AJMAN GLORY

Best months: Nov–Jan

Protected Area

محمية خور المزاحمي

Why dive here

AJMAN GLORY is a wreck dive where divers can encounter blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 23-34°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeNov–Jan

WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit

Marine lifeBlacktip Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles and Whale Sharks

Water23-34°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 49m

The Ajman Glory, previously the Lady Maya and a few others before that, is a deep, honest-to-goodness wreck dive off Fujairah. Sunk back in 1989, she sits upright at 49 metres, a proper steel skeleton for those comfortable with the depth and the technical considerations that come with it. We love the way the light filters down, creating an eerie, almost cathedral-like feel as you approach her deck. This isn’t a colourful reef dive, it’s a dive into history. Her 52-metre hull is well-colonised with whip corals and the occasional soft coral swaying in the slight current. You’ll often find schools of snapper hovering around the superstructure, and we’ve spotted moray eels peeking from dark crevices. Our favourite part is exploring the bridge area, though careful buoyancy is key here, as silt can easily be disturbed. It’s a dive for advanced wreck enthusiasts looking for a quiet, contemplative experience rather than a bustling reef.

Typical AJMAN GLORY Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Maximum depth 49m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:1517:5511h 40m daylightGolden hour 17:24

AJMAN GLORY Wreck History

Year Sunk

1989

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

unknown

The Ajman Glory began its life in 1957, built at a Dutch shipyard under the name 'Dollard'. Over a career spanning more than three decades, the motor vessel sailed under several flags and names, including 'Pariaman', 'Maria Fortune', and 'Lady Maya'. This long service history as a workhorse of the seas adds a layer of character to its final resting place off the coast of the UAE.

On August 28, 1989, the ship, then known as the Ajman Glory, sank in the Gulf of Oman near Fujairah. The exact circumstances of its sinking are not widely documented, but it has since become one of the region's most popular artificial reefs. It now sits upright on a sandy seabed, perfectly positioned for exploration by certified divers.

For divers, the Ajman Glory is a fantastic wreck that is easily navigable. The top of the wheelhouse is at a moderate depth, with the rest of the ship descending deeper. The cargo holds are open and safe for penetration, offering a glimpse into its past life. The wreck is a magnet for marine life, often shrouded in schools of snapper and fusiliers, while moray eels, lionfish, and nudibranchs can be found hiding in its nooks and crannies.