The Dubai-based Jumeirah Group is introducing a traditional Pearl Diving experience. From 2nd March 2012, guests of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, visitors and residents of the United Arab Emirates will have a chance to learn about and experience the ancient pearling traditions that were once the main source of income for inhabitants of the region. A short video on the Pearl Diving experience is available on Youtube.
Dressed in traditional clothing, participants board an authentic dhow boat off the shores of Jebel Ali and use original pearl diving methods to collect oysters in the shallow waters of the Gulf. The Pavilion Dive Centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel is running this cultural activity in partnership with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group.
Participants meet at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and are transported by bus to Palm Jebel Ali where they are briefed and provided with traditional diving clothes to change into prior to boarding the dhow. On board the dhow, guests will take part in activities such as singing and story-telling and will be served typical Emirati fish and rice dishes for lunch. They will dive to depths of around three to five metres and people who find pearls will be able to keep them as a souvenir.
The experience costs AED 700 for an adult and AED 500 for children under the age of 12. For safety reasons, children below 12 can participate in all of the activities except the diving. The activity takes place from Tuesday to Saturday every week; participants leave Jumeirah Beach Hotel at 9.00am and return at around 3.00pm.
