitors to Dubai.

By:   Erica Silva

Source: alrasub.com

CategoriesNews & Blogs By admin

Fishing in the UAE

Published: Wed 25 Sep 2024, 7:00 AM

Last updated: Wed 25 Sep 2024, 9:32 PM

From diving deep into the sea to building skyscrapers high into the sky, the UAE’s economy and development has flourished at a rapid pace over the past few decades. However, it is the ocean where it all began, with diving to find pearls and fishing a main source of income during the early days.

Fishing is not only an economic activity in the Emirates but also one that many take part in for leisure. To protect the region’s marine diversity, the UAE has set in place laws, clarified specific seasons as well as restrictions to regulate fishing in the country.

These laws are directed towards ending overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible.

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It is also mandatory to get a licence before engaging in the practice, even as a hobby.

Here is all you need to know about fishing in the UAE.

Getting a licence

Getting a licence to take part in recreational fishing is mandatory in the UAE. The process and authority differs from each emirate. Here is a guide to getting a licence in the country.

Dubai

The Dubai Municipality is in charge of issuing a fishing licence in the city. The service enables residents to get a licence to use a line and hook only, allowing fishing in Dubai’s coastal areas that are mentioned in the license.

This license allows individuals to fish in Al Mamzar Creek, Al Maktoum (Bur Dubai side only), Creek Park, Al Garhoud Bridges (Deira side only) of Dubai Creek, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Al Sufouh beaches.

This fishing service is suspended from June to October every year to keep sustainable consumption of local fish resources.

Only Dubai residents are eligible to apply for the ‘recreational fishing licence’.

The licence is valid for one year and is renewable.

Process

Those interested can apply through the Dubai Municipality website or the Dubai Now application. No fees is required during the process.

Residents need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of residence in Dubai (tenancy contract/residential property ownership) or their water and electricity bill.
  • Passport copy and Emirates ID
  • Personal photo
  • Boat license (to request recreational fishing using boats)
  • Labor card /work permit (to request recreational fishing using thread and hooks)

Under the Federal Law No. 23 concerning the Exploitation, Protection and Development of Living Water Resources in Dubai, children under 18 years of age are allowed to fish without a licence.

Applicants can expect a response within three days time.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi residents can apply for two types of recreational fishing licences —weekly and yearly.

Both these permits are obtainable for citizens, residents and tourists and allows them to fish on the emirates’ beaches. Licence holders can enjoy surf fishing on the coasts of Abu Dhabi using thread, hooks and spearguns while free diving (Hayari).

Process

Fishing licences come under the jurisdiction of the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. To apply to attain a permit, applicants must go through the TAMM platform.

To apply, individuals need to simply log in using their UAE PASS. They can then submit the application and pay the applicable fees. They will receive the licence electronically.

For an annual permit, individuals can apply through the ‘Issuance of a Recreational Annual Fishing Licence’ on the TAMM portal.

The licence costs Dh120, which can be paid online itself.

For a weekly permit, individuals can apply through the ‘Recreational Weekly Fishing Licence’ service on the TAMM portal.

A passport copy needs to be submitted when applying for the licence.

The application costs Dh30.

Ras Al Khaimah

The Environment Protection and Development Authority is responsible of issuing licences for recreational purposes in Ras Al Khaimah.

It costs Dh110 to get a licence in the emirate.

Sharjah

Residents in Sharjah can obtain a fishing permit through the Sharjah Executive Council’s website.

This service can be accessed through the ‘Recreational Fishing Permits Request’ section.

The charges differ on the basis of the duration and number of people applying.

  • Individual weekly permission: Dh30
  • Individual monthly permission: Dh100
  • Individual yearly permission: Dh250
  • Family weekly permission: Dh50
  • Family monthly permission: Dh150
  • Family yearly permission: Dh400

Required documents

  • Emirates ID copy
  • Photo
  • Families ID copies (for family permit)
  • Valid passport
  • Valid residency visa

Fujairah

To get a recreational fishing license in Fujairah, one will have to go through the Fujairah Environment Agency.

To get a licence, applicants need to submit the following documents:

  • Boat licence approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
  • Previous fishing license approved by the Ministry or Fujairah Environment Agency
  • No objection from the fishermen’s association for the region
  • Emirates ID
  • Letter of good conduct

The applicant needs to be above the age of 18.

Hadaq

For fishing enthusiasts looking for some guidance while fishing, the Hadaq map is an interactive geographical map that serves as a guide for understanding the regulatory framework governing the fishing sector in the country.

This map defines the location of fishing boats in the permitted fishing limits and areas. It also displays protected areas and zones along the UAE’s coastline where fishing is prohibited, as well as providing information on seasons. Additionally, it also highlights specifications for permitted tools, based on the geographical location of the fishing boat.

When to fish?

The UAE has designated different months of the year for fishing different species. These periods are allotted keeping in mind certain breeding seasons and are labelled as ‘open season’ and ‘ban season’.

  • Fishing of shark species listed on lists (1), (2), and (3) of Ministerial Decree No. (43) of 2019, carrying and using encircling nets (Halaq) in the fishing waters of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and carrying and using ‘Gargoors’ in the fishing waters of Abu Dhabi is banned throughout the year.
  • Fishing anchovies and sardines is banned only in the month of July.
  • Using encircling nets (Halaq) in the fishing waters of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah is banned between the months of June and October.
  • Fishing and trading of Badeh in all fishing waters of Abu Dhabi is banned in the months of April and May.
  • Fishing of shark species not listed on lists (1), (2), and (3) of the Ministerial Decree No. (43) of 2019 is banned during the months of March, April, May and June.

The authority has also permitted fishing and sale of certain species within a certain length. These are as follows:

Penalties

There are many regulations and penalties that are set in place to ensure the protection of the marine life. Here is a list of fines that is applicable to recreational fishers as well as those doing it for commercial purposes:

Type of violation First time Second offense Third offense
Fishing with prohibited tools and equipment Boat licence reservation for period of not more than 6 months Cancel boat licence
Hunting during breeding and reproduction seasons and in permanently or temporarily prohibited areas Boat licence reservation for a period of not more than 6 months Cancel boat licence
Hunting marine mammals of all types and sizes, sea turtles, collecting their eggs and tampering with their habitat and breeding sites. Hunting whales and manatees. Boat licence to be seized for a period of not more than 6 months. Seized materials to be confiscated. A Dh3,000 fine for individuals who also don’t have a boat licence. Boat licence cancel and confiscation of seized materials. A Dh5,000 fine for those who also don’t have a boat licence.
Fishing by person without a licence by competent authority and not registered among fishing practitioners at Ministry of Environment and Water. Dh2,000 fine Boat licence reservation for a month. Cancel boat licence.
Failure to notify Ministry of Environment and Water of any changes to application data or documents within one month of change. Written warning Dh500 fine Boat licence reservation for a week.
Using a fishing boat that is not registered in the register and is not licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Water. Written warning Dh1,000 fine Cancellation of fisherman’s registration from from register.
Failure to show boat licence and fishing licence when requested by competent authorities. Written warning Dh500 fine Boat licence reservation for a week.
Anchoring or operating a fishing boat in areas where it is prohibited. Written warning Dh1,000 fine Boat licence reservation for a week.
Catching, trading, selling or transporting small fish (as per laws regulating lengths of fish permitted to be caught). Written warning and confiscation of small fish (This applies to fish shops, transporters and the hunter). Dh1,000 fine and confiscation of fishes (This applies to fish shops, transporters and the hunter). Boat licence seized from fisherman for a week. Fish shops closed for a week. Dh3,000 fine for the fish transport vehicle.
Diving for the purpose of catching ornamental fish without a permit from competent authority. Written warning Dh5,000 fine Reserving diving licence for a month. Confiscation of fishing tools and equipment.
Establishing or building coral reefs without a licence. Boat licence reserved until the fisherman obtains necessary licence. Dh5,000 fine Boat licence reservation for a month.
Extraction of shellfish, sponges and coral reefs without a written licence. Dh5,000 fine and confiscation of seized materials. Boat licence seized for a period not exceeding 3 months and seized materials to be confiscated. Cancellation of boat licence and confiscation of seized materials.
Selling, possessing or trading in unauthorised or prohibited fishing nets, tools or equipment. Dh5,000 fine Reservation of facility licence for a period not exceeding 2 months. Fcaility licence cancelled.
Renting a fishing boat without its owner or representative. Written warning Dh3,000 fine Cancel boat licence
Pollution of marine environment by doing the following: Dumping dead fish waste, whale bodies, sharks into the water. Throwing plastic bags (such as bread bags) into the water. Throwing away damaged fishing gear such as nets and traps. Written warning Dh1,000 fine Boat licence reservation for a month.
Trading, selling, marketing, consuming or benefiting from fish and aquatic life that is prohibited to catch, either in whole or in a specific season. Written warning and fish confiscation. (This applies to fisherman and shops) Dh2,000 fine and confiscation of fish. (This applies to fisherman and shops) Boat licence reserved for a week. Confiscation of fish and aquatic wildlife. Closing fish shops for a week.

Source: Khaleejtimes