Abu Dhabi's dive sites lie in the Persian Gulf, a calmer and shallower body of water than the UAE's eastern coast. The region offers a mix of artificial reefs, natural reefs, and wrecks, with sites accessible to beginners and intermediates. The Old Cement Barge, Dalma Island, and the EA Artificial Reef give divers a range of structures to explore, while shore entries such as the Abu Dhabi Breakwater and Hairat Yas suit those building confidence. Turtles, yellowbar angelfish, batfish, and gorgonians are among the recorded species. Water temperatures are coolest in winter, dropping to around twenty degrees in February, and climb well above thirty degrees from mid-summer through autumn.
Monthly water temperature across Abu Dhabi's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Winter months bring the coolest and most comfortable water temperatures, making October through April the preferred season for most divers. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-thirties, which calls for minimal thermal protection but can reduce bottom time. Visibility varies by site and season, and some sites experience moderate to strong currents.
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Water temperature around Abu Dhabi ranges from about 21°C in February to 34°C in July, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 34°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Abu Dhabi; in the coldest months (about 21°C) step up to a 5mm suit.
Fin maps 6 sites in Abu Dhabi (6 scuba diving sites).
5 more sites to explore
