Dibba Rock

Dibba Rock is a small rocky island located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, facing the Gulf of Oman. It is located a few hundred meters offshore from the town of Dibba Al-Fujairah. Dibba Rock is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs.  Diverse marine life and accessible dive sites make this island a favourite among both newbies and expert divers.

Why Visit There?

• Dibba Rock is the UAE's oldest marine protected area. It boasts a rich marine life. There you can see green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip reef sharks, moray eels, parrotfish, clownfish, and even the occasional whale shark.
• The island is ideal for underwater photography.
• It’s regarded as one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkelling.
• Dibba Rock is easily accessible via a short boat ride from Dibba. You can enjoy kayaking and boat trips around the island.
• Both hard and soft corals make up the surrounding coral gardens. The gardens have a multitude of reef species, including nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and various crustaceans.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Dibba Rock is between October and April. Sea conditions are calm this time. The temperature of water ranges from 24°C to 28°C, which is comfortable. 

How To Get There?

• By Car: You can go to Dibba Al-Fujairah by car from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other UAE cities.
• By Bus: There is no direct bus service to Dibba. Reaching Dibba Al-Fujairah by public bus requires a combination of bus routes and transfers.
• By Boat: You can ride a boat approximately 200 meters offshore to Dibba Rock. Boats launch from places like the Royal Beach Hotel, the Sandy Beach Hotel, or nearby marinas.

Tips For Visitors

• There are two Dibbas – one in Fujairah (UAE side) and one in Oman (Dibba Musandam). Stay on the UAE side unless your tour operator has border permissions.
• Dibba Rock offers a range of depths. Shallow areas of 3–4 meters are suitable for beginners. Deeper sections reaching up to 16 meters are for more advanced divers. Choose the areas according to your diving skills.
• Diving/snorkelling trips are fun. Usually, licensed operators run these trips. You have to book ahead, especially on weekends or holidays.
• Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen and a change of clothes.
• Don’t touch or stand on corals. They're very fragile.