ABDUL RAZAK - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

The Abdul Razak is easily one of our favourite wreck dives in the UAE. This old fishing vessel, sunk back in 1987, sits upright at 25 metres. We love how approachable she is; penetration is possible through the wheelhouse and cargo holds for those with the right training, but just circling the deck offers plenty to see. You'll fin past schools of yellowfin snapper, often so dense they dim the light filtering down from the surface. Look closely at the deck machinery and you'll spot resident moray eels peeking from crevices, their heads swaying gently in the slight current. The wreck has become an artificial reef over the decades, attracting barracuda and kingfish that patrol the perimeter, giving the whole site a real sense of wildness. It’s an excellent dive for anyone looking to combine a bit of history with solid marine life encounters, without needing extreme depth or conditions. Best visited on a calm morning before boat traffic picks up.

Location
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
25.565140, 52.437637
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Wreck History - ABDUL RAZAK

Year Sunk
1987
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Details about the final moments of the fishing vessel Abdul Razak are scarce, but records show it sank in July 1987 and is designated as a dangerous wreck. Today, it rests on the seabed at a depth of 25 meters in the warm waters off the coast of Dubai. Its relatively recent sinking means it is more intact than many older wrecks, offering a compelling structure for divers to explore. As a fishing vessel, it is often draped in old nets, which, while creating an atmospheric scene, also pose a significant entanglement hazard, requiring divers to exercise caution and carry a dive knife. The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of fish and other marine life, making it a popular site for local divers seeking both adventure and vibrant underwater ecosystems.

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Nearest Dive Centres to ABDUL RAZAK

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ABDUL RAZAK

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