UAE’s capital city Abu Dhabi has of late become one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the Middle East. The city offers all that a quintessential visitor might just be looking for – cosmopolitan outlook, great relaxation, hospitality, cleanliness and modernity. Above all, the city has also become a prime attraction for all those who love water sports and related activities. Before you head off to Abu Dhabi for enjoying great diving in the city, it would indeed be right to know some of the important facts to make your visit quite enjoyable and memorable.
 
Things to know before diving in Abu Dhabi

• The waters of the Persian Gulf are known for warm temperatures and good visibility. It is quite appealing to both experienced and novice divers.
• Water temperature averages 77 degree Fahrenheit round the year. However, during the summer months from June to August it can reach above 90 degree Fahrenheit.
• The underwater visibility is good and you can hope to see 15 to 30 feet in the water, which though depends on exact location and depth.
• Scuba diving is quite popular. The city also has only-of-its-kind free diving center in the UAE, where you can get beginner, intermediate and advanced free-diving courses.

Popular Dive Sites
A variety of dive sites can be found here. The deepest dive sites here include Jasim and Ledwen shipwrecks. Most of the dive sites are teeming with a variety of marine life. These include rabbit fish, emperor fish, goatfish, gobies, bream, anemone, angelfish, and large game fish and exotic fish of other kinds. Among other marine life found here include large barracudas, black-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, sea snakes and hammour. The popular dive sites in Abu Dhabi include Sea Hawk Water Sports, Desert Islands Watersports Centre, Western Marine Sports Club and Ocean Dive Center. Let’s take a look at these dive sites and see what all they have to offer.

Sea Hawk Water Sports: An Emirati PADI Master Driver owns the famous Sea Hawk Water Sports. This dive center offers certified courses designed for every visitor’s needs. For foreign visitors the center arranges special intensive courses for complete certification in only four days. The Sea Hawk Water Sports also provides daily packages for visitors to five dive sites off Abu Dhabi’sexpansive coastline, where you will get opportunity to get up close with the teeming marine life and explore mysterious ship wrecks.

Desert Islands Watersports Centre: Situated on the picturesque Sir Bani Yas Island, the Desert Islands Watersports Centre offers certification as well as diving expeditions. The waters around the island have abundant marine life of various kinds, most of them being unique to this region. The centre also allows remarkable snorkeling to the visitors.

Western Marine Sports Club:  The Western Marine Sports Club is situated in Al Gharbia. It is the first, purpose-built dive centre to be established in Mirfa. The well-qualified Emirati guides and instructors will be there for you to provide dive tips and lessons with their local experience and knowledge. You can look forward to a wide range of marine activities and sports.

Ocean Dive Center: The Ocean Dive Centre is situated in the Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers and has been into operations ever since it came into being in 2006. The centre is renowned for its PADI diving courses and experiences ranging from beginner’s courses, children’s diving programs to snorkeling.
 
Come and explore these amazing dive centers and sites. Abu Dhabi is beckoning you for a diving expedition in the warm waters of Persian Gulf!