History of Pearl Diving in the GCC Region

Life in the Arabian Gulf has revolved around the natural pearl for centuries, with the earliest records of pearling dating back to the Late Stone Age. However, the search for pearls came with incredible risks for the divers, as they ventured into the depths to find the treasures. Despite the dangers, these humble men searched for pearls, not just as objects of beauty, but also as a means to feed their families.

Diving Techniques and Rituals – Pearling in the Arabian Gulf

The GCC pearl industry attracted divers from various regions, including Yemen, Socotra, and Oman’s Batinah Coast. Pearl divers equipped with nose clips, descends to the bottom in an upright position rapidly carried down by a weight.

The captain, named nokhata, had command over the pearl divers called ghai ghawwas, equipped with a wooden nose clamp, cotton soaked in oil for closed ears, a basket to hold their catch, and a knife for removing the oysters from the bottom. On their fingers and toes, they wore small leather caps to protect from sharp corals and rough shells that could come in handy for poisonous marine life. Despite deep diving being a daily affair, there were many rituals surrounding the practice.

The Pearl Trade in the GCC and its Integration into Global Markets

Pearls from the GCC region were exported to India, Persia, and Turkey, and later sold on to European and Chinese markets, integrating the region into global markets. From 1830 to 1900, Arabian Gulf’s pearls generated about US$1.75 million a year, rising to US$4 million by the 20th century. Despite this, the majority of the ghai ghawwas, the divers, were still subjected to a vicious cycle of poverty.

Nonetheless, the jewels of the sea or ‘Lulu’ in Arabic left a legacy of tenacity and fearlessness that embodies the spirit of today’s free-diver. Despite the risks, the pearl divers pursued their livelihood with courage and resilience.