Desert Delight
Cradled among miles and miles of sand, at the edge of the Rub' Al Khali desert, lies Abu Dhabi, known for its sleek skyline and desert backdrop, but it’s also a sprawling archipelago of over 200 islands, offering an extraordinary variety of fishing environments, from tranquil mangrove shallows to the deep, open waters of the Arabian Gulf. Fishing is deeply rooted in the locals’ heritage, as it once was a lifeline alongside pearl diving and date farming, due to the limited options for agriculture.
Carrying on the legacy of these traditions are Souad, Sam, and Elmer, with Elmer being so dedicated to his passion that he usually sneaks in some fishing before his daily profession at Fast Marine Boats. Fishing in Abu Dhabi is a vibrant blend of tradition, recreation, and sustainability, reflecting its cultural heritage and modern environmental priorities, which also shows in the Sustainable Fisheries Index, where Abu Dhabi ranked number one overall, with a score of 97,4%.
As the sun starts to near the horizon and the shadows get longer, the crew beaches on the shore that will be their dinner spot for the night. While they are waiting for the flame-grilled delicacies to cook, they pass the time by sharing their most spectacular fishing stories, about the ones that got away, or the biggest ones. Storytelling, laughing, and bonding are almost as important as the catch itself.
