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Diving in the United Arab Emirates

Dive Shops Dive resorts Liveaboards Dive Sites

Explore diving in the United Arab Emirates

While the United Arab Emirates is well-known for its glossy hotels, there is plenty to do and see under the water. You can find a little bit of everything in the range of dive sites offered by this nation.

The United Arab Emirates is a great place for all levels of diver. It is even the perfect place to earn your first certification as most of the dive sites are relatively shallow and without heavy currents. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, you are sure to love your dive trip to the United Arab Emirates.

The Arabian Gulf offers a plethora of wrecks outside its harbor, while the East Coast bordering the Gulf of Oman in the Indian Ocean, offers pristine reefs and a couple small wrecks.

Where to dive in the United Arab Emirates

PADI map Satellite

Leaflet

Show areas in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai

Book your diving in the United Arab Emirates

Common marine life sightings for United Arab Emirates

Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Mammals and Reptiles

Hawksbill turtle

Common dolphin

Most likely sightingsPossible sightings

More Information

Both Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s international airports welcome flights from around the world. There is an additional international airport in Sharjah that hosts flight originating in the Middle East.

It is also possible to reach the United Arab Emirates by car from neighbouring countries or by ship.

Once you have safely arrived in the United Arab Emirates, travel around the country is easily completed by metro, taxis, rental cars and buses.

Traveling to the East Coast will add 90 minutes to both sides of your diving day - a journey well worth it to take advantage of the vibrant reefs and plentiful marine life found in the area.

Time Zone

UTC+04:00

Phone

+971

Currency

AED

Voltage

220 V

Pressure

Pounds/square inch (psi)

Plug

C, D, G

Languages

Arabic, English

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

International airports

Dubai Intl. (DXB)

United Arab Emirates: top locations for diving

Thanks, from PADI.

This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Divers Down Dubai. Disclaimer

^* By accessing this page, you acknowledge and agree that the information displayed has been provided by one or multiple third parties. The provision of this content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation or solicitation to make any type of purchase or decision. PADI does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information nor can PADI guarantee such content will be free of material you may find objectionable or otherwise. PADI reminds you to adhere to the PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices and recommends that you consult a dive professional familiar with the site and its present conditions before diving. PADI does not and cannot review all content on this platform and therefore disclaims any responsibility or liability related to your access or use of this third party content, and under no circumstances will PADI be liable for any loss or direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages caused by reliance on this information.