Pearl Diving: The UAE's Shimmering Legacy Beneath the Waves

Long before oil redefined the fortunes of the country, pearls were the true treasure of the Arabian Gulf. For centuries, these tiny, iridescent gems were coveted around the world, their luminous surfaces reflecting the prestige and craftsmanship of those who dared to dive for them.

Pearl diving in the UAE was a way of life rather than a job, deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the sea and the community. Every summer, from June to September, the Gulf’s shallow waters became the stage for Ghous Al-Kabir or ‘the big dive.’ Divers, often starting as young as twelve, would plunge into the depths, armed only with a nose clip made from turtle shell, a woven bag for their finds, and a stone tied to their foot to help them sink swiftly to the seabed. This was no easy task; the divers faced long days and natural dangers, all in pursuit of the lustrous pearls that could transform their fortunes.

The season began with hiraat, a ceremony where families gathered at the beach to bid farewell to the divers. Led by the seasoned sardal, the fleet’s captain, these men would spend months at sea, diving up to 50 times a day. The risks were many, but the rewards – if they could find that perfect pearl – were immense.

Each dive was a communal effort, with every crew member playing a vital role. From the seib managing the ropes that would pull divers back to safety to the naham whose songs kept spirits high during the long months at sea, pearl diving was as much about teamwork as it was about the treasure they sought. This tradition, deeply rooted in the collective memory of many Emirati families, continues to be honoured and preserved, offering a poignant reminder of the UAE's rich cultural tapestry.

As summer waned, the cannon’s boom would signal the divers' return, sparking quiet but heartfelt celebrations. Families would adorn their homes with colourful flags and prepare special meals, eager to welcome back their loved ones from the sea.

In case you want more specifics on what kind of pearls we are talking about here, they primarily came from the Pinctada radiata and Pinctada margaritifera oysters, which thrived in the warm, shallow waters of the Gulf. These pearls were celebrated for their unique lustre, size, and subtle hues, making them highly coveted in global markets. The calm, nutrient-rich waters contributed to developing these pearls’ delicate layers of nacre, giving them a distinct sheen often described as ‘orient’ in western records. This characteristic sets them apart from pearls found in other parts of the world, such as the cooler waters of Japan or the freshwater sources in China, where pearls tend to have a different colour spectrum and surface quality.

Today, while oil has overtaken pearls as the UAE’s primary export, the legacy of pearl diving is far from forgotten. Tourists and residents alike can step into the past and experience this ancient tradition firsthand with various heritage festivals or farms like Suwaidi Pearls in Ras Al Khaimah. These entertaining activities offer glimpses into the life of a pearl diver without the perils of the deep. 

You can dive for oysters, pry them open, and perhaps discover a treasure of your own – just as the divers did long ago. It’s a perfect way to explore the Gulf's fascinating history and carry forward a tradition that continues to shine brightly today.