Dubai offers a variety of affordable outdoor recreational activities through the management of Dubai Municipality, which extend beyond its reputation for luxury malls and skyscrapers. Activities include beach camping, chalet rentals, fishing permits, mega park memberships, and free bookings for sports fields. These services cater to both residents seeking family-friendly weekend activities and outdoor enthusiasts planning winter camping trips. Through these offerings, Dubai Municipality aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals in the emirate.
Why Dubai Municipality Recreational Services Are Popular in 2026
Dubai residents are increasingly searching for:
- Cheap outdoor activities in Dubai
- Beach camping permits UAE
- Al Mamzar chalet booking
- Free football ground booking Dubai
- Fishing licence Dubai online
- Family parks membership Dubai
These services are affordable, easy to apply for online, and suitable for families, tourists, fitness enthusiasts, and adventure lovers.
How to get a Recreational Fishing Permit in Dubai?
Fishing Areas Allowed in Dubai
Dubai Municipality offers a free recreational fishing permit for line and hook fishing in designated coastal areas including:
- 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)
Who Can Apply?
- Recreational fishing permits in Dubai are available only to residents with proof of residency.
NOTE: 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.
Can Dubai Residents, Non-Residents, and Tourists Fish at Happiness Square in Jumeirah 3 Without a Fishing Licence?
Fishing is allowed in Happiness Square (Jumeirah 3, behind Sunset Mall) for residents, non-residents, and tourists without a fishing licence.
Documents Required
You need at least one of the following:
- DEWA bill
- Tenancy contract
- Property ownership document
| Validity Period | Service Completion Period | Fishing Permit Cost |
| The permit remains valid for one year and can be renewed. | 3 Working Days | Free |
How to Apply for Dubai Fishing Permit?
- Visit hub.dm.gov.ae and log in with your UAE PASS.
- Navigate to ‘Services’, then ‘Individual Services’, and select ‘Marine and Coastal Environment’.
- Choose ‘Permit for Recreational Line and Hook Fishing’ and click ‘Apply Now’.
- Complete your personal details and upload required documents, including proof of residence.
- Submit the application, and your license will be emailed to you once approved.
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No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Conducting Activities in Dubai’s Natural Reserves
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required to access Dubai’s natural reserves for activities such as visits, projects, wildlife translocation, filming, and scientific research. This certificate grants access to eight protected 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
All NOCs are issued exclusively by the Natural Reserves Section of the Dubai Municipality.
Service Completion Time
| Tourist groups & educational institutions | 3 working days |
| Other categories | 5 working days |
Required Documents
For tourism companies, schools, and universities: No documents required.
For other applicants:
1. Organisations: Official request letter
2. Filming:
- Official request letter
- Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) permit
- Authorisation letter (if applicable)
- Filming script
- Drone permit (if applicable)
3. Projects:
- Project owner authorisation letter (if applicable)
- Work methodology
- Official request letter
- Other authority NOCs (if required)
4. Research:
- Official request letter or methodology document
5. Wildlife Translocation:
- Official request letter
- Other authority NOCs
- Project owner authorisation (if applicable)
- Methodology and equipment list
How much will it Cost to Apply?
- Free of charge
How to Apply?
Applications can be submitted via the Dubai Municipality website/app or the DubaiNow app.
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Children’s City & Dubai Mega Parks Membership Card
A yearly membership card is available for entry to Children’s City and Dubai’s mega parks.
Types of Membership
Children’s City Membership
- Valid for 1 year (renewable & non-transferable)
- Access to Dubai Creek Park & Children’s City
- Unlimited visits to public facilities (excluding paid attractions)
Mega Parks Membership
- Valid for 1 year (renewable & non-transferable)
- Access to Al Mamzar, Zabeel, Dubai Creek, Al Safa, and Mushrif Parks
- Includes access to public park services (excluding paid attractions such as chalets, pools, arcade games, etc.)
