AL JAZYA 1 - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Al Jazya 1 is a proper old-school wreck, the kind we love when we’re in this part of the world. This converted water tanker went down in rough weather back in 2000, and she’s settled neatly upright at a shallow 8 metres. That depth makes her ideal for longer bottom times and really soaking in the atmosphere. At 80 metres long, there’s plenty to explore. We particularly like finning along the deck, where the old tank structures create fascinating swim-throughs and overhangs. Keep an eye out for batfish congregating around the superstructure and moray eels peeking from the darker corners. The hull is coated in soft corals, a vibrant counterpoint to the rust, and we’ve often seen schools of snapper darting in and out of the holds. For photographers, the ambient light at this depth makes for some dramatic shots, especially mid-morning. We’d suggest going then before the sun gets too high. It’s an easy dive, perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of history with their marine life, without the worry of strong currents or complex navigation.

Location
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
24.616667, 54.418335
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - AL JAZYA 1

Year Sunk
2000
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
storm

Originally built around 1958, the "AL JAZYA 1" served for many years before being converted into a water tanker for its final owners, Al Jazya Marine & Shipping Services of Abu Dhabi. Her career came to an abrupt end on January 24, 2000, when she was caught in heavy weather. The storm proved too much for the aging vessel, and she foundered and sank between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Today, the AL JAZYA 1 rests in just 8 meters of water, making it a perfect wreck dive for novice divers or those looking for a long, relaxed bottom time. The shallow depth allows for ample sunlight to filter down, illuminating the structure and the vibrant marine life that has claimed it. Divers can easily explore the deck, peer into the holds of the former water tanker, and observe schools of fish, moray eels, and crustaceans that now call this artificial reef home. Its accessibility and calm conditions make it a popular and rewarding site in the region.

Marine Protected Area: متنزه السعديات البحري الوطني

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 AL JAZYA 1

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 AL JAZYA 1

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