UAE Aquaculture Regulations and Permits: Official Sources for Fish Farm Projects

Which official sources apply?

• Federal law

  Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 — living aquatic resources

  UAE Legislation portal

  The federal law on the exploitation, protection and development of living aquatic resources in UAE waters. Issued 17 October 1999, in force from 30 April 2000; the portal lists its last update as 8 May 2016.

  How to use it: Read it first to see which activities need a licence from the competent authority and what is prohibited.

  Open official source
• Federal regulation

  Cabinet Resolution No. 120 of 2023 — violations and penalties

  UAE Legislation portal

  Sets the administrative violations and penalties relating to living aquatic resources, and how they can be settled.

  How to use it: Check which breaches carry penalties before you write operating procedures and supplier obligations.

  Open official source
• Federal licence

  Issue a licence to establish an aquaculture production farm

  Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)

  The ministry's service card lists the steps: online form, e-payment, review, site inspection and an electronic licence valid for one year from issue. It states a service time of 3 working days; that is the ministry's figure, not a promise for your project.

  How to use it: Confirm the current required documents and fees on the service card, and plan for annual renewal.

  Open official source
• Federal guidance

  UAE Aquaculture Guide (2017)

  MOCCAE

  Covers farm classification, who may establish a farm, licensing procedures, site-selection criteria and the conditions for renewing, amending or cancelling a licence.

  How to use it: Use its site-selection chapter to screen candidate sites before you ask suppliers for designs.

  Open official source
• Abu Dhabi policy

  Sustainable Aquaculture Policy, Emirate of Abu Dhabi (March 2019)

  Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), via FAOLEX

  The emirate's policy for growing a sustainable local aquaculture sector, with environmental stewardship and monitoring of farm impacts.

  How to use it: If your site is in Abu Dhabi, check this policy and the emirate's current requirements alongside the federal licence.

  Open official source
• Abu Dhabi activity

  EAD launches the emirate's first sea-cage aquaculture project (31 August 2024)

  Abu Dhabi Media Office

  Official announcement of EAD's sea-cage project, framed as part of the emirate's sustainable aquaculture policy.

  How to use it: Context on current government activity; it is a research project, not a permit route for private farms.

  Open official source
• National strategy

  National Food Security Strategy 2051

  UAE Government portal (u.ae)

  The national strategy framing food production, including aquaculture, within long-term food security goals.

  How to use it: Useful context for a business case; it does not grant permits or funding by itself.

  Open official source

How do you map permits before procurement?

1. Fix the emirate and candidate sites, then list which federal and emirate authorities apply to each.
2. Screen each site against the MOCCAE guide's site-selection criteria before requesting designs.
3. List every approval you need — farm licence, imports of live stock, feed, chemicals or veterinary products, and any environmental or utility approvals — with its owner and lead time.
4. Ask each supplier which approvals their design affects (water intake and discharge, buildings, power) and what documents they will provide.
5. Confirm the list with the competent authority or a qualified local adviser before you fix a construction or delivery date.

What this page does not cover

• Emirate-level procedures outside Abu Dhabi; check with the relevant emirate authorities for Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and others.
• Fees, processing times and document lists beyond what the official sources state; these change.
• Company formation, land, building, water and power approvals, which depend on your site and structure.

FishMatch is not a regulator, permit agent, installer or operator, and does not promise approvals, finance or returns.

Related UAE pages and free tools

UAE aquaculture regulations FAQ