Processing Time
- Mega Parks: Instant
- Children’s City: 2 working days
Required Documents
- Mega Parks: No documents required
- Children’s City: Applicant photo + photos of companions (if applicable)
Membership Fees
Mega Parks
| Individual (18+) | AED 320/year |
| Family (2 adults + children under 6) | AED 640/year |
| Child (6–16) | AED 60/year |
| Youth (16–26) | AED 80/year |
| Companion | AED 100/year |
| Replacement card | AED 50 |
| Knowledge & Innovation fee | AED 20 (applicable) |
Children’s City
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | AED 500/year |
| Individual | AED 200/year |
| Additional child | AED 60 |
| Knowledge & Innovation fee | AED 20 |
How to Apply?
- Visit any Mega park or Children’s City
- Or apply online via the Dubai Parks subscription portal
- Fill personal details, accept terms, and complete payment to receive the membership card.
Apply through Online
- Visit the website: almamzar.dm.gov.ae/web/#/app/subscription/addSubscrib.
- Complete the ‘Individual information’ section with:
– Full name
– Emirates ID number
– Email address
– Mobile number
– Gender - Check the box to confirm agreement with the terms and conditions.
- Select ‘Confirm’ to proceed to the payment portal.
- Complete the payment to receive your card.
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Al Mamzar Park Chalet Rental
Chalets at Al Mamzar Park (located on the fourth beach) offer a private space for relaxation, picnics, BBQs, and family activities.
Key Details
- Small chalet: up to 8 people
- Large chalet: up to 12 people
- Non-refundable booking
- Entry fees are separate
- Booking cannot be modified after confirmation
- Operating hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (weekdays)
- Mondays & Wednesdays reserved for women and children (except Ramadan & public holidays)
- One parking space per booking
Charges
| Large chalet (12 people) | Small chalet (8 people) |
| AED 200/day | AED 150/day |
| Knowledge fee: AED 20 | Knowledge fee: AED 20 |
| VAT: 5% | VAT: 5% |
How to Book?
- Visit the Dubai Public Parks website at dubaipublicparks.ae or download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Navigate to ‘Al Mamzar Park’ and then to ‘Facilities’.
- Click on ‘Get Tickets’ under ‘Chalets’ to choose your preferred chalet and click ‘Reserve’.
- Add the chalet to your cart and return to the booking page to select ‘Car Entry’ for vehicle parking and park admission fees.
- Pay the fees and receive an email confirmation with your ticket.
- Upon arrival at the Park on the reservation day, present your ticket at the Chalet Management Building to pick up your chalet keys.
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Temporary Winter Camp Permit (Dubai)
UAE citizens can apply for a temporary winter camping permit for personal use from November 1 to April end.
Key Regulations
- For family use only (no commercial use allowed)
- Must follow environmental, safety, and public conduct rules
- No loudspeakers, fireworks, or floodlights allowed
- Camps must be cleaned and restored after use
- Maximum speed limit: 20 km/h within camp areas
- Minimum duration: 3 months | Maximum: 6 months
- Temporary structures allowed only
Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Family book copy
- IBAN and bank details for refund
Processing Time
- 2 working days
Cost
- 44 fils per sqm per week (max 400 sqm)
- Deposit: AED 2,000 (refundable)
- Additional fees: AED 125
- Knowledge & Innovation fee: AED 20
Application Method
Apply via Dubai Municipality website/app or DubaiNow app.
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NOC for Caravan Camping (Jebel Ali Beach)
A No Objection Certificate allows caravan or trailer camping at Jebel Ali public beach for up to 30 days.
Conditions
- New NOC can only be issued 15 days after expiry of the previous one
Required Documents
- Caravan/trailer ownership proof
- Photo of caravan/trailer
Cost
- Free
Application
Available through Dubai Municipality website/app or DubaiNow app.
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Book Sports Fields in Public Parks
Public park sports fields can be reserved for recreational use.
Rules
- Maximum booking: 1 hour
- Sportswear is mandatory
- Eating is not allowed on the field
- Same person cannot book more than once per week (unless no demand)
- Late arrival beyond 15 minutes may cancel booking
- Residents only (proof required)
- Management not responsible for injuries or loss
Cost
- Free
How to Book
- Visit Dubai Public Parks website or app
- Select your preferred park and field
- Reserve and confirm booking online
From fishing and beach chalets to winter camping and football field reservations, these services provide residents with affordable ways to enjoy Dubai’s outdoor lifestyle throughout the year.