UAE winter outings: How about a trip to a pearl farm reviving a lost legacy?

Abu Dhabi: If you’re out to make the most of the good weather and do something different, it may not be a bad idea to make a trip to the Al Rams area, 12 km from Ras Al Khaimah.

The destination, Suwaidi Pearls, can offer you an insightful and hands-on experience with pearl diving, an industry that thrived in the region for over 4,000 years. And what’s more, you can learn the art from a family with a legacy in pearl diving.

Abdullah Al Suwaidi, who is the last in a long line of traditional pearl divers dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, comes from a family rooted in the pearl trade. As he explains, his grandfather was among the last active pearl divers in the UAE.

Keen to preserve the family heritage, Al Suwaidi founded the only farm in the region - and the world - where oysters are naturally cultivated.

A key destination being promoted as part of the World’s Coolest Winter Campaign, the pearl farm offers visitors a glimpse into the history of pearl diving, highlighting its significance while allowing them to experience the Al Rams Creek.

“As traditional pearl diving faded into history, I feared its cultural significance and memories would be lost. The Gulf’s waters provide ideal conditions for pearl cultivation, which inspired me to establish the first and largest pearl farm in the Arabian Gulf,” said Al Suwaidi.

Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Hajar Mountains, the farm benefits from freshwater streams descending from the mountains, creating an ideal environment for pearl cultivation.

Visitors can undertake an interactive journey, witnessing firsthand the intricate process of pearl farming, from seeding to harvesting some of the finest Arabian pearls.

The rich experience on a floating platform allows them to immerse themselves in a setting reminiscent of their ancestors’ traditional lifestyle.

With spectacular views of towering mountains and lush palm farms, visitors can also board a traditional fishing boat, sail across the serene waters, and enjoy a guided tour led by experts who share insights into the region’s deep-rooted pearl diving history.

Historically, pearl diving and trade were the backbone of the UAE’s economy, providing livelihoods to thousands across the Emirates.

However, with the discovery of oil, the industry gradually declined, fading into history over the past three decades.

Today, Suwaidi Pearls revives this lost legacy, ensuring that the story of the UAE’s once-thriving pearl industry continues to be told for generations to come.

World’s Coolest Winter Campaign

Organised in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy, the National Agricultural Centre, and local tourism authorities, the World’s Coolest Winter Campaign aims to promote green tourism and encourage visits to eco-friendly farms and agricultural projects.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s domestic tourism strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the goal of building an integrated and sustainable ecotourism sector across the nation.