Don’t miss the diving experience of a lifetime at Jumeirah Beach Hotel!
The evolution of pearling
For hundreds of years, the world’s finest pearls were found in the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the ancient pearling industry was the only trade within the UAE. Pearl diving probably first originated when a few families gave up the nomadic desert lifestyle and took to fishing in the coastal areas. In the early days, some fishermen found the occasional pearl when wading in shallow waters and kept it until an opportunity to barter it arose. Gathering enough oysters to make a living however, required a huge communal effort and required people to dive to depths of around 40 metres without equipment, in order to access offshore oyster beds.
As India became increasingly wealthy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the demand for pearls grew and what had once been a cottage industry came a major source of livelihood. However, the discovery of oil in the region led to a gradual shift from a pearl-dependent economy to one that flourished as a prosperous trading and petrol exporting hub.
Your ultimate pearl diving expedition with Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The journey begins as you board an authentic dhow and feel a rush of adrenaline as you receive an exclusive pearl diving demonstration from trained professionals. In addition, you can also enjoy swimming, snorkelling, shopping for souvenirs and indulge in a sumptuous lunch featuring regional specialities.
- Departure from Jumeirah Beach Hotel at 9.00am
- Meet and greet at the Emirates Marine Environmental Group on The Palm Jebel Ali
- Traditional breakfast followed by a briefing and orientation
- Costume change followed by getting onboard an authentic dhow
- Dhow cruise and a pearl diving demonstration
- Pearl diving opportunities - you keep what you find!
- Swimming and snorkelling opportunity for non pearl divers
- Oyster opening demonstration
- Oyster opening by guests
- Traditional lunch onboard
- Souvenir shopping opportunity
- Return to Jumeirah Beach Hotel by around 3.00pm
AED 700 per adult and AED 500 for guests below 12 years
Redeem this experience for 1,000 Sirius Points per adult and 715 Sirius Points for guests below 12 years
Inclusive of traditional breakfast and lunch.