Today's Edition
Shama Ahmad, Ameinah Alzeyoudi (ABU DHABI)
Fishing in the United Arab Emirates is a sport that not only helps its people to connect with nature but represents an important part of the country’s rich maritime heritage.
It requires a blend of skill, technical knowledge and expertise. The sport appeals to all ages and walks of life, especially during the fishing season which runs from October until May.
The UAE has adopted strict rules designed to protect the natural resources and promote sustainable practices within the sport, and at the same time host tournaments with innovative and modern gear and technologies.
One of the most famous competitions held in the UAE is the Kingfish (Kanad) fishing contest, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.
The tournament will run from December 12 to 15, and for women on December 21.
Mohammed Alhosani, an Emirati fisherman, told Aletihad: “Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship is one of the most exciting and challenging competitions among fishermen and fisherwomen.”
Lamya Alsiqal, a local fisherwoman whose curiosity and passion drove to take up the sport, told Aletihad: “This sport takes me away from the pressures of life and into a completely different world.
“At this moment, I consider it as a detox from all the negative energy and scattered thoughts. It is a place of peace and calm, far from the noise, social media, and anything that disrupts mental clarity.”
“Catching a Kingfish requires patience, effort and an understanding of the best time to fish, which is usually during low or high tide, and the optimal time for fishing is during sunrise or before sunset.”
AlHosani told Aletihad that “the approved fishing method for the competition is rod fishing (lefah or shikhait), nets (hiyali, breisem, nylon), harpoons, underwater guns, or any other similar methods”.
Another fisherman, Khalifa AlHammadi, said some challenges they face are the locations of the fish, which can vary each year, and adverse weather conditions can make it difficult for fishermen to reach fishing spots.
Alsiqal added that there is a lack of real female competition in Kingfish fishing tournaments. “The current regulations don’t truly recognise the competence and experience of women, as we are still competing against men,” she said.
However, AlHammadi said: “At the start of each season, all boats and equipment must undergo maintenance to ensure the boat’s safety, which includes checking the engines and batteries. Also, the navigational equipment must be checked to see if they work properly, and first aid equipment must be available.
Alhosani explained: “Additionally, participants must record a video showing the entire process of catching the fish, from the moment it is caught to the point it is weighed. It has to be uploaded to Instagram with the participant’s name, date, time and the password set by the committee.”
All in all, the sport contributes significantly to boosting the local economy and emerges as a vital force to promote cultural and social values.
