wreck

Log This Dive

ORIENTAL ALLIED

The *Oriental Allied* is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in Dubai, a proper, substantial dive at 33 metres. Sunk deliberately back in 2009, she’s settled upright and mostly intact on the seabed, a surprisingly dramatic sight as she looms out of the green Gulf water. Her dimensions, 37.8 metres long by 9 metres wide, give you plenty to explore without feeling overwhelmed. We love pushing into the cargo holds, where the light shafts down through the open deck, creating these incredible, almost cathedral-like spaces. You’ll often find huge schools of yellowtail barracuda circling inside, their scales flashing as they turn. The bridge area is usually a favourite for us, still largely recognisable, with lots of nooks and crannies that grouper and snapper have made their homes. Outside, the superstructure offers plenty of shelter, and it’s common to spot turtles cruising by, or rays buried in the sand just off the hull. The currents here can pick up, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide if you want a more leisurely exploration. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits; you’ll always find something new, whether it’s a tiny nudibranch camouflaged on the hull or a surprise visit from a larger pelagic. It’s a solid pick for experienced wreck divers looking for a genuine immersion, not just a quick peek.