Al Mahara Diving Center

Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The team at Al Mahara Diving Center are solid, and for good reason. They’re a PADI 5 Star IDC Resort, which means they’re serious about diving education, right up to instructor level. If you’re looking to get certified, or level up your existing PADI certs in the UAE, these guys are our top pick. They really excel at making the whole process smooth and genuinely enjoyable, which, let's be honest, isn't always a given when you're tackling new skills. What we love most about Al Mahara is their commitment to local diving. They’re based in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, running trips to a good spread of sites in the area. We’ve had some cracking dives with them out to the more intriguing wrecks off the coast, where the visibility can really surprise you on a good day, often a calm 15 metres. You’ll find yourself finning past schools of yellowfin tuna, the odd barracuda eyeing you from the blue, and sometimes even a turtle cruising along the deck. Their boats are comfortable, the gear is well-maintained, and they always seem to have a knack for finding the best conditions on any given day. If you’re in the UAE and itching to get wet, Al Mahara is a safe bet for a quality dive experience.