Pearl Diving is a long-standing tradition in the United Arab Emirates, dating back thousands of years. At the height of its popularity, as many as 1200 boats carrying 18 men each would cruise the waters off the UAE, with the boats departing port in a colorful exodus for their four-month journey. The industry faded away in the 1930s and 1940s with the onset of cultured pearls but today there is an effort to revive the industry of pearl fishing and preserve this traditional aspect of Arabian life.
The Arabian Gulf is the largest pearl diving area in the world. The pearls which were fished from the oyster beds had great value to the people of the region who made their living either by fishing or pearl diving. The industry was very competitive and often sailors would swallow their biggest pearl to keep from having to turn it over at the end of the journey. The total catch was eventually divided among the crew, the captain, the diver and the Al Saib, who was responsible for pulling the diver back to the surface and received the biggest share of the income. Today, the largest collection of these valuable pearls in the Middle East is housed in the National Bank of Dubai.
At the turn of the 20th Century, pearl diving was a tedious process. Crews and divers had to be cautious as a system of lead weights dragged divers to the sea floor, while rope pulleys lifted them back to the surface. Once the diver reached the seabed, the weighted rope was yanked up and he was free to use his hands to canvas and retrieve the pearls. The other rope, which was attached to his foot, was then used to heave him to the surface when he tugged to indicate he needed to come up for air.
Ancient art of pearl diving
Today, visitors to Dubai can step back in time at the Heritage and Diving Center in the Shindagha district. Potters and craftsmen demonstrate their skills and pearl diving artifacts are displayed. You can also see how a dhow is built. That is the traditional Arabian boat used to fetch the beautiful stones. The center highlights the emirates maritime past. There are traditional old houses and shops to explore………you can even ride a camel…….the best part – admission is free.
After pearl diving radiate in a spa treatment at Sensasia Spa in The Village at Dubai
Free admission, I’m sold! How cool would it be to go pearl diving???
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