Abu Dhabi has extended the 2026 Al Hadhra fixed-gear fishing season until 31 October 2026, allowing licensed fishermen to continue operating for an extra month. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi issued the administrative decision under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who chairs its board. The measure covers more than 40 licensed sites along the emirate’s coast and islands, stretching from Al Dhafra to the eastern shores of Abu Dhabi city. Officials say the decision is intended to help fishing families and preserve an important Emirati practice while maintaining safeguards for recovering marine resources. It follows years of tighter management and cooperation with local fishing communities.
Traditional fishery receives support
Al Hadhra is a long-established Emirati fishing method that uses fixed, fence-like traps in shallow coastal waters. Fish move in with the tide and are held as the water falls. The extension applies only to licensed Al Hadhra locations, while other fishing rules, seasonal closures and protected-species restrictions remain in effect.
Fish stocks show strong recovery
The agency said the decision is supported by scientific data. Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Fisheries Index reached 100 per cent at the end of 2025, compared with 8 per cent in 2018. Officials say key commercial species assessed in local waters are now being harvested within sustainable limits, including recovering populations of Naiser, Yanim and Zuraidi.
Monitoring and fisher guidance
EAD described Al Hadhra as a low-impact method and said the longer season can proceed without adding pressure to rebuilt stocks. Teams will visit fishing sites, provide guidance on sustainable practices, minimum catch sizes and gear maintenance, and continue stock checks through landing-site surveys and the Jaywun research vessel.
Wider marine restoration work
The extension forms part of the Hamdan bin Zayed: The World’s Richest Seas initiative, which combines regulation, habitat restoration and support for fishing communities. Current efforts include mangrove and coral rehabilitation, along with a target to deploy 40,000 artificial reefs to strengthen marine habitats and fisheries productivity.