Year of the 50th: A look at UAE’s pearl diving history

The pearling industry, which created a period of wealth for the United Arab Emirates from the late 19th century through the second decade of the 20th century, relied on extensive expertise, from shipbuilding to sailing. But the most complex process of all was the pearl diving voyage, which lasted four months during summer. Above, a Sambuq full of pearl divers on their way to a diving trip in Abu Dhabi.

The shallow Arabian Gulf waters provided an ideal environment for pearling because oyster beds were shallow enough for divers to reach without modern scuba equipment. Above, a group of men receiving signals from divers through the rope they are holding, which is tied to the diver.

Pearl diving was an essential part of the economy of the Arabian Gulf before the current oil boom. Local pearl divers went to significant risks to collect oysters from the ocean floor, but the rewards were worth it. Above, a pearl diver making a diver's oyster collection basket.

For hundreds of years, the finest pearls in the world were found in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The ancient pearling industry provided the only real income for the people of the UAE. In response to the increased demand for pearls, many more families settled permanently in the coastal villages, which began to grow in importance and influence, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Above, pearl divers rest alongside the boat after a dive offshore Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan with a pearl dealer.

While the diver himself was the centre of activity, an entire team supported this effort – including the crew that managed the ship, fed and entertained sailors and help the diver. Above, crew members of a pearling boat offshore Abu Dhabi sort and open the oyster harvest.

The primary pearling season, called Ghous Al Kabir (The Big Dive), occurred between June 1 and September 30. The weather, though hot, was generally clear and calm, ideal for diving. Smaller one-month seasons occurred in October and November.

Opening oyster shells in the search for pearls.

A normal pearling trip could last up to three months and a dhow could have several divers, diving up to 200 times per day, with each dive lasting up to 2-3 minutes. Above, a pearling boat offshore Abu Dhabi.