UAE: Region’s only traditional pearl farm

Years before the discovery of oil in the Arabian Gulf, pearling was the lifeblood of the local community and UAE’s primary source of wealth, with many nomadic merchants and fishermen becoming skillful in the art of pearling.

As the region’s first cultured pearl farm and the only traditional pearl farm in the UAE, Suwaidi Pearls is a leading national institution in Ras Al Khaimah and the nation’s only remaining pearl farm. It provides locally sourced pearls to jewelers worldwide.

Years before the discovery of oil in the Arabian Gulf, pearling was the lifeblood of the local community and UAE’s primary source of wealth, with many nomadic merchants and fishermen becoming skillful in the art of pearling. Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, the Al Suwaidi family has been intrinsically linked to the history of pearling in the Gulf region, leading to the 20th century when Abdulla Al Suwaidi’s grandfather was amongst the last remaining pearl divers in the UAE, before the discovery of oil and the invention of the ‘cultured’ pearl.

Established in 2005 by Abdulla Al Suwaidi to preserve his family’s legacy and revive the country’s proud tradition, Suwaidi Pearls is the only pearl farm in the region that utilizes naturally bred, hand-seeded oysters as opposed to wild ones. This ultimately contributes to the local economic development and environmental preservation in Ras Al Khaimah. Apart from this, the pearl farm is entirely eco-friendly, with no machinery used in the harvesting of oysters, and is instead powered by solar panels, promoting the use of renewable energy and conservation in the UAE. Contributing to Ras Al Khaimah’s integrated approach to sustainability, the cultural conservation of Suwaidi Pearls continues to preserve the Emirate’s culture and traditions.

The pearl farm tour is a unique cultural experience in Ras Al Khaimah, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. Nestled at the foot of the expansive Al Hajar mountain range in the northern town of Al Rams, the cultured pearl farm is a visual delight. The lagoon at Al Rams, filled with fresh rainwater from the Hajar mountains, creates the perfect environment for the pearls to thrive, adding to the allure of the tour.

Pearls harvested from the farm have adorned various jewelry collections of international brands such as Steven Webster, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Mouawad, as well as customized crafted private collections for members of royal families across the region. In 2018, Suwaidi Pearls collaborated with several Emirati jewelry designers inspired by the region’s pearling past and renowned international designer Sarah Ho. Drawing from the farm’s spectacular pearling history and culture, Sarah designed a white gold, diamond, and inlaid mother-of-pearl enamel ring to hold The Pearl of Arabia, a unique pearl discovered by the Suwaidi Pearl’s founder, Abdulla Al Suwaidi in 2006.

Culturing cultured Arabian pearls is a meticulous process requiring a specific and controlled environment. The intense process begins with seeding, where a round bead is inserted into the mother-of-pearl shell and oyster tissue. This allows a layer of nacre to grow around the bead, gradually forming a pearl of distinctive size, quality, and nacre thickness over time.

The farm tour starts with visitors boarding a traditional pearling boat to reach the floating pearl farm, offering a chance to enjoy views of the Hajar mountains and lush mangroves of the Emirate, home to pastel pink flamingos, western reef herons, Kalba collared kingfishers, and the more incredible spotted eagle. The guided tour provides visitors with a unique insight into the pearl cultivation and harvesting process, starting with the history of pearling and educating them on the industry’s evolution. Visitors will also learn about the diving techniques the fisherman once practiced to collect oysters and explore the tools they used from the trader’s box ‘bish-take-ah.’ Visitors also have the opportunity to open their oysters, see if they hit the jackpot, and find their very own Arabian pearl to take home and treasure.

The Pearl Farm is designed to be inclusive and offers a range of immersive activities for visitors of all ages, including those with special needs. From oyster-opening experiences to pearl diving, kayaking, and mangrove tours, the farm ensures every visitor can enjoy a memorable experience. The tour culminates with a traditional lunch, providing a complete and satisfying visit for all.