The UAE is famous for its luxurious lifestyle and stunning coastline, offering a vibrant beach scene that attracts travellers worldwide. A hidden treasure lies beyond the sun-kissed shores and turquoise waters – the breathtaking underwater world. There are many spots for scuba diving in the UAE you can explore.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced explorer, the country’s clear waters and diverse marine life make this water sport a must-try.
The Top Dive Sites for Scuba Diving in the UAE
Let’s explore the top scuba diving sites in the UAE, where you can explore the stunning underwater world and marine life of the gulf. However, you must connect with certified diving companies to arrange your adventure safely.
Dubai
Dubai has exciting scuba diving spots where divers can explore historic wrecks and colourful corals and encounter fish, rays, and even sharks. The popular spots are as follows:
1. Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach is a top spot for scuba diving in the UAE, offering clear waters and vibrant marine life. This picturesque location is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers, with shallow areas for practice and deeper zones to explore.
Beneath the surface, you will encounter various fascinating sea creatures, including jellyfish, rays and even small sharks. The beach’s calm waters make it ideal for diving all year round, providing an immersive experience for nature lovers.
Location
2. Zainab Wreck
The Zainab Wreck is one of the most famous places for scuba diving in Dubai, offering a unique blend of history and marine life. This 70-metre oil tanker sank in 2001 after rough waves overwhelmed it, leading to a major oil spill.
Over time, it has transformed into an artificial reef and a thriving home for various marine species like yellowtail barracuda, rays, and schools of fish.
Scuba diving at the Zainab Wreck is an exciting experience for advanced divers. The wreck remains mostly intact, allowing exploration under professional guidance. With its size, divers often take multiple dives to uncover its underwater secrets.
3. Mariam Express
The Mariam Express got its name from the ferry that sank in 2006 due to strong currents and overloading. It is now a popular scuba diving site near Dubai. Resting between 18 and 25 metres underwater, the wreck lies on its port side and has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Divers can encounter yellowtail barracuda, snappers, nudibranchs, flatworms, and rays, including spotted eagle and torpedo rays. Accessible by a 45–60-minute boat ride from Umm Suqeim Harbour, this site is recommended for advanced divers due to its depth and currents.
Abu Dhabi
It is not just luxury and modern living — Abu Dhabi has incredible getaways and outdoor activities, including scuba diving experiences. The city’s dive sites include fascinating shipwrecks and serene pool dives, offering something for every level of diver.
The following are the two popular spots for scuba diving in Abu Dhabi:
1. Dalma Island
Dalma Island, located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, is a hidden gem for scuba diving enthusiasts in the UAE. It is known for its serene and untouched beauty and offers a peaceful diving experience far from crowded spots.
The island’s pristine coral reefs are a haven for marine life, including barracudas, sea turtles and even dolphins. Its calm waters and vibrant underwater ecosystems make it a top choice for divers seeking a scenic and tranquil adventure.
Location
2. MV Jasim Wreck
The MV Jasim, once used by the UAE Armed Forces for target practice, now lies in 26 to 27 metres of water, broken into three main sections.
The stern features the engine room and accommodation, with a large propeller and rudder still intact. The middle cargo section is a fascinating jumble of broken hatches, rigging, vehicle parts and lorry wheels.
This wreck is home to West Coast marine life, including brittle stars, cowrie shells, hydro-corals orange sponges and sea squirts. Though sunk over 20 years ago, the marine growth here is less developed than on other wrecks, offering a unique diving experience for advanced divers.
3. Corniche Beach
Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi is a top spot for urban diving and snorkelling. It offers a unique underwater escape right in the city’s heart. Its shallow waters are home to a variety of fish and coral species, making it ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers.
Popular among visitors and residents of Corniche, the beach provides a convenient and accessible way to explore marine life without venturing far from the city.
Location
Sharjah
Khor Fakkan is a hidden gem for scuba diving. It features seven dive sites with crystal-clear waters and unique granite formations. Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, fascinating wrecks and rare marine life.
With its unspoiled underwater terrain, Sharjah offers an unforgettable diving experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
1. Shark Island
Shark Island is a must-visit dive spot in Sharjah. It offers a chance to see black-tip reef sharks, moray eels, and Arabian angelfish up close between November and April. The divers will encounter hard corals that cover an area of around 200 m, while the wall is composed of large granite formations. On clear days, visibility can reach up to 20 metres, revealing stunning underwater views.
Location
2. Anemone Gardens
Anemone Garden, just a five-minute boat ride from Khor Fakkan, is a stunning dive site in Sharjah known for its vibrant marine life and unique coral formations. The site spans 200 metres in length and 160 metres in width, featuring large rock formations covered in colourful whip corals in green, purple, and white.
Home to seahorses, slipper lobsters, nudibranchs, shrimpfish, and schooling fish like fusiliers, Anemone Garden offers a lively ecosystem. With depths of 20 to 22 metres, it’s ideal for advanced divers,
Location
Fujairah
On the UAE’s east coast, Fujairah is a treasure for scuba divers. It offers diverse marine life, colourful corals and fascinating shipwrecks turned into thriving artificial reefs. The wrecks host sea turtles, stingrays, and vibrant fish, while other dive sites include deep walls, drift dives and caves.
The following are the two most popular scuba diving spots in Fujairah.
1. Sharm Rocks
Sharm Rocks, also called ‘Three Rocks Pinnacles’ or ‘Three Sisters’, is a popular scuba diving site 15 minutes south of Meridian Fujairah. The site features three rock formations rising above the surface, with a fourth deeper pinnacle reserved for experienced divers.
The depth ranges from 10 to 22 metres, making it suitable for all levels, including snorkelers. The pinnacles are covered in soft corals, providing a vibrant habitat for reef fish like snappers, fusiliers, and jacks.
The scuba divers here can encounter diverse marine life, including lionfish, moray eels, turtles, and even black-tip reef sharks. During warmer months, lucky visitors might spot a whale shark. With calm waters and visibility up to 20 metres, it is a fantastic scuba diving spot and one of the best outdoor activities in Fujairah.
Location
2. Dibba Al Fujairah
Located along the eastern coast, Dibba Beach in Fujairah is known for its clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. The dive sites here are perfect for all levels, with depths ranging from shallow coral gardens to deeper areas for advanced divers.
The calm conditions and great visibility make it a top choice for exploring the vibrant underwater world. Marine life in Dibba includes colourful coral reefs, schools of snappers, fusiliers, and parrotfish. Divers can also encounter turtles, moray eels, and occasional reef sharks.
Location
Ras Al Khaimah
The following is one of the most popular Ras Al Khaimah spots for scuba diving in the UAE:
Al Jazeera Diving and Swimming Centre
Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Centre in Ras Al Khaimah is a standout destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Established in 1997, it is the emirate’s only certified dive resort, which provides exceptional diving experiences while promoting marine conservation.
In addition to scuba diving, the centre offers boat rides and snorkelling trips, perfect for exploring Ras Al Khaimah’s vibrant waters. With its commitment to adventure, Al Jazeera is a must-visit for anyone seeking underwater exploration in the northernmost emirate of the UAE.
Location
Top Scuba Diving Companies in the UAE
The following are top companies for scuba diving in the UAE whom you can contact for a professional, safe, and wholesome scuba diving experience.
Dubai
1. Drar Diving Centre
Location
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Contact
+971 50 645 4377
2. Bermuda Diving Centre
Location
Villa 604 Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 3
Contact
+971 50 119 4050
3. Nemo Diving Centre
Location
Front of the sea and swimming pool, Azure Residences, Shop 5&6, The Palm Jumeirah.
Contact
+971 56 704 4472
Abu Dhabi
1. Al Mahara Diving Centre
Location
Villa 215 Al Mina Road.
Contact
+971 50 111 8125
2. Ocean Dive Centre
Location
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Marina Gate 3.
Contact
+971 50 141 3255
3. Mermaid Diving Centre Abu Dhabi
Location
W Corniche Road, Al Bateen, W10 01.
Contact
+971 55 887 6015
Sharjah
1. Emirate Diving Centre
Location
Al Majarra, Al Sharq.
Contact
+971 52 428 9897
2. Sharjah International Marine Sports Club
Location
Al Fisht 1, Al Heerah Suburb.
Contact
+971 6 591 1911
Ras Al Khaimah
1. Al Jazeera Diving and Swimming Centre
Location
Behind Iceland, Near Al Jazeera Port, Al Hamra.
Contact
+971 56 979 8783
Fujairah
1. Goblin Diving Centre
Location
Port Street, Al Bidyah.
Contact
+971 50 505 2423
2. Barracuda Diving Centre
Location
Fujairah International Marine Club, Corniche Road.
Contact
+971 50 326 6224
3. Scuba Master Diving Centre
Location
Corniche Road.
Contact
+971 50 333 2848
FAQs
The best time to scuba dive in the UAE is from October to May, during the cooler months. The waters are calm and clear, ideal for open-water dives and PADI experiences.
The UAE is an excellent destination for divers of all levels. You don’t need a certification to try scuba diving in the UAE. However, a PADI Scuba Diving certification, like the Open Water Course, is required for most open water dives.
The average price range for scuba diving in the UAE ranges from AED 500 to AED 2000.
Yes, the UAE offers several dive sites that are perfect for beginners. The Dubai Lost Chambers Aquarium, one of the largest in the Middle East, provides a safe environment to explore the underwater world.
If you are looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure scuba diving experience, UAE has it all. With its stunning beaches and marinas in each emirate, the country offers various water sports facilities in natural and man-made destinations.
Moreover, explore these top water sports activities in Dubai if you want to try sports other than scuba diving.
