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Scuba Diving in Dubai

Two seas, two styles: Gulf wrecks on the west coast and rocky reefs in the east.

On this page: Where to dive · Learning to dive. Who it's for: thrill-seekers, first-timers and visitors who want more than a mall.

Black-and-white photo of Paris in a fur trapper hat wearing neon purple shutter glasses and making a peace sign

Quick facts

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  • Location: Dubai

Divers Down UAE Map: Scuba Diving Enquire / book More adventure Related: mv dara wreck dive

Paris dived the MV Dara wreck off Umm Al Quwain for the show and has dived with sharks on a Gulf shipwreck. The Gulf side is shallow and known for wrecks; the Gulf of Oman side, around Fujairah, has rocky reefs and generally better visibility.

Where to dive

  • Gulf wrecks: MV Dara and other sunken ships, best for experienced divers.
  • East coast: Fujairah and Dibba reefs; see Fujairah.
  • Musandam: Omani waters, a border crossing away; see Musandam.

Learning to dive

Beginners usually start with an open water course run by a PADI or similar dive centre. Remember the rule from our skydiving page: do not fly or skydive within 24 hours of scuba diving.

Prefer no tanks? Try snorkelling or freediving.

From the Guy in Dubai video archive

Diving with Sharks at Atlantis Dubai (YouTube, Paris Norriss channel, uploaded 2019)

About Diving with Sharks at Atlantis Dubai

The Atlantis Hotel is home to 6 specifies of sharks in the aquarium. During shark week, Atlantis invited "Sharkman", a leading expert on sharks who works hard to conserve them.

He gave us some of his expertise before we went for a dive in the aquarium to meet them. There were black tip sharks, white tip sharks and reef sharks, all of which are friendly.

The aquarium at the Atlantis hotel in Dubai allows qualified scuba divers to dive in the aquarium, but if you you don't have a license you can also go down in a dry suit to see the fish and sharks.

The AtlantisDubaiTV is located in the center of the crescent on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

FAQ

Is diving good in Dubai?

The Gulf side is best known for wrecks; most reef diving is on the Fujairah coast.

Can beginners dive in the UAE?

Yes, with a course at a dive centre. Deep wrecks like the Dara need more experience.

Sources

Facts checked October 2026. Opening times, age limits and seasons change, so confirm with the operator before you go.

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