What would you say if I told you that there are some of the best scuba diving spots in the world just a short flight away from Dubai? What if I also said that these scuba dives were right on the doorstep of one of the most tourist-friendly countries in all of Asia? You might think I was crazy, but it’s true. The UAE has been hosting divers for decades and is now home to some amazing dive sites.
The UAE is known as a country with lots to see which can be seen by anyone who visits. But what many people don’t know about this region is how close it is to be able to experience one of life’s greatest adventures: Scuba Diving!
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World’s Deepest Pool – 60m ‘Deep Dive Dubai’
The new monster-sized pool—Deep Dive Dubai— has claimed the title of World’s Deepest Pool at 60 meters (197 feet) deep and holds 14 million liters (3.7 million gallons) of fresh water and is maintained at a comfy dive temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). This is even bigger than the Deepspot pool that opened in Poland last year. That pool was 45m deep and about half the size of Deep Dive Dubai.
One of the stunning underwater attractions in Dubai is themed to resemble an abandoned sunken city! It will take a few dives to explore this oversized dive site, and it’s filled with many members of marine life, such as turtles, dolphins, and more. There are also 56 cameras in the pool designed for safety purposes.
Scuba Diving Dubai Mall Aquarium
Dubai Mall Aquarium is home to the world’s largest viewing panel of live coral reefs. The site lets you get up close and personal with some of the creatures that call the ocean their home, from tiny corals to massive groupers. The aquarium also features more than 120 interactive displays where visitors can learn about marine conservation, find out about the history of Dubai’s maritime industry and even ride a simulated boat in a stormy sea.
Scuba Diving Fujairah Beach
Fujairah Beach is an 18-kilometre (11 mi) long beach on the southeastern coast of the United Arab Emirates. The area around Fujairah City, one of seven emirates that make up the UAE, has historically been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Fujairah Beach is home to some of the best scuba diving spots in all of the Middle East. The water temperature is typically between 30-31 degrees Celsius (86-88 Fahrenheit) and offers many incredible dive sites.
Scuba Diving Dibba Rock
Dibba Rock Diving is a popular destination to view the underwater world through scuba diving. The area consists of four different locations in one, and each location offers something unique: some offer impressive wall dives, others offer dramatic drop-offs where you can find large schools of fish hiding under ledges, and still others offer beautiful coral gardens.
Scuba Diving Sharm Rock
Sharm Rock Diving is a very popular attraction for scuba divers. The rocky outcrop protrudes from the ocean floor, and water depth ranges from 3 to 36 meters (10 to 120 ft). Shoaling species of fish pass by these rocks en route to feeding grounds near Ras al Hadd or Al Mamzar. At night, this area is a hotspot for both squid and octopus.
Scuba Diving Martini Rock
Martini Rock is one of the dive sites that is found on the east side of Fujairah Beach. This rock was named for its shape, which resembles a martini glass. The current here can be strong, and it makes this area an excellent snorkeling or diving spot—especially during new moon phases when there are fewer
Best shipwrecks scuba diving in Dubai
Zainab Wreck
The Zainab Wreck is one of the most famous diving spots in Dubai. It’s a 320m long ship that sunk in 1994. The wreck lies at a depth of 73m (240ft) and offers divers a surreal experience with its surroundings growing out of the sandstone walls around it.
Mariam Express Shipwreck diving
The Mariam Express Shipwreck is a wreck that lies on its port side at a depth of 15m (50ft). It’s known for being one of the best night dives in the area, but at any time of day it offers incredible close-up views of marine life as well as visibility going beyond 30m (100ft).
MV Dara Shipwreck
This shipwreck sunk in a storm in 2002 and despite its short time on the seafloor has become very popular with marine life. It is one of the best scuba diving sites within easy reach of Dubai. The MV Dara Shipwreck is a freighter ship that lies at a depth of 10m (35ft). Marine life around the wreck includes many species of coral and fish.
MV Victoria Star Ship
The MV Victoria Star is the largest shipwreck in the area and lies at a depth of 34m (110ft). With easy access through its large open cargo bay, it’s one of the most popular divesites in Dubai. It features fantastic highlights such as huge schools of fish and an abundance of marine life around it.
Cement Barge Wreck diving
This wreck sunk in 1993 and is one of the most popular dive sites in the area. Its shallow depth, easy entry and exit, large interior space for marine life to inhabit, and dense array of coral around it make this a must-do wreck diving site in Dubai. The Cement Barge lies at a depth of 25m (80ft).
Barges Shipwreck diving
The Barges are a pair of ships that sit next to each other and can be found at a depth of 25m (82ft). They are an easy dive and offer lots of marine life due to their shallowness. It’s also one of the best scuba diving sites in Dubai if you are just starting out.
MV Princess Shehab Shipwreck
The MV Princess Shehab is a Yemeni-flagged ship that was constructed in the 70s for use as both a cargo and passenger carrier. It lies on its side at a depth of 32m (105ft). The wreck offers easy access, lots of light due to its orientation, and beautiful coral growing on it.
When is the best time to dive in Dubai
The best time to dive in Dubai is during the months of October through April. During this time, both water and air temperatures are warm. Water temperature varies from 75°F (22°C) in the winter months to 91°F (33°C) in the summer months when a wetsuit is definitely optional.
Scuba diving tips for Dubai
- Ensure that the weather conditions are perfect for scuba diving.
- Make sure you are trained enough to take a scuba dive, and that you have someone to help guide the first dives.
- Follow all underwater protocols to respect the marine creations and do not touch or move too close.
- Scuba diving can be a thrilling experience, but it is imperative that safety always comes first.
- The great thing about Dubai’s location is that it offers amazing opportunities for underwater adventures, but many people are not aware of their locations and stray from the reefs.
- The new location in Dubai is not for amateurs. So take it easy and enjoy the dive.
- In case of any emergency, do not lose your cool and remain calm at all times. This will help the rescue professionals to save you as quickly as possible.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just getting started, the UAE is an excellent destination to explore. If you want some ideas for your next scuba diving adventure in Dubai, we’ve got plenty of those too! We can help with all aspects of planning your dive trip and will answer any questions about what’s possible once you arrive. You’ll be able to find everything from beginner courses on how to scuba dive here at home up through internationally certified certifications if that’s something you’re interested in pursuing as well.