Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For more comfort but less character, book an apartment in the modern wing. The PADI
dive centre rents equipment and organises boat trips.
DIVING THE EAST COAST
Practically every major resort along the eastern coast has a PADI-accredited dive centre that rents snorkeling gear,
does diving certification and organises dive and snorkelling trips, including to the Musandam Peninsula. Rates
vary slightly but expect to pay from Dh350 for a two-dive trip including full equipment. Snorkelling gear rents
for around Dh100 per day.
Al-Boom Diving
(
09-204 4925;
www.alboomdiving.com
;
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort;
8am-6pm)
Divers Down
(
09-237 0299;
www.diversdown-uae.com
; Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort;
8am-5pm)
Freestyle Divers
(
09-244 5756;
www.freestyledivers.com
; Royal Beach Hotel, opposite Dibba Rock;
9am-5pm)
Sandy Beach Diving Centre
(
09-244 5555;
www.sandybm.com
;
Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, opposite
Snoopy Island, Al Aqah;
8am-6pm)
Scuba 2000
( 09-238 8477;
www.scuba-2000.com
; Al Badiyah Beach, 1km north of Badiyah mosque;
9am-7pm) Local owner, caters mostly for experienced divers and also provides simple lodging for Dh200 (non-
divers Dh250).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Dibba
Dibba was put on the map of history in 633 as the site of a key rebellion fought after the
death of Mohammed, which resulted in the trouncing of non-Muslims and the firm estab-
lishment of Islam. Bones found in a cemetery just outside Dibba are believed to belong to
some of the rebels.
Today the town is unique in that its territory is shared by two emirates and the Sultanate
of Oman. The most commercial part is the southernmost,
Dibba Al-Fujairah
, where ATMs,
supermarkets and cafeterias line the main highway, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Rd (E89).
North of here,
Dibba Al Hisn
, an enclave of the emirate of Sharjah, has changed almost
beyond recognition in recent years. New developments include a row of government
buildings along Al Fareed St, while along the waterfront, Al Hisn Island, a fun zone of
restaurants, parks and playgrounds, is taking shape.
For now the most interesting part is
Dibba Al Baya
, across the border in Oman, which is a
launch pad for exploring the ruggedly beautiful Musandam Peninsula. Local operator
