'The blue trio': Meet UAE female divers making waves in ocean protection

Three Emirati women are not just passionate divers; they are dedicated guardians of theUAE’s marine environment. Their shared love for the ocean has evolved from a hobby into a profound lifestyle, deeply intertwined with their professional lives in marine conservation.

As they prepare for their fourth, advanced rescue diving licence, their story highlights a unique blend of personal passion and environmental stewardship.

Marwa Almahmoud, 35, Sheikha Alhmoudi, 29, and Aisha Al Hosani, 35, are all from Sharjah. Their journey into the underwater world began together as they learned to dive at the same specialised centre. “We started learning to dive in the same year, through a specialised centre, and since then we have been doing most of our diving trips together,” they told Khaleej Times.

The three divers have also harnessed the power of social media, establishing ‘the blue trio’ to champion marine awareness. Their message is clear: “The sea is not just a place for diving… but a world that deserves to be listened to, protected, and its voice conveyed to everyone.”

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'Science met emotion'

Inspiration for their aquatic pursuits stems from diverse sources. Aysha Al Hosani credits her father: “The person who inspired me the most was my father. Since our childhood, he used to take us to the sea every week, and share his stories about his trips and his free diving experience.” 

Aysha work in marine conservation is a natural extension of that early passion. “Diving, for me, has become more than just a hobby—it’s part of my identity, a continuation of those treasured memories that began on the shore, beside my father”, she added.

Marwa Al Mahmoud’s passion deepened through her 13 years of working closely with the marine environment. Her connection to the sea has developed over the years and transformed the way she sees everything beneath the surface.

“Witnessing the fragility of marine life stirred something deep within. One of the most impactful experiences for me was participating in the breeding and release of certain fish species back into their natural habitat. It was a moment where science met emotion, resulting in an indescribable sense of pride and belonging.” Marwa emphasised. 

Sheikha Alhmoudi’s childhood fascination with marine creatures led her to diving. “From the first dive I felt that every experience underwater was a new lesson,” Sheikha explained.

Cherished spot

While they explore dive sites across the UAE, particularly in Khor Fakkan and eastern regions, and even internationally, Khor Fakkan remains their cherished destination due to its rich biodiversity. 

Their diving experiences have taught them the profound interconnectedness of humans and the ocean, emphasising the critical need for preservation. “This experience taught us that the simplest act, such as throwing a piece of plastic or touching live coral, can negatively affect marine life,” they said.

During their weekly trips, they make sure to remove any waste they encounter, rescue creatures that get caught in nets or between rocks, and release them into their natural environment. As they put it, “Every dive is a new opportunity to learn and give.”

Calling on nature enthusiasts

These trailblazing women advocate for Emirati youth to embrace diving, not only for exploration and knowledge but also for fostering deep environmental awareness. “We believe that everyone who has a passion for nature and the marine environment deserves to embark on this unique adventure,” they affirmed. 

They acknowledge the UAE’s robust support for diving through licensed centres and marine protected areas, creating a safe and ideal environment for enthusiasts. 

Some governmental bodies and institutions also organise periodic environmental events, such as marine environment cleaning campaigns and coral reef cultivation initiatives, which not only contribute to environmental protection but also provide participants with the opportunity to gain valuable field experience. 

They also strongly encourage women to join this field, believing their participation enriches environmental initiatives and leaves a positive impact.

Challenges like fear of the unknown and poor visibility were overcome through continuous training, consistent practice, and strict adherence to the body system, building their confidence underwater. “Continuity and perseverance are key, and over time, challenges become part of learning, not an obstacle to it,” they noted. 

Among their unforgettable moments underwater are profound observations of marine life behaviour, such as witnessing fish mating seasons and natural defence mechanisms. “Seeing these details up close, away from books and screens, was a scientific and emotional experience at the same time,” they said.

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