JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s Ghaida Al-Hamad has made history as the deepest Saudi female diver, reaching a depth of 127 meters in the Red Sea. The achievement, recorded recently off the coast of Jeddah, surpasses her previous personal best of 100 meters and marks a significant milestone in her rapidly developing career in technical diving. Al-Hamad’s accomplishment highlights a growing interest in underwater sports within the Kingdom.
The dive took place under strict safety protocols, according to sources familiar with the expedition. Al-Hamad’s success is particularly notable given her relatively recent entry into the sport, beginning in 2020. This record-breaking dive underscores the increasing opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia to participate in challenging and traditionally male-dominated fields.
A Rising Star in Saudi Diving
Al-Hamad’s journey into diving began with a life-changing experience in 2020. She quickly pursued and obtained her PADI international diving certification in 2021, followed by a dive instructor license and specialized training in Advanced Trimix and gas mixing. This rapid progression demonstrates her dedication and aptitude for the technical aspects of the sport.
Building Experience and Expertise
To date, Al-Hamad has completed over 1,000 scuba dives, with approximately 200 classified as technical dives. She has also successfully undertaken five dives exceeding 80 meters, showcasing her increasing comfort and skill at significant depths. These dives have been complemented by participation in numerous training programs, including pool discovery dives and diver refresher courses.
However, Al-Hamad emphasizes that her achievements are not merely about reaching specific depths. She views each dive as a personal challenge and an opportunity for self-improvement. “Depth is not just a number,” she stated, “It is a journey within oneself and a test of calmness and self-confidence.”
The skills honed through technical diving, such as discipline, quick decision-making, and emotional control, have positively impacted other areas of her life, Al-Hamad notes. She credits the unwavering support of her family as crucial to her progress, allowing her to pursue this demanding hobby.
The Appeal of Underwater Exploration
Al-Hamad reports that she did not experience significant fear during her initial dives, instead approaching each descent as a learning experience. This allowed her to build confidence and stability as she progressed to greater depths. This approach contrasts with the anxieties some individuals experience when confronting challenging environments.
She describes scuba diving as more than just a sport, characterizing it as a lifestyle that provides an escape from the pressures of daily life. Additionally, Al-Hamad highlights the importance of marine conservation and the responsibility to protect fragile underwater ecosystems. The Red Sea, known for its biodiversity, is a particularly important environment to safeguard.
The Red Sea’s unique marine environment attracts divers from around the world. According to the Saudi Tourism Authority, underwater tourism is a growing sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s diversification efforts. The region’s coral reefs and diverse fish populations offer a compelling draw for enthusiasts.
Al-Hamad hopes her journey will inspire other young women in Saudi Arabia to pursue their ambitions, regardless of perceived limitations. She believes that dedication and perseverance can overcome obstacles and open doors to new opportunities. Her story resonates with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to empower women and promote their participation in all aspects of society.
Looking ahead, Al-Hamad indicates that she has no intention of slowing down. She plans to continue pushing her boundaries and exploring new depths, with potential goals including further certifications and participation in more advanced technical dives. The specifics of her next challenge remain undisclosed, but she confirms that her journey is “far from over.” Future developments will likely depend on securing sponsorships and logistical support for increasingly complex expeditions.
