Expert sees deep potential in Qatar’s ‘unique wreck dives’

Qatar possesses significant potential to become a sought-after recreational diving destination, offering tranquil, warm waters and a variety of wreck sites suitable for both novice and advanced explorers, a diving expert has said.While Qatar may not be recognised globally for the rich marine life found in places such as the Red Sea or the Great Barrier Reef, the country has a different appeal, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi) master instructor and diving ambassador Khaled Zaki told Gulf Times."Scuba diving is not about what you see during the dive, it is about how you feel during the dive,” he said, highlighting Qatar’s hidden underwater treasures that contribute to a deeply unique diving experience.The veteran diver noted that Qatar as a peninsula has a historical connection with the sea, making underwater exploration a natural extension of its heritage.He said the sport of scuba diving has been among the fastest-growing activities worldwide for the past three decades, and Qatar is no exception; its local diving community is expanding rapidly, a trend bolstered by the country’s consistently favourable weather conditions.Sunny skies, tranquil and warm waters even during winter, and minimal currents ensure easy access to reefs and dive sites, making Qatar an ideal location for both learning and regular diving, according to Zaki.Such sport is increasingly becoming a lifestyle for many, like playing golf, as more expatriates and visitors exchange their "work suits” for "wetsuits” to embrace this adventurous pursuit.Zaki pointed out that Qatar’s potential extends beyond its unique dive sites, citing its robust tourism infrastructure, including world-class airport, roads, modern cities, expansive malls, and the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.All of these, he stressed, also boost Qatar’s allure as a versatile travel hotspot.Qatar’s scuba diving landscape features man-made wrecks and historical shipwrecks, with some natural reefs found in the inland sea and offshore areas.Visibility is generally fair to good compared to other parts of the Middle East, with standout clarity often found around Haloul Island, a two-hour speedboat ride offshore.For divers exploring Qatar’s depths, Zaki said the best time of year is typically March, April, and May before the peak summer heat."However, diving remains possible year-round, with many continuing to enjoy the waters in areas like Sealine and the Inland Sea,” he added. "From October to February, Qatar becomes a popular destination for Westerners seeking to escape colder winter months and experience its temperate underwater environment.”Certain key dive sites, primarily located on the east side of the country, offer diverse experiences.The New Club Reef & GMC Reef, an accessible artificial reef featuring pipes, metal parts, and a medium-sized shipwreck, is also home to four submerged GMC cars and abundant marine life.The Inland Sea (Khor Al Udeid), a sheltered area reachable by 4x4 through sand dunes, offers small reefs and plentiful hard coral with an abundance of fish.Ideal for first dives and dive training due to its low current and average depth of 10m.Another is the M O Wreck (Al-Ed Al Sharqi), located approximately 100km from Doha, near Haloul Island.This sunken metal-built shipwreck rests at 25m and offers opportunities for wreck penetration and is frequented by local fish, groupers, jackfish, rays, lionfish, and clownfish.The Pericles Shipwreck (Al-Ed Al Gharbi), a large, metal-built shipwreck located about 66km from Doha, lies on its side at 32m depth.Accessible by boat, Zaki said that the site provides challenging wreck diving and drift diving experiences with suitable spots for penetration and a rich variety of large marine life.