The United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah, on the East Coast. Here's the map.

There is great debate about where you find the best diving in the UAE - it all depends on what you like. Diving can largely be divided into three catagories; Arabian Gulf, the East Coast and Musandam.

The Arabian Gulf of the coast of Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers some interesting wreck dives, whereas the East Coast and Musandam would be the places to go to find coral reefs. Actually part of the Sultanate of Oman, Musandam is considered by many UAE based divers as the best diving in the area.

Due to all the construction taking place off Dubai, there are few dive centers offering dives as the visibility has been greatly reduced, although this will change once the construction of the offshore islands reduces.  There are plans to sink planes, boats and tanks.  The nearest good diving is now on the East Coast, which is a 90 minute drive and offers the best diving in the UAE.  However, if you want to see marine life in Dubai and you've got deep pockets, book a table at Al Mahara, the underwater restaurant at the world famous Burj Al Arab hotel.  See the photos below!

The Arabian Sea (East Coast) is part of the Indian Ocean, and this is where you find the colourful coral reefs. Also, black tips, moray eels, turtles, lionfish, rays, cuttlefish, barracuda etc. The diving here is suitable for all levels of divers.

• The East Coast at Fujairah
• The Musandam peninsula is an exclave of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates.

• Extremely hot during the summer
• Poor visibility in Dubai during construction period
• BEWARE - Travellers to the United Arab Emirates are warned about its severe drug laws which have seen dozens detained for apparently minor offences which can result in a mandatory 4 year jail sentence.  See the links below for further details.