The waters in the Middle East are home to hundreds of species of both flora and fauna, making the area a diver’s paradise, as well as a biodiversity hotspot. The specific temperatures of the waters in the area year round, make the Middle East the perfect residence for everything from whale sharks to sting rays.

Middle East Arabian Sea

The coral reefs that line the shores here in the Arabian Gulf, as well as the outskirts of Oman, are colourful and diverse. These corals rival the ones found in world-renowned diving locations, such as the Caribbean, or even The Great Barrier Reef, with their bright colours and distinctive shapes and features. Some of the greatest coral reefs in the area run along the Eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, across both the UAE and Oman, with some of the greatest treasures residing in the Gulf of Oman. These reefs curve along and around the Musandam and Fujairah region, and thanks to their isolation from the big cities, are pristine and largely untouched. As well, further South of the Gulf of Oman, in the waters surrounding Muscat, the coral reefs are just as pristine, and include a more vast array of offshore reefs, such as the protected Damaniyat Islands, which the waters surrounding it have often been called “an aquarium”. These aquarium-like waters in Muscat are not only home to lush coral reefs, but can also be home to much larger sea-dwelling species, who migrate to the region throughout the year- species like whale sharks.

Shark

The coral reefs throughout these regions make for an incredible dive, and with good visibility, these dive sites can even out-compete those world-famous underwater havens. Not only do the reefs make for great diving and incredible landscape shots, but they also provide a home to the hundreds of species of fish and marine mammals that frequent the area.

Middle East Arabian Sea

It is incredibly difficult to gauge the activity that’s occurring beneath the seas as you surf, paddle or ride above the ocean’s surface, as it is so vast and so immense – particularly in the Arabian Seas. Throughout the Middle East, for decades, there have been reported sightings of a number of different marine species, from whale sharks in the Marina, to dolphins on the outskirts of the Palm. Sightings such as these however, are limited to what people can see from above the surface, or even on the shore. Imagine the perspective from underwater, where the chance of seeing such activity increases exponentially. The underwater environment in this region is lucky enough to receive visits from, as well as provide permanent residency to, marine species that people travel the globe in search for. It is difficult to do a dive in Fujairah or Oman without seeing a turtle, or an eel, or even a stingray. The biodiversity in the area is so extensive that these underwater sightings are nothing short of frequent. As well as bottom dwellers like stingrays and coral occupants like eels, much larger species frequent the area – eagle rays, dolphins, sharks and much more. It’s not uncommon for boat enthusiasts to come across a pod of dolphins, not far off the coast of Dubai, and equally not as common, is a group of divers experiencing a visit from the notorious gentle giant of the ocean – the whale shark. Avid divers may travel for years, across continents, in search for these elusive goliaths, whereas the residents of the UAE only have to travel a few hundred kilometres in the right season, to experience these titans. In Oman, between July and September, the plankton bloom can attract whale sharks, bringing them in large numbers, and increasing the likelihood of a sighting.

Middle East Arabian Sea

The biodiversity in the UAE’s and Middle Eastern waters is vast, and is a treat to any one who lives here or comes to visit. We are blessed with a wide array of marine animals and extensive coral landscapes, making for active underwater expanses. It’s often hard to understand the beauty of these marine ecosystems and even harder to spot those notorious, world-famous animals like whale sharks and turtles, without getting underwater and experiencing them. Luckily, in this area that we live in, the opportunity to do so is always within reach, with the high number of dive operators, both here in the UAE, as well as in the surrounding region. The biodiversity however is fragile, and is not only there for us to enjoy, but contributes to regulating the entire underwater ecosystem of the area, providing shelter and nutrients to marine species, some of which are fish that are incorporated into our diet. The importance of these reefs and the species that live within and around them should not be downplayed, so when the next opportunity presents itself, suit up, submerse yourself in the experience, allow yourself to appreciate and comprehend the underwater environment, and spread the word.


 

Words + Photos By: Jake Lyle