Pearl Diving

The Arabian Gulf was one of the largest natural diving economies in the world. There were more than 1,000 pearling boats and around 20,000 divers. Pearl diving faded away as less expensive pearls became commonplace. Emirates Marine Environmental Group and Jumeirah Group have formed a new pearl diving eco tour, giving guests a chance to dive in search of pearls. Reporters from the Gulf News got invited on a pre-launch dhow tour and pearling dive, and learned the merits of fetching oysters. Pearling was the financial lifeblood in the past; it used to trade for goods. The pearl industry collapsed when Far East pearl farmers created the pearls by inserting a bead in the oyster to create better and faster pearls than the divers. From 100 oysters found divers might find 1 pearl; they used to spent weeks at sea in search of the most expensive pearl which is called the pink pearl and the black pearl. Sports and Leisure Group tour will attempt to recreate the diving experience through the traditional diving clothes and food, and the pearls found will be kept as souvenirs. They are looking to revive this rich heritage.