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As worldwide diving destinations go, United Arab Emirates does not often spring to mind as being of any great interest. There are many interesting things to discover though. To say it had nothing to offer would be far from the truth. Emirates has a highly developed tourist industry catering for every type of person's needs.
First of all to set your mind straight as to Emirates exact location in the Middle East, Click Here.
When talking about diving in the U.A.E it is important to know what part you are referring to because the various areas are very different. For instance, off Abu Dhabi the dive sites are completely different to those found on the east coast.
With many tropical diving destinations you may not have to go very far to experience some delighting reefs. With the U.A.E this is not always the case. On the west coast you may have a 2 hour boat journey to the dive site.
At Khorfakkan, an east coast city, aproximately 30km from Dibba; which separates United Arab Emirates from northern Oman there is a good dive centre called 'Scuba International'. I recommend you dive with this company, should you be in this area. The diving here is home to many tropical species. The picture above shows the venemous 'Porcupine fish', related to the Pufferfish. This one was 0.7m long.
Scuba International will take you to many interesting dive sites off the coast of Khorfakkan. You will have the opportunity to dive with many amazing marine animals such as sharks, rays, turtles, barracuda, moray eels, lionfish, pipefish and much more.
If you want to snorkel with Blacktip Reef Sharks in very shallow water you can do this at Shark Island near Martini Rock, off Khorfakkan. The best time of year is December for doing this.
For more information on dive sites both on the east coast and the west coast there will be links on the factfile page following these first few pages on 'Diving in the United Arab Emirates'.
NEXT PAGE> Photos from the east coast
