Rejuvenating the Pearling Business in the United Arab Emirates
In the heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), nestled along the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, lies the Suwaidi Pearl Farm. This farm is more than just a business; it's a tribute to tradition, a testament to resilience, and a beacon of cultural preservation.
Founded by Abdulla Al Suwaidi, who left his diplomatic career to honour his grandfather's legacy, Suwaidi Pearls aims to revive the UAE's pearling industry. The farm breeds Pinctada Radiata oysters, known for their pearl-bearing capabilities, in a protected saltwater lagoon in Al Rams. This primeval and wild lagoon, fed by rainwater from the surrounding Al Rams mountain, boasts increased oxygen levels, creating an ideal environment for pearl cultivation.
Visitors to Suwaidi Pearl Farm can immerse themselves in the process of culturing pearls. From harvesting oysters in traditional fishing areas to observing the natural formation of pearls within the oysters, the farm offers a unique, hands-on experience that leaves visitors with memories that will last a lifetime.
The process of pearl cultivation at Suwaidi Pearls is a blend of tradition and modernity. Oysters are implanted with a nucleus, allowing a pearl to form naturally over time. The farm's commitment to quality is evident in the technical details of the culturing process, which reflect both traditional and modern pearl farming practices.
The allure of pearls transcends nationalities, cultures, and earthly concerns. From the Bible to Islamic tradition, pearls have symbolised purity, generosity, integrity, fertility, and loyalty. Historically, the Gulf region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, was the heart of the pearling world from the 12th to early 20th century.
The perfection of Gulf pearls is attributed to the unique environmental conditions of the Arabian Peninsula, which provide unpolluted, mineral-rich water. Suwaidi Pearls, with their heritage and the use of molluscs from the shores of Al Rams, are no exception. The farm boasts thirteen colours of pearls, each as unique as the mollusk from which it came.
Interestingly, the colour of a pearl is not caused by pigment but by structural colour resulting from interference effects, and it will be the same as the mollusk's lips in which it grew. Suwaidi Pearls do not dye, irradiate, or treat the pearls, ensuring their natural beauty.
A strand of matching cultured pearls may take eight years to collect, while a strand of natural pearls can take a lifetime. Despite this, over ninety percent of pearls on the market are cultured. The first layer of nacre in Suwaidi Pearls is produced after one month, faster than Japanese cultured pearls.
The farm's founder, Abdulla Al Suwaidi, is deeply connected to his familial, societal, and cultural roots. His grandfather, a pearl diver, found a single natural pearl in every hundred oysters he collected, while Abdulla finds approximately sixty cultured pearls in a batch of one hundred oysters.
The revival of the UAE's pearling industry is not just about economic activity; it's about preserving the cultural memory of the ancestral pearl divers and fishermen. It's about honouring the past while looking towards the future. And at Suwaidi Pearls in Ras Al Khaimah, that vision is as bright as the pearls themselves.
[1] Al Suwaidi, A. (2019). The Revival of the UAE's Pearling Industry: A Personal Journey. [Online]. Available: https://www.suwaidipearls.com/blog/the-revival-of-the-uae-s-pearling-industry-a-personal-journey
[2] Suwaidi Pearls. (n.d.). About Us. [Online]. Available: https://www.suwaideipearls.com/about-us
[3] Al Suwaidi, A. (2019). The Revival of the UAE's Pearling Industry: A Personal Journey. [Online]. Available: https://www.suwaideipearls.com/blog/the-revival-of-the-uae-s-pearling-industry-a-personal-journey
[4] Al Suwaidi, A. (2019). The Revival of the UAE's Pearling Industry: A Personal Journey. [Online]. Available: https://www.suwaideipearls.com/blog/the-revival-of-the-uae-s-pearling-industry-a-personal-journey
- Suwaidi Pearls offers membership to workshops and courses that delve into the history and modern cultivation methods, inviting participants to learn about gemmology and the life of a pearl farmer.
- In addition to pearls, Suwaidi Pearls' publicaciones include lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, and education-and-self-development content that offer insights into traditional Emirati culture and the Ras Al Khaimah region.
- Visitors to UAE can combine their journey to Suwaidi Pearl Farm with educational travel and self-development workshops, enriching their experiences with cultural preservation and environmental conservation.
- While spending time at Suwaidi Pearls, enthusiasts of jewelry or the Gulf's rich history can purchase publications that document the legacy of pearl diving as well as the unique colors and formation of the cultured pearls produced there.
- As an extension of their commitment to excellence, Suwaidi Pearls offers beautifully crafted jewelry inspired by their past, with pieces designed to complement all aspects of personal style and lifestyle.
