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Set sail on a traditional Jalboot Dhow Boat on this exciting pearl experience. The Abu Dhabi Pearl Experience is a cultural and tourism initiative designed to be an edutainment journey to enrich visitors' understanding of the rich history and heritage of the pearling industry in the Arabian Gulf.

You'll be welcomed on board with traditional Arabian hospitality and be served fresh dates and coffee as your journey begins. You'll have the opportunity to pick your own oyster and learn how to extract the pearl, which you can take home as a souvenir. At the end of the tour, enjoy an authentic Emirati breakfast featuring traditional delicacies such as luqaimat, chebab and balaleet. Book the Abu Dhabi Pearl Experience today!

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Frequently asked questions about the Pearl Journey

Well before the oil boom, the pearl industry contributed to not just the economic growth of Abu Dhabi, but the whole of the UAE. Pearl diving was the major profession for most of the population and was a source of sustenance to local families.

In the early 1900’s the Japanese had discovered a way to produce artificial pearls, which had a direct impact on the pearl industry in the UAE. That and the discovery of oil in the Arabian Peninsula caused members of the pearl diving industry to change profession with some moving into the oil sector.

While pearl diving is no longer a necessity, it remains an important part of the Emirati culture.