From diving alongside tiger sharks to encouraging more women into marine sports, Shark Diver Group founder Muntaha Alshehhi is on a mission to transform fear into understanding while championing ocean conservation in the UAE.

In a world where sharks are often feared and misunderstood, Emirati diver Muntaha Alshehhi is working to change the conversation. As the founder of Shark Diver Group, she has built a platform focused not only on diving, but on marine awareness, conservation and encouraging more women in the UAE to explore the underwater world. Through her work, Alshehhi is helping people see sharks through a different lens while highlighting the vital role they play in maintaining healthy oceans. Here, she reflects on fear, curiosity and the growing future of marine awareness in the UAE. 

What first sparked your fascination with sharks and led you into the world of diving?

I think what attracted me to sharks was curiosity. Everyone around me saw sharks as dangerous creatures, but I always felt there was something misunderstood about them. The more I learned, the more I realised that sharks are not monsters; they are intelligent animals with behaviours and personalities, and play an important role in the ocean. Diving became my way of entering their world instead of judging it from the surface.

⁠Was there a defining moment underwater that completely changed your relationship with sharks?

One moment I’ll never forget was during a tiger shark dive. Everyone sees tiger sharks as powerful predators, and they are, but underwater, I watched one slowly approach, calmly circle, and simply observe me. There was no aggression. No chaos. Just curiosity. That moment changed everything. I realised sharks don’t act out of hate or emotion; they react through instinct. 

Much of your work focuses on changing public perception around sharks. What do you think are the biggest misconceptions people still have?

The biggest misconception is that sharks are constantly hunting humans. Movies created the image that sharks are aggressive killing machines waiting for people, but reality is completely different. Humans are not part of their diet. In fact, we are much more dangerous to sharks than they are to us. Every year, humans kill around 100 million sharks because of overfishing, the shark fin trade, and accidental fishing. Sharks are not only misunderstood but also threatened with extinction.

⁠You are encouraging more women to enter the world of diving. Have you seen attitudes shifting in recent years?

When I first started, people were often surprised to see an Emirati woman diving, especially diving with sharks. There were many assumptions that diving was too difficult, dangerous, or simply not a space for women. But today I see a real shift. More women are becoming curious, confident, and willing to challenge themselves. That change makes me proud. 

⁠What advice would you give to young Emirati women interested in marine sports or diving but unsure where to begin?

Start with curiosity, not fear. Learn from certified professionals, ask questions, and give yourself permission to grow slowly. The ocean teaches patience and self-belief. To Emirati women specifically, I would say: do not let society define your limits before you even discover them yourself. Sometimes your biggest adventure begins the moment you stop doubting your own abilities.

⁠The ocean can often feel unpredictable and intimidating. What has diving taught you personally about fear and confidence?

I have learned that fear often comes from what we do not understand. The moment you learn behaviour, body language, and respect for the environment, fear changes into awareness. Confidence underwater is not about feeling invincible; it is about staying calm, present, and trusting your training. The ocean humbled me. It reminded me that confidence grows from preparation and respect, not ego.

⁠How important is the UAE becoming as a hub for marine awareness and ocean conservation conversations?

I believe the UAE is becoming a powerful and influential force in marine awareness, sustainability, and ocean conservation. In recent years, we have seen major initiatives and national efforts that reflect the country’s long-term vision and commitment to protecting the environment and investing in a sustainable future. As a nation deeply connected to the sea through its history and identity, the UAE is now playing an important role not only locally, but across the region as well.

⁠What are your hopes for the future of Shark Diver Group?

I want Shark Diver Group to become a movement that changes how people see sharks and the ocean. I want people to understand that protecting sharks isn’t only about saving one species, it’s about protecting entire oceans and ultimately protecting ourselves.