The Middle East, steeped in rich history and diverse ecosystems, is a top travel destination for scuba enthusiasts. With 142 dive sites to explore, including 102 breathtaking reef dives, 45 thrilling drift dives, and 44 awe-inspiring wall dives, your diving adventure awaits.

The warm waters near the equator make Africa and the Middle East a diver's paradise, offering year-round opportunities to explore the underwater world. Due to its opportunities and marine life, the Middle East diving tourism market is set to surge, valued at $533.60 million in 2022 and growing at 6.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2030. 

By 2030, the industry is expected to exceed $1 billion, driven by demand for unique underwater experiences. The region's rich marine life, coral reefs, and historic wrecks make it an attractive destination for diving enthusiasts, paving the way for unprecedented growth. 

Join The Sandy Times and discover the region's most epic diving destinations, each one promising an unforgettable underwater experience. Let us dive in, literally.

Located on the Arabian Sea peninsula, Oman allures divers to explore its warm and calm waters, perfect for year-round underwater adventures. This diving bliss boasts an array of destinations, including the Daymaniyat Islands, the Fahal Islands, the Caves, and Lima Rock.

Oman's relatively untouched coastline promises surprises at every turn, with an astonishing diversity of marine life. Dive among vibrant coral reefs, swim with rays and turtles, and encounter dolphins and whales. The capital, Muscat, offers colourful reefs and encounters with moray eels, turtles, and whale sharks (peak months: September–October).

Travel to Oman's northern region, Musandam, for magnificent underwater biodiversity and varied dive sites. Explore Salalah's pristine coastline, with endless bays and beaches, and spot turtles, stingrays, nudibranchs, and octopus. 

Oman's optimal diving conditions occur from October to May, with calm seas and warmer waters. Summer's kelp forests, fuelled by the monsoon's cool upwelling, give a unique diving experience, combining kelp and coral reefs.

Accessible since 2013, the Daymaniyat Islands have become the Middle East's premier dive destination. Witness clownfish, angelfish, and Arabian butterflyfish amidst bustling coral reefs, while whale sharks majestically migrate south. April and May are ideal months to dive, but year-round exploration is possible.

Beyond the opulent skyscrapers and extravagant lifestyle, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds a secret treasure for diving enthusiasts — the Energy Determination Wreck. Located 80 metres below the surface, near Ras al Khaimah, this deep-diving site is a retreat for wreck diving aficionados. 

Come upon the Energy Determination Wreck (a Liberian supertanker that split into two in 1979), a coral-encrusted haven home to soft corals and vibrant lime green whip corals. Explore historic wrecks waiting to be uncovered, revealing secrets of the past.

But the UAE offers more than just this iconic wreck. With its lack of strong currents and shallow dives, it is an ideal destination for beginners to take their first breaths underwater. Experienced divers will revel in the numerous reefs and wrecks, including the Arabian Gulf's plethora of wrecks and the East Coast's pristine reefs.

Deep Dive Dubai, the world's deepest indoor diving facility, plunges 60 metres deep, providing an unparalleled diving experience. The Gulf of Oman boasts vibrant reefs teeming with marine life, perfect for exploring the region's breathtaking underwater landscapes. 

Perfect for all levels, the UAE is a diver's paradise. Earn your first certification or challenge yourself with deeper dives. With easy access through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports and convenient travel options within the country, your dive trip is just a step away.

Travel over Turkey's breathtaking coastline, where crystal-clear waters beckon divers of all levels. Kas, a charming seaside town, takes centre stage with over 30 dive sites, each giving an exclusive underwater adventure.

Avail the opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles, octopuses, and seabreams, or discover ancient relics and caves. Explore underwater canyons, wrecks, and even cave diving. And keep an eye out for temporary underwater art exhibitions — a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Dive into the Mediterranean's fascinating underwater world, where history meets beauty. Delve into sunken ships dating back centuries, telling tales of the past. Bodrum's wrecks are exceptional, including an impressive propeller plane, frozen in time.

The Three Islands, just off Tekirova's coast, offer a diver's treasure dating from 2000 years. With numerous dive points, beginners can take their first steps in shallow waters, while pros can explore deep caves, aeroplane wrecks, and shipwrecks.

Turkey's diving calendar is filled with excitement.

Plan your trip to Turkey and immerse yourself in the country's incredible diving scene.

Egypt, consistently ranked among the world's best diving destinations, vows an unforgettable experience. Dive into the past at Cleopatra's Palace, Alexandria's ancient submerged treasure, and the sunken lighthouse, a marvel of engineering.

For unforgettable encounters with majestic marine life, inspect the Red Sea's crystal clear waters, which offer year-round visibility and pleasant temperatures. Perfect for exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with rainbow-coloured fish, historic wrecks, towering walls, and thrilling drift dives.

Experience the ultimate dive spots, including Ras Mohammed National Park, with its protected waters, thriving reefs, and historic coastlines. Two of the most famous dive sites at Ras Mohammed National Park are Shark & Yolanda Reef, ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the world. 

Furthermore, Marsa Alam offers challenging dives for experienced divers, with rare species and testing sites. Iconic dive sites await, such as the SS Thistlegorm wreck, full of marine life, Daedalus Reef, home to powerful hammerhead sharks, Elphinstone Reef, where majestic oceanic whitetip sharks roam, and Omu Sukan, with stunning rays and sleek whitetip reef sharks.

Seasonal highlights include spotting majestic hammerhead sharks from June to September and encountering gentle whale sharks from May to August. 

Liveaboards and dive centres along the coastline make exploration and travel easy. Plunge into Egypt's warm waters any time of year, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28°C and visibility up to 50 metres.

Jordan boasts a stunning marine park in Aqaba, the southernmost city in the country. With over 20 diving sites, divers can explore vibrant soft and hard corals, as well as a variety of reef fish. A highlight of the area is the world’s first underwater military wreck museum, where visitors can see unique artefacts submerged beneath the waves.

Despite having only 27 kilometres of coastline, Jordan's diving scene is remarkable. The Aqaba Marine Reserve is brimming with aquatic life, home to more than 500 fish species, four species of turtles, and various marine mammals, including dugongs. Many of the top dive sites are conveniently accessible from the shore, making diving in Jordan both enjoyable and straightforward.

In addition to the incredible marine biodiversity, divers can experience thrilling wall dives and world-class wreck diving. The Underwater Military Museum is a masterpiece, featuring a troop carrier, anti-aircraft guns, and tanks lying on the ocean floor. With calm waters, minimal tides, moderate temperatures, and excellent visibility, Jordan is definitely a dive destination worth exploring.

Spot nudibranchs, frogfish, shrimps, and eels. Enjoy warm waters and reliable visibility year-round. September and October are the best months to spot wildlife, with fewer crowds than other popular dive destinations.

With its unique blend of history, marine life, and convenience, Jordan is worth adding to your travel list. ​