Choosing to learn to dive is one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions you can make; deciding where to take the PADI Open Water Diver course is almost just as thrilling. The best places to learn to dive in the Middle East region are well worth considering. Not only does the region offer some of the best diving in the world, many of its top destinations are also ideal for beginners.
Read on to discover five of the best places to learn to dive in the Middle East.
Egypt
In addition to being one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, Egypt is also one of the best places to learn to dive. With its well-developed diving infrastructure, healthy reefs and abundant marine life, it offers everything a new diver could ask for. Plus, thanks to its extensive Red Sea coastline, there are plenty of beginner-friendly dive spots to choose from.
- Sharm El-Sheikh – Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life make Sharm El-Sheikh one of Egypt’s premier dive destinations. Its calm conditions, established infrastructure and easy accessibility also make it especially popular among beginner divers.
- Dahab – Known for its relaxed vibe and excellent shore diving, Dahab offers a more laid-back alternative to Sharm El-Sheikh, while still delivering fantastic diving opportunities.
- Hurghada – This lively resort town is a reliable option for new divers. This is thanks to its ideal diving conditions, excellent visibility and wide range of dive centers.
- Marsa Alam – Like Dahab, Marsa Alam is celebrated for its outstanding diving. Its remote location makes it perfect for those seeking fewer crowds. Plus, it’s one of the best places to encounter a dugong or swim with a sea turtle.
Oman
While it may not be as well-known as Egypt, that’s part of Oman’s charm. This is an uncrowded diving destination with plenty to offer, especially for new divers. Thanks to its relatively untouched coastline, Oman’s nutrient-rich waters are home to an abundance of marine life. In fact, it’s even possible to scuba dive in the capital city, Muscat.
Here are some of the best places to learn to dive in Oman.
- Salalah – With a wealth of shore diving opportunities and shallow dive sites (including a wreck), Salalah ticks all the right boxes for beginners. The chance to encounter eagle rays, batfish, boxfish and turtles adds to its appeal as a top learning destination.
- Musandam – This remote peninsula offers excellent shore and shallow diving year-round. This makes Musandam a great choice for learning to dive in Oman. Its nutrient-rich waters also support a wide variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, stingrays, sharks, turtles and even dolphins.
- Daymaniyat Islands – Calm waters, rich marine biodiversity and a convenient location make the Daymaniyat Islands one of the best places in Oman for beginner divers. Just a short boat ride from Muscat, this protected marine reserve offers the chance to see everything from dolphins and turtles to whale sharks (during the right season).
Jordan
With one of the shortest coastlines in the Middle East, it would be easy to assume Jordan doesn’t offer much in the way of diving. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Calm waters, minimal tides and fewer crowds than most Egyptian dive spots make Jordan an excellent choice for beginners. Add to that a range of marine life and the chance to explore unique wrecks — including a sunken tank and airplane — and it’s easy to see the appeal.
- Aqaba – This is Jordan’s top diving spot for newcomers and experienced divers alike. The Aqaba Marine Reserve offers year-round diving with consistently good visibility and calm conditions. One of its outstanding attractions is the Underwater Military Museum, which provides a unique diving experience and a great environment for new divers to practice and refine their scuba skills.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may be well known for its futuristic skyline and luxury lifestyle, but it also offers some exciting opportunities for divers, especially those just starting out on their scuba journey. From the world’s deepest indoor diving pool to easy-access coastal diving, the UAE is a great destination for dive travelers looking to balance city life with underwater adventure.
- Dubai – Home to the world’s deepest indoor diving facility, Deep Dive Dubai, the city offers a unique, controlled environment where new divers can safely learn and build confidence before heading out into open water.
- Fujairah – Located just over an hour from Dubai on the Gulf of Oman, this coastal city is framed by scenic mountains, dazzling beaches and life-filled waters. Many of the dive sites in the region are suitable for new divers — and even offer the chance of meeting a whale shark.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s top up-and-coming scuba diving destinations. With relatively few divers and a wealth of untouched reefs, the country has incredible underwater experiences waiting to be discovered. One highlight is Farasan Banks, a biodiverse region that spans over 350 miles (563 kilometers) of reef. For new divers, however, the best place to learn to dive in Saudi Arabia is Jeddah.
- Jeddah – This coastal city offers excellent shore diving opportunities, along with calm, clear conditions that are perfect for beginners. The water’s marine life and coral reefs create a kaleidoscope of color, which is the ideal background for new divers as they’re finding their fins.
Ready To Become a PADI-Certified Scuba Diver?
Have you decided the Middle East is the perfect place to learn to dive? Then, it’s time to get started! Begin the eLearning portion of the PADI Open Water Diver course from home by clicking the button below, then connect with a dive center in the Middle Eastern destination of your choice to finish the in-water portion of the course.
