Diving in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Explore 88 dive sites in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The warmest water temperatures in Dubai & Abu Dhabi occur in January, averaging 23.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 23.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.3°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • February: 23.3°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • March: 23.3°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • April: 23.3°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • May: 23.3°C (air: 30.3°C)
  • June: 23.3°C (air: 33.5°C)
  • July: 23.3°C (air: 35.4°C)
  • August: 23.3°C (air: 35.1°C)
  • September: 23.3°C (air: 32.9°C)
  • October: 23.3°C (air: 29.8°C)
  • November: 23.3°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • December: 23.3°C (air: 22.1°C)

Marine Life in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Home to 25 recorded species including 7 reef fish, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 whales & dolphins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Dubai & Abu Dhabi has 1 beginner, 3 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Based on average water temperature of 23.3°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

  • متنزه القرم البحري الوطني - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • محمية جبل على الطبيعية - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • محمية مروح البحرية للمحيط الحيوي - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • محمية راس غناضة البحرية - Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • متنزه السعديات البحري الوطني - Marine National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • محمية بوالسياييف البحرية - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • محمية مروح البحرية للمحيط الحيوي - Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • محمية بوالسياييف البحرية - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • محمية جبل على الطبيعية - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Dubai & Abu Dhabi - Nearest Airports

  • Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), Abu Dhabi - 118 km away, approx 144 min travel time
  • Zayed International Airport (AUH), Abu Dhabi - 131 km away, approx 158 min travel time
  • Kish International Airport (KIH), Kish Island - 154 km away, approx 183 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times of year to go scuba diving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for optimal conditions?
For optimal diving conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the best water temperatures are consistently around 23.29°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. These months offer comfortable conditions for exploring the region's diverse dive sites. You can find more details on when to dive for specific conditions.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter in the waters around Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
While the provided data highlights Dubai and Abu Dhabi as a region rich in wrecks and artificial reefs, specific details about marine life encounters are not listed. However, these structures typically attract a variety of local fish species and invertebrates. For general information on marine species, you can explore our wildlife database.
What are the top dive sites recommended for scuba diving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
The Dubai and Abu Dhabi sub-region offers 87 dive sites, catering to various skill levels. Notable sites include the advanced 'Deep Dive Dubai' (a reef), and several intermediate wreck dives like the 'Wreck of Allah Mina' and 'Sheikh Mohammed s Barge'. For beginners, 'Jumeirah 3- Sunset Beach' is a great reef option to start exploring.
Is scuba diving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi suitable for beginner divers, or are the sites mostly for advanced levels?
Yes, scuba diving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is suitable for beginner divers, with sites like 'Jumeirah 3- Sunset Beach' specifically noted as a beginner-friendly reef. While there are many intermediate wreck and reef dives, and even advanced options like 'Deep Dive Dubai', beginners have excellent opportunities to explore. With 19 dive centres in the area, finding appropriate training and guided dives is convenient.
What are the typical water visibility and temperature conditions for diving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
For diving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the optimal water temperature is consistently around 23.29°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, providing very comfortable conditions. While specific visibility data is not provided, the region is known for its Arabian Gulf diving. Divers should consult local dive centres for current visibility reports.
How do divers usually access the main dive sites when diving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
The provided data does not specify the typical access methods for the main dive sites in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, with 19 dive centres operating in the sub-region, it is highly probable that most sites are accessed via organized boat trips. We recommend contacting one of the local dive centres for detailed information on logistics and site access.
What are the key differences in diving experience, marine life, and conditions between Dubai/Abu Dhabi and the East Coast (Fujairah)?
The provided data focuses exclusively on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi sub-region, describing it as offering Arabian Gulf diving with wrecks and artificial reefs. Therefore, specific differences in diving experience, marine life, or conditions compared to the East Coast (Fujairah) cannot be determined from this context. To learn more about other regions, please explore our United Arab Emirates country page.
Are there any significant wreck dive sites in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi area?
Yes, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well-known for their significant wreck dive sites, forming a core part of the Arabian Gulf diving experience. Notable intermediate wreck dives include the 'Wreck of Allah Mina', 'Sheikh Mohammed s Barge', 'MV Dara', and 'Zainab Wreck', among many others. With numerous wreck sites available, divers have ample opportunities to explore historical and artificial structures.