Dive Into History: Exploring the Legacy of Pearling in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah has earned the reputation of being the United Arab Emirates’ top adventure destination, thanks to its variety of exciting offerings. These include riding the world’s longest zipline, hot air balloon rides, and a summer sled on a 1885-meter-long tobogganing track.

But did you know Ras Al Khaimah is also a great place to immerse yourself in the UAE’s fascinating culture and heritage? The Dhayah Fort, National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, and Bedouin Oasis Camp offer experiences that let you learn about the emirate’s captivating journey through history.

Suwaidi Pearl Farm is another destination in Ras Al Khaimah that gives you a glimpse into the country’s rich maritime heritage and historical pearling traditions. It offers a unique experience that lets you discover why Ras Al Khaimah is called the “pearl of the Emirates.”

A Look at UAE’s Pearling History

Since pearling started in the UAE, thousands of the world’s finest pearls have been found here.

Archeologists say that pearling in the UAE started over 7,000 years ago. They also uncovered evidence that Ras Al Khaimah was one of the major pearl trading posts in the 12th century.

This makes pearling an important part of the history of Ras Al Khaimah.

During this period, pearls from the UAE reached Rome, Venice, India, and Sri Lanka. Some have also been found in the possessions of Vikings from Scandinavia.

In the late 19th century to the early 20th century, pearling created a period of wealth for the country. This boom also paved the way for many locals to move to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah, the three main local pearling sites, to try their luck in this industry.

But why was pearling a lucrative industry in the UAE? The simple answer is this: the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf provide the perfect conditions for pearls to grow. Its shallow waters also made it easy for divers to search for and collect pearls even without sophisticated diving equipment.

Although these conditions made pearling lucrative in the UAE, finding success in this industry depended on various factors. These included the quality of the ship and the sailing and diving skills of the crew.

To dive for pearls, communities of men needed to board a shouai, sanbook, jalboot, or baggara, different boats of various sizes and construction styles to take them to the diving site. Jalboot was the largest and most popular one used for pearl diving.

Before the divers jumped into the water, they would put on turtle shell nose clips to prevent water from entering their noses while underwater. They also plugged their ears with wax and consumed dates and coffee.

Aside from the divers, each boat had other crew members with different responsibilities to ensure everyone’s safety.

Unfortunately, the introduction of commercial pearling in the 1930s caused the downfall of this industry in the UAE and other Arab countries. The introduction of pearl farming by the Japanese made diving for these gems seem unnecessary. 

A Closer Look at Pearling Today

Although the UAE’s pearling industry experienced a sharp decline, it still persists today, thanks to one particular person: Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi.

Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi belongs to the Al Suwaidi family, which was involved in the pearling industry during the 12th and 13th centuries. Abdulla’s grandfather was one of the last active pearl divers in the UAE before the oil boom.

Abdulla has many fond memories of watching his grandfather dive and surface with white treasures during the industry’s boom. These memories, along with his goal to preserve the legacy of pearling, encouraged him to establish the Suwaidi Pearl Farm in Ras Al Khaimah.

Suwaidi Pearl Farm in Ras Al Khaimah, the world’s only Arabian pearl farm, opened in 2004. It’s located in Al Rams, a small fishing village in the northern part of the emirate.

A tour of the pearl farm, which is one of the top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, starts at the fishing village. Here, you’ll board a traditional pearl fishing boat that will take you around the lagoon, which is surrounded by scenic views of the beautiful mountains and lush mangroves.

The tour guide will then explain why the shallow bay is the perfect place for pearl farming and the role of mangroves in the cultivation of the gems. You’ll also learn about the traditional diving techniques and various tools that early pearl divers used.

The guide will also share several stories about pearl divers’ incredible experiences searching for the famed gems.

Next, you’ll go on a tour of the farm and learn about the fascinating techniques used in modern-day pearl farming. You’ll also drop by the floating pontoon, which houses the Suwaidi Pearl farmhouse.

At the end of the tour, you can open your oyster to see if you get a precious pearl. Whether you’re lucky enough to get one (or not), you can take home a pearl or two and other beautiful trinkets made of this gem from the gift shop.

You can customize the Suwaidi Pearl Farm tour to include paddleboarding at sunset, one of the best outdoor activities here that lets you enjoy the stunning views of the lagoon as the sun goes down.

Both experiences give you the chance to see a variety of animals, including flamingos, cormorants, egrets, and flying fish.

Throughout the tour, you can have your pick of refreshments, including traditional Arabic tea and coffee, juices, and water, and nibble on dates.

Make the Most of Your Visit to Ras Al Khaimah

While in Ras Al Khaimah, enjoy all the activities offered here. Go on the Jais Flight, Jais Sledder, and Jais Sky Tour, ride a hot air balloon, and go horseback riding at the Al Wadi Equestrian Center.

You can also go hiking and take part in various adventures and other sports here. Don’t forget to add some relaxing and pampering time in between by hanging out at the beach, visiting a spa, and indulging in great eats and beverages at the different dining spots in RAK.

Use our Plan Your Trip page to create the perfect Ras Al Khaimah itinerary.