Are There Sharks In Dubai
Dubai has a vast coastal line and beautiful beaches, it is among the most visited nations by tourists. As more visitors flock to Dubai’s shores, one question frequently arises: Are there sharks in Dubai?
Yes, sharks are in the water around Dubai. Dubai is located in the Arabian Gulf and according to the Gulf Central Hospital, there are 32 kinds of sharks in the area, where some of them are bull sharks and tiger sharks. But the chances of sharks encountering people are slim and the odds of sharks attacking in Dubai are classified as low.
It is time to know whether you should be concerned with sharks in the waters of Dubai and how to avoid them while catching beautiful moments on the shore.
Types of Sharks Found in Dubai Waters
It is interesting to know that Dubai’s marine environment harbours several shark species. Yet, the most frequently known types are typically not dangerous to people. Here are a few species found in Dubai waters:
Blacktip Reef Shark: This fish is small in size and was found to be living around the coral reef zones and is not considered to pose any threat to humans.
Whitetip Reef Shark: It is usually a night feeder and does not threaten swimmers most of the time.
Grey Reef Shark: A more aggressive species, but these little fellows are usually lurking in deeper waters away from some of the world’s most famous beaches.
This ecotourism proves that sharks are useful to marine life and g initiate participation in coral reefs. It must also be noted that, despite the fact such sharks exist in these oceans, they are known to avoid human traffic zones.
Shark Encounters in Dubai: What to Know
One of the questions which arise most often may concern the possible presence of sharks at the Dubai coast. No, sharks are not much around the places where people swim most of the time. Are there sharks in Dubai? Earlier, there were cases of sharks being sighted off the coast of Dubai but such instances are very rare.
Again, most don’t attack; they give way to humans where they catch a glimpse of them. If for instance, a case of shark spotting arises near a beach that is frequently used and occupied by swimmers they usually restrict access to the beach to avoid any mishaps. Those who prefer comfort and security should try the Lotus Yacht Dubai and enjoy the sea view, while reading this article, they won’t think about sharks.
Distribution of Shark Sightings Around Dubai Beaches
| Location | Shark Sightings (Percentage) |
| Jumeirah Beach | 10% |
| Palm Jumeirah | 5% |
| Kite Beach | 3% |
| Dubai Marina | 2% |
| Others (offshore areas) | 80% |
Sharks in Dubai Beaches: Are They Common?
Among the many questions people tend to ask most often the location of sharks around the coasts of Dubai is a widely known question. No; sharks are not commonly found in the regions in which many people go swimming. Are there sharks in Dubai waters? That said, Dubai has beaches too but they are fitted with barriers to prevent the occurrence of larger sea creatures such as sharks in swimming areas.
Sharks may be seen near the shores or at a certain depth in the water at some distance but meeting one while swimming off the famous Dubai beaches is such a rarity
Are Dubai Beaches Safe from Sharks?
When considering the safety of Dubai’s beaches, the question are there sharks in Dubai is a valid concern. Shark sightings in Dubai waters are a rare aspect but necessary precautions are always taken when swimmers are at sea. To protect beach-goers there are lifeguards, sophisticated monitoring equipment and technologies for shark identification.
In addition, the local government and conservation agencies always observe the shark’s presence and act to control their interaction with humans. The team deployed to scour the waters is dispatched to alert the general public if sharks are spotted in waters near famous beaches, the beach is closed temporarily to avoid any risk for swimmers.
Safety Tips for Swimmers
Knowing that the chance to meet a shark in the waters of Dubai is quite low, it is still recommended to follow certain rules and recommendations. Here are some of the tips you need to apply to make sure you are safe at all times:
One should swim as Patricia McGraw says, only in the designated swimming areas so that the lifeguards are nearby in case of emergencies.
Avoid heeding currents of fish. Fishers have the bad habit of hunting fish, therefore areas which have schools of fish would probably hold sharks.
If you do find a shark, don’t panic. But should swim back to the shore gradually without causing a wave as if you were swimming through water moving in one direction.
What to Do in a Shark Encounter
Against sharks, people are safe most of the time but it is important to know about actions to take in the occurrence of an attack. Here are the steps to take:
Stay calm:
In most cases, sharks are not dangerous and therefore one should not panic.
Slowly move toward shore:
Swim slowly to the shore all the while observing the shark.
Keep your body vertical:
Sharks are more likely to run away from the bigger picture. Stand tall if possible.
Defend yourself if necessary:
But if the shark comes closer to you try to shove it off using your hands or your feet aiming at the shark’s eyes, gills or snout.
Conclusion
Are there sharks in Dubai? Yes, but their presence nearer particularly famous tourist beaches is almost total. Beaches in the city are closely patrolled and there are no reported cases of the sharks attacking swimmers. Although having an encounter with a shark is rather rare, knowing how one may avoid running into one will guarantee that time spent in the waters of Dubai is safe and fun. In case you want the best and safest way to travel, feel free to take a Lotus Yacht Dubai which could provide you beautiful scenic views.
FAQs
How frequent are the shark attacks in Dubai?
It is very unusual to hear of sharks attacking people in Dubai and for the past years, there have been recorded cases of shark attacks.
Is there any beach in Dubai that has less chance of coming across a shark?
Currently, safety standards of beaches in Dubai are buttoned up with everyone being able to swim safely including sharks that are being monitored constantly.
Is it safe to go scuba diving in Dubai without any contact with the sharks?
Indeed, scuba diving in Dubai is suitable as a rule, most sharks do not pose any danger because they are clear that they are dealing with divers. But to minimize risks various safety measures should be followed as well as diving with experienced tour operators.