The UAE's most dramatic and unspoilt bay — a beautiful crescent of beach at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, with the finest diving in the Emirates, a historic fishing village and the most spectacular mountain-meets-sea scenery in the Gulf
Flight Time
7h to Dubai + 2h transfer
Best Time
October to April
Country
Fujairah, UAE
Suppliers
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Dibba is the most dramatic and unspoilt bay in the UAE — the finest diving in the Emirates, the spectacular mountain backdrop, the authentic fishing village and the gateway to the Musandam fjords make it the best nature destination in Fujairah. 2 hours from Dubai.
October to April is ideal. Book dive trips in advance.
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Jan
21°C
Feb
22°C
Mar
26°C
Apr
30°C
May
34°C
Jun
36°C
Jul
37°C
Aug
37°C
Sep
35°C
Oct
31°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
22°C
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Call 01282 960 460Lima Rock diving, the dramatic mountain backdrop, the historic fishing village and the gateway to the Musandam fjords that make Dibba the most spectacular bay in the UAE.
Dibba has the finest diving in the UAE — the dive sites around Lima Rock and Shark Island (accessible by boat from Dibba harbour) are the most spectacular in the Emirates, with extraordinary coral formations, a diverse marine life (including reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, moray eels and large schools of fish) and excellent visibility (often 15–20 metres). The diving is significantly better than anything on the Arabian Gulf coast and is comparable to the finest Red Sea sites. Several dive centres in Dibba offer guided dives and PADI courses.
Dibba has the most dramatic mountain-meets-sea scenery in the UAE — the Hajar Mountains rise steeply from the beach to over 1,500 metres, creating an extraordinary backdrop of grey limestone cliffs, green wadis and dramatic ridgelines. The contrast between the turquoise Indian Ocean and the grey mountains is extraordinary and unlike anything else in the Emirates. The mountain road from Dibba to the Musandam border passes through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Gulf.
Dibba is the best gateway to the Musandam fjords — traditional dhow boats depart from Dibba harbour for full-day cruises through the extraordinary khor landscape of Musandam (the Norwegian fjords of Arabia), with stops for swimming and snorkelling, visits to traditional fishing villages and almost-guaranteed dolphin encounters. The Musandam day trips from Dibba are the finest boat excursion in the UAE and are significantly more convenient than travelling to Khasab.
Dibba is the most authentic fishing village in the UAE — a traditional community of fishermen who have worked the Indian Ocean coast for centuries, with a beautiful old harbour full of traditional wooden dhows, a lively fish market and a genuinely local atmosphere. The village is split between three jurisdictions (Fujairah, Sharjah and Oman) and has a fascinating character. The fish market in the early morning is the most atmospheric in the UAE.
The snorkelling at Dibba is the finest in the UAE — the rocky headlands and reefs around the bay have excellent coral and a diverse marine life accessible directly from the beach. The snorkelling is best around the rocky points at the northern and southern ends of the bay, where the coral is most intact. The water is clear and warm year-round and the snorkelling is accessible to beginners. Snorkelling equipment is available for hire from the dive centres.
The Sandy Bay Beach Hotel is the most characterful hotel in Dibba — a simple, pleasant beach hotel directly on the bay with a private beach, a pool, a dive centre and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The hotel is the best base for divers and snorkellers visiting Dibba and is significantly more affordable than the luxury resorts of Al Aqah Beach. The dive centre at the hotel is one of the best in Fujairah and offers guided dives to Lima Rock and Shark Island.
The Battle of Dibba (633 AD) was one of the most significant battles in early Islamic history — fought at Dibba between the forces of the first Caliph Abu Bakr and the tribes of the Ridda (apostasy) movement, it was the decisive battle that consolidated Islam across Arabia after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The battlefield site is on the plain behind the modern town and is marked by a large cemetery of the fallen. It is the most historically significant site in the UAE.
Dibba is 2 hours from Dubai by car — the drive through the Hajar Mountains via the Masafi road is beautiful. A car is essential. The Oman border crossing at Dibba (into Musandam) requires a valid passport and an Oman visa (available on arrival for UK passport holders). October to April is the best time to visit. The dive centres should be booked in advance during the peak season. The fish market is best visited in the early morning.
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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