📑 Table of Contents
Introduction: The Forgotten Legacy of UAE’s Pearl Divers
Standing in the ruins of Al Jazirah Al Hamra at dawn, the crumbling coral houses glow pink in the desert light. These silent structures were once home to the most courageous men in the Gulf – pearl divers who risked death daily to harvest “white gold” from the seabed. Before oil transformed the UAE into a global powerhouse, generations of Emirati men built an entire civilization on pearls.
Watch: The Last Pearl Divers of UAE (Documentary by UAE Ministry of Culture)
The Rise and Fall of Pearl Diving in the UAE
The Golden Age (1800s–1920s)
“The UAE’s pearling industry dates back at least 7,000 years but reached its zenith between 1850–1920 when Gulf pearls adorned European royalty.” – Dr. Mark Beech, NYU Abu Dhabi
- Annual expeditions lasted 4–6 months
- Pearl quality grading system evolved
- Crews included divers, pullers, singers, and captains
Read more about UAE pearling history
The Sudden Decline (1930s–1960s)
- Japanese cultured pearls flooded the market (1920s)
- The Great Depression crushed demand (1930s)
- Oil discovery transformed livelihoods (1950s)
Video: The End of an Era
Cultural Legacy Today
- Annual Pearl Diving Festival in Abu Dhabi
- Featured in Emirati poetry and music
- Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage
7 Abandoned Pearl Villages
1. Al Jazirah Al Hamra (Ras Al Khaimah)
GPS: 25.7075°N, 55.7840°E
This 14th-century village is the best-preserved traditional pearling settlement in the UAE. Once home to the Zaab tribe, it includes over 130 coral houses, mosques, and wind towers built using mangrove wood and beach stone.
Unique Features: Watchtower, merchant villas, heritage mosque
Access: 15 mins from RAK city by car. No entry fee.
Tour Contact: RAK Tourism Board
2. Old Jumeirah Village (Dubai)
GPS: 25.1796°N, 55.2269°E
Once a modest fishing and diving hamlet, this area has remnants of old barracks, abandoned homes, and anchor points. Now buried beneath modern Dubai, only fragments remain near Jumeirah Archaeological Site.
Access: Near Jumeirah Mosque. Limited remains visible.
Tip: Learn about driving access in desert areas — get your UAE driving license.
3. Siniyah Island (Umm Al Quwain)
GPS: 25.5791°N, 55.5516°E
Siniyah Island contains the remains of a large 6th-century pearl village and the oldest Christian monastery in the UAE. Archeologists have discovered pearl beds and burial grounds here.
Tour Operator: UAQ Tourism Authority
4. Ghallah Island (Ajman)
GPS: 25.3895°N, 55.4251°E
Ghallah is an uninhabited island off Ajman that served as a seasonal diving camp. Structures remain partially submerged during high tides. Only accessible by boat with permits.
Access Note: Arrange boat trips through Ajman Marine Club.
5. Delma Island (Abu Dhabi)
GPS: 24.5186°N, 52.3071°E
Delma was a thriving pearling port with its own souks, mosques, and diving fleets. Today, the island is still inhabited but retains old architecture.
How to Get There: Ferry from Jebel Dhanna or short flight from Abu Dhabi.
Tour Contact: Visit Abu Dhabi
6. Khorfakkan (Sharjah)
GPS: 25.3313°N, 56.3417°E
Although modernized, Khorfakkan’s coastal heart was a pearl diving hub. Visit the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre and nearby heritage museum to learn more.
Internal Link: Before traveling, make sure your visa is valid — check UAE visa status.
7. Dibba Al-Hisn (Sharjah East Coast)
GPS: 25.6193°N, 56.2729°E
Located near the Oman border, Dibba was once a shared diving zone between tribes. Coral stone houses and an old watchtower still stand amid date palms.
Tip: Carry enough cash or prepaid cards. See our C3Pay guide for labor-friendly tools.
Visiting Responsibly
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Mar | Mild weather | Tourist crowds |
| Apr–Oct | Peaceful and isolated | Extreme heat |
Safety Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection
- Carry minimum 3L of water per person
- Avoid entering damaged structures
Photography Guide
- Best lighting: Early morning or golden hour
- Drones: Apply for DCAA permit before flying
Preservation Efforts
- AED 23 million conservation fund launched by Ministry of Culture
- UNESCO nomination underway (as of 2024)
- Local oral history projects run by community elders and schools
Video: Restoration Work
FAQs
Q: Can I find pearls at these sites?
A: Very unlikely. Visit the RAK Pearl Farm for interactive experiences.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Book with Pearl Heritage Tours or regional tourism boards listed above.
References
- Beech, Mark. “Archaeological Evidence for Ancient Pearling.” NYU Abu Dhabi, 2023.
- “History of Pearling in the Gulf.” UAE National Archives. uaenationalarchives.ae
- UNESCO. “Intangible Cultural Heritage – Pearl Diving.” ich.unesco.org
- “Tourism & Heritage Sites.” UAE Government Portal. u.ae
Featured 360° Video: Village Walkthrough Tour
