In the depths of the oceans, where danger lurks and the boundaries between fear and courage blur, Emirati young woman Montaha Al Shuhhi emerges as an extraordinary figure challenging the norms. This year, she did not merely dive; she boldly ventured into the realms of the fiercest predators in the sea, documenting a global journey where she faced over 13 species of sharks—from the majestic tiger shark to the notorious bull shark, known for its ruthless aggression, alongside other powerful and formidable species. Al Shuhhi stated in an interview with Al Bayan that each dive was distinct, with every experience carrying its unique essence.
A Remarkable Phenomenon
In the depths of the oceans, where strength reigns and human laws dissolve, Montaha Al Shuhhi stands out as a remarkable phenomenon defying fears and breaking stereotypes. Over the past year, she not only engaged in diving but faced direct encounters with over 15 of the world’s most ferocious shark species during international diving trips, placing her face-to-face with creatures that dominate the majesty of the seas.
A Passion for Shark Behaviour
Al Shuhhi has specialised in studying shark behaviour, a choice that stems from her profound passion for understanding these enigmatic creatures, coupled with the awareness that interacting with them requires a delicate balance between courage and solid scientific knowledge. This expertise enables her to read a shark’s body language and anticipate its reactions within its natural habitat.
She explained, “This practice is based on the philosophy of respecting the living creature in its habitat, where thrilling pursuits are replaced with strict professional protocols that ensure no negative impact on the ecosystem. I do not merely observe; I work as a field researcher aiming to document shark behaviours and correct misconceptions about them. I emphasise that approaching these formidable predators requires high self-discipline and advanced diving skills to ensure both their safety and that of the marine environment.”
Unforgettable Diving Experiences
Al Shuhhi shared that some of the most beautiful experiences she has had in the diving world were her trips to the Maldives, the Red Sea in Egypt, and Oman. Each destination provided a different experience and a new adventure, especially in exploring marine life and getting close to sharks in their natural setting.
“As for the Red Sea in Egypt, it offers unique diving experiences with diverse coral reefs and marine life, allowing divers to discover an entirely different underwater world. In Oman, particularly in Musandam and the Daymaniyat Islands, I experienced fantastic encounters with remarkable marine creatures, including whale sharks and hammerhead sharks.”
Shifting Perceptions and Promoting Awareness
Montaha Al Shuhhi further clarifies, “My diving experiences have taught me that understanding shark behaviour and respecting their natural space while adhering to safety procedures are fundamental aspects of interacting with them responsibly. Through my journeys, I aim to change the stereotype surrounding sharks, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining balance within marine ecosystems. These creatures are not simply predators as depicted in movies; they play a vital role in the health of the oceans.”
Expressing pride in being the first Emirati woman specialised and licensed to dive with sharks, she remarked, “I have transformed my passion into a mission shared through the ‘Shark Divers’ group I founded, encouraging both young men and women to enter the world of diving and explore marine life in a safe and responsible manner, while raising awareness about the need to protect sharks from extinction.”
Community Engagement and Environmental Education
“Over the past seven months, we have achieved a significant transition in our journey, moving from merely organising diving trips and marine adventures to a larger stage of promoting marine culture within the community. Our goal is to reach schools, universities, and educational institutions to educate new generations about the ocean and the importance of marine life conservation through coordination with schools and universities to offer lectures and awareness sessions, discussing diving, sharks, and their ecological importance, along with sharing my personal underwater experiences and how I transformed my initial fears into a passion and a professional journey,” she added.
Furthermore, the group continues to organise specialised marine trips both within the UAE and abroad, with a greater focus on shark diving while prioritising awareness, training, and marine safety.
Empowering Women in Diving
Another significant initiative has been launching the ‘Shark Diver Girls’ programme, aimed at encouraging women and girls to enter the world of diving and providing an appropriate environment for them to experience new marine adventures and discover their capabilities.
On the entrepreneurial front, participating in advanced stages of the ‘Shark Tank Dubai’ programme was a noteworthy milestone for Al Shuhhi, where she presented her vision for establishing a centre dedicated to marine education. This centre would not only focus on training divers but would also include educational programmes for children and school and university students, along with workshops on marine ecology and sharks, and practical programmes that strengthen the new generation’s connection with the sea.
“I believe that the UAE, with its rich maritime history, deserves to be a leading hub for marine education, and that Emiratis are capable of excelling in marine sciences, diving, and environmental protection. My goal is not just to be an Emirati diver specialised in sharks but to make a real impact and pave the way for a new generation of Emirati explorers in this field,” she concluded.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Montaha Al Shuhhi considers her greatest achievements not the acts of diving among the most dangerous sharks in the world, but standing before a group of children, witnessing their excitement, and hearing one say, “I want to become a diver like you.” In that moment, she realises her message is resonating and that what they are doing today could forge a new generation of ocean explorers in the UAE. Through each dive, she leaves an indelible mark, turning her journey into a comprehensive reference for anyone aspiring to discover the secrets of the depths with courage and resilience. Al Shuhhi has proven that Emirati women can penetrate the most perilous of fields, transforming deep waters into a proving ground, where determination meets challenge, penning a new chapter in the book of global adventures, far from the clamor of beaches and very close to the relentless sharks.