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Mohammed Leddawi

venomous creatures in the red sea

Venomous Creatures In the Red Sea

The Red Sea is visited by many divers every year because it offers some of the best diving in the world. Gentle currents and temperate waters are a perfect environment for a large diversity of marine life. However, several marine creatures may be harmful and maybe even deadly for humans who come in direct contact with them. These include stonefish, lionfish, and scorpionfish. They live in tropical and temperate waters such as the Red Sea, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. These creatures are not normally aggressive, but if they feel threatened their defense mechanisms might make them respond in such a manner. It is usually people’s lack of awareness that are the main cause of injuries by these animals. Therefore, it is best to be aware and avoid physical contact. Stonefish This is one fish that everyone should avoid as it is the world’s most venomous fish. The stonefish can inject venom through its dorsal fin spines. That venom can kill an adult in less than an hour. They often hide under the sand or in coral. Most stonefish injuries when an unsuspecting swimmer steps on one or touches one accidentally since they sit perfectly still, and they often blend in perfectly with their surroundings. It is very easy to swim right over these masters of disguise. Scorpionfish These fish are also very venomous. Like the stonefish, their dorsal fin injects dangerous venom. The venom is extremely painful to humans but potentially fatal to other animals. Scorpionfishes can be quite colorful and can easily blend into the corals or… Read More »Venomous Creatures In the Red Sea

tanks at uwmm

Why Aqaba Should Be Your Next Dive Destination

Let’s face it. Divers love nothing better than being underwater. We love warm, clear waters, healthy corals, and a good variety of marine life or wrecks to enjoy. One of the top destinations for scuba divers has always been the Red Sea. And more often than not, they head towards Egypt. But The Red Sea coastline touches Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Israel, and Jordan. Aqaba, Jordan is not as well-known as Egypt, but it has some of the best dive sites in the Red Sea. Aqaba is a hidden gem full of healthy corals, diverse marine life, wrecks, artificial reefs, and warm sunny days. And it is in the Golden Triangle of Southern Jordan where Petra, the 7th New Wonder of the World, and Wadi Rum desert are located. Whether one is just beginning to dive or advanced, the calm waters make it easy for divers to do both shore and boat dives. The 23 dive sites offer a variety of diving experiences. And snorkelers can enjoy some of the sites due to their proximity from shore and shallow depth. Beginner divers enjoy the Hercules C130 plane because it is a beautiful wreck filled with juvenile fishes, lionfish, trunkfish, and soft corals. Just nearby is the M42 Duster tank that sits on a sandy bottom in just 5 – 7 meters of water. The tank is encrusted with corals and filled with marine life. Close to the tank are also large pinnacles covered with anthias and other smaller fishes. Another favorite… Read More »Why Aqaba Should Be Your Next Dive Destination

professional diver

4 Reasons to Become a Professional Diver

 Bored at work? Does the movie ‘Office Space’ sound more like your documentary than anything? If yes, you’ll often find yourself staring out the window, wishing for adventure and travel, right? If you’re thinking of turning your scuba diving passion into a full-fledged profession, read on. Becoming a PADI Divemaster or Instructor is an awesome way to start an exciting career that will help you break loose from the 9 to 5 grind. 1. You’ll become physically fit While diving alone wouldn’t keep us physically fit, it offers a plethora of benefits for our bodies. In fact, science has proved that diving increases the muscles’ flexibility and strength, improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and even burns calories. An hour of shore diving can burn as much as 600 calories—just like jogging, except that diving isn’t as boring. 2. You’ll benefit from long-lasting job security The job of a professional diver will never become obsolete. But why is this such a secure career choice? Because not everyone knows how to do it. It’s not something that can be sent overseas or outsourced. With many individuals opting for the conventional four-year college degree, skilled trade and service workers are becoming quite scarce and valuable. By opting for professional diving as your career, you’re not just guaranteeing yourself job security but also becoming a valuable commodity. 3. You’ll discover a whole new world Whether your dream is to become a photographer, explorer, marine biologist, archaeologist, or all of the above, having a career in diving can fulfill the… Read More »4 Reasons to Become a Professional Diver

people while snorkeling in Aqaba

Top 3 Things to Do in Aqaba

Aqaba lies in the far south of Jordan. Dating back hundreds to thousands of years, it’s full of natural and historical attractions. This, Jordan’s only coastal city, is close to a range of wonderful attractions, such as Wadi Rum and Petra. But there is also much to enjoy in Aqaba itself. Read on for more! 1. Sweet pastry shopping Visiting Aqaba and not buying local pastry? Well, that’s quite unheard of. In Aqaba, you’ll find many sweet and pastry shops, which means selecting a single place to get your Arabian sweets from would be very difficult. But nobody is stopping you from trying different shops – every shop has its own unique recipe! If you’re looking for the most sought-after spots for sweets, they’re Pistachio Sweets & Café and Abu Gharbiya Sweets. You must try kunafa, one of the most famous Middle Eastern deserts. It is made with semolina or shredded wheat, simple syrup, and is filled with melted cheese and then topped with pistachios.  So, whether you want to try the local food or have a sweet tooth, pastry shopping from Aqaba will definitely get you going. Just step in any shop and let the colorful variety of Arab sweets blow you away. Be sure to enjoy them with a nice Arab tea or thick Arabic coffee. 2. Eat out The restaurants in Aqaba are famous for their fish—not only in Jordan but throughout the Middle East. If you plan to visit Aqaba, eating out is a must. Yes, you may try a ton of… Read More »Top 3 Things to Do in Aqaba

a padi advanced open water diver

3 Reasons Why You Should Enroll in a PADI Dive Course

Trust us when we say the first breath you’ll take underwater will be unforgettable—it’s a mix of doubt, adrenaline, fear, and amazement. As you plunge into the water, the gear and tanks suddenly seem weightless; you raise your arm nervously, immersing yourself slowly into another dimension where light, noise, and everything around you seem a little too different, yet a little familiar. Since 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, learning to scuba dive is more than just a rewarding achievement or a new hobby—it’s an opportunity to explore another realm of our planet that, unfortunately, many people miss. It’s a lot more than just getting underwater between coral gardens, shipwrecks, conservation projects, and human-made statues. Yep, becoming PADI certified through PADI courses will open endless avenues for you to enjoy life to the fullest! Let’s look at 3 reasons why you should enroll in a PADI dive course. 1. Safety A dive guide is not required for certified divers. You will enjoy your dives more knowing you are trained well according to PADI standards. However, it’s recommended to hire a certified divemaster, and they’ll help you discover the best dive sites, especially during your first visit to a country. In addition, you’ll remain safe. 2. Freedom Thanks to the PADI certification, you can dive wherever you want independently in most countries. Many countries have easy-to-navigate shore and boat dives. But it is always recommended to dive with a dive buddy. And for those with less experience, it is best to find a… Read More »3 Reasons Why You Should Enroll in a PADI Dive Course

diving in the middle east

A Scuba Diver’s Heaven: 5 Scuba Diving Destinations in the Middle East

Are you an avid scuba driver who’s looking for scenic diving locations near you? All the stunning scuba locations are already flooded with divers from around the world. If you’re someone who’s looking to find a diving destination near you, this blog is just for you. We give you the lowdown on some of the most stunning scuba diving destinations in the Middle East to satisfy the scuba lover in you. Dive right in! Oman With warm and calm waters all around the year, Oman is a paradise for most divers. Oman lies on the peninsula of the Arabian Sea and features a handful of diving destinations. With Daymaniyat Islands, Fahal Islands, the Caves, and Lima rock diving sites, Oman is a diving heaven! Divers can marvel at soft and hard coral reefs, swim with rays and turtles, and even cross paths with some dolphins and whales! UAE While UAE is famous for its extravagant lifestyle and larger-than-life skyscrapers, diving enthusiasts know it for the Energy Determination Wreck. This deep-diving site sits 80m below the surface and is few meters away from Ras al Khaimah’s emirate state. The Liberian tanker wreck is now home to soft corals and lime-green whip corals. If you’re into wreck diving, then this wreck dive site will be right up your alley! Turkey Turkey’s cerulean blue waters are sure to satisfy the diver in you! Kas is a seaside town that features over 30 diving sites. Divers can explore underwater canyons and indulge in a wreck or even cave diving.… Read More »A Scuba Diver’s Heaven: 5 Scuba Diving Destinations in the Middle East

scuba diving movies

5 Top Scuba Diving Movies & Documentaries that’ll make you love the ocean!

Scuba diving movies have the power to transport you into a whole new world. Well-made diving documentaries explore, investigate, and unravel the mysteries of the world’s oceans.We have rounded up five diving movies and documentaries that’ll make you fall in love with the ocean all over again! 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea This one tops our list of diving movies!A classic science fiction adventure film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, became an instant hit with the audience. To this day, this movie has a massive fan base all over the globe.Ned Land, Professor Arronnax, and Conseil are on a mission to investigate the horrors of a sea monster. But upon reaching the terrorized waters, they find something unexpected.This movie will woo you with an advanced submarine, an anti-hero, and a spectacular fight with a giant squid! Jago; A Life Underwater Jago captures the life story of a sea nomad, Rohani. He is an 80-year-old sea nomad who has spent his life around the Togian Islands in Indonesia. Rohani is a born diver and could plunge into the Ocean’s depth within just a few minutes.The Netflix documentary doesn’t just offer cinematic views of the Oceans, but it also explores the human element of Rohani’s life journey. My Octopus Teacher A deep-sea friend can treat you to lifelong lessons!A Netflix documentary, My Octopus Teacher, follows the friendship between an octopus and the filmmaker Craig Foster! Foster develops an intimate bonding with an octopus in the South African Kelp forest. Their friendship is different, deep, and full of… Read More »5 Top Scuba Diving Movies & Documentaries that’ll make you love the ocean!

Vibrant colored coral reefs in the ocean

3 Reasons You Need a Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Your Scuba Diving Adventure

Corals offer more than just good looks!They prevent storms, erosion, support marine ecosystems, and provide recreational activities to humans.Climate change, coral mining, and underwater heatwaves are damaging coral reefs. However, there’s one little thing that’s having the most damaging impact on corals’ health—sunscreens! Practicing safe boating, volunteering for reef clean-ups, and not disturbing reefs while diving can help save the vibrant reefs in or oceans. Moreover, reading sunscreen labels can help keep toxic ingredients out of our seas. A reef-safe sunscreen allows you to enjoy a sun-safe day by the ocean and helps keep the corals and marine life safe. While you’re protecting your skin, don’t forget to protect the environment! We have rounded up all the reasons you need to invest in a reef-safe sunscreen and ensure the health of corals and your skin. Reef and Ocean life-Safe Coral reefs are beautiful organisms that enhance the beauty of the seafloor. However, certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens can literally suck the life (and color) out of them!Harsh ingredients like Avobenzone, Octinoxate, PABA, and Oxybenzone can cause the reefs to feel stressed and become bleached. Here’s how it works. Algae live within reefs and give it those vibrant colors. Moreover, algae also work hard to meet around 90% of the reefs’ nutritional needs. When these chemicals are washed into the sea, algae and other organisms become stressed and are forced to leave the reefs. With their food supply gone, these reefs become colorless and are on the brink of death. What’s the Solution for Optimum Reef… Read More »3 Reasons You Need a Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Your Scuba Diving Adventure