Dubai: PADI Open Water Diving Course with Flexible Dates

Summary

PADI open water course in Dubai with e-learning and all equipment

You’ll start your PADI open water diving course in Dubai by fitting your gear and jumping right into hands-on training with local instructors. Finish your theory online before you arrive or while you’re here — they’re flexible about timing. Three practical sessions later, you’ll be breathing underwater like it’s normal life. You might surprise yourself.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the faint rubbery smell of wetsuits — not unpleasant, just a reminder that I was really doing this. Our instructor, Ahmed, handed me a mask and grinned like he’d seen a hundred nervous faces before. “You’ll get used to breathing underwater,” he said. Honestly, I wasn’t sure. The pool water felt colder than I expected when it crept into my suit. But once we started the confined water training, something clicked — maybe it was the way Ahmed kept cracking jokes about fish being better swimmers than us.

I’d finished most of the PADI open water diving course theory online back home (the e-learning part is weirdly satisfying — you can do it in pajamas). That meant more time for practice here in Dubai. There were three practical sessions over three days, but they let me pick times that worked for me — even squeezed one in after lunch because I couldn’t sleep from excitement. The city outside was hot and loud; under the surface, everything went quiet except for my own bubbles and Ahmed’s hand signals.

There’s a moment during the last dive when you forget you’re new at this. You just float and watch sunlight ripple across the bottom — I still think about that view sometimes. Afterward, we refilled our bottles at their water station (no plastic bottles allowed), and swapped stories about who panicked most during mask removal drills. It’s funny how quickly strangers become your team down there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Complete confined water training

• Fill out forms
• Fit diving equipment
• Complete 5 confined water training

Top questions

How long does the PADI open water diving course in Dubai take?

The course takes three days for practical sessions, but days don’t have to be consecutive.

Can I complete the PADI e-learning before arriving in Dubai?

Yes, you can finish all theory and exams online at home or during your stay.

Are all SCUBA equipment and wetsuits included?

Yes, all necessary SCUBA gear and wetsuits are provided without extra charge.

Is hotel pickup included for this diving course?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What times are available for practical sessions?

Sessions run daily at 9am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm; flexible scheduling is offered.

Is this diving course suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Do I need to bring my own water bottle?

A refill station is provided as they are against plastic bottles; bringing your own reusable bottle is recommended.

What’s included

Your three-day PADI open water diving course includes all practical classes with a local instructor, full use of SCUBA equipment and wetsuit at no extra cost, access to a water refill station (no single-use plastics), plus all fees and taxes covered so you can just focus on learning to dive